Field-Based Training on SHG Federation Management (Gujarat)

📅 January 23, 2018 • 📍 Kherdi, Chilakota

Sixteen Sisters in-charge of Social Ministry, including social workers from four states, participated in a three-day training from January 17 to 19, 2018, on "Field-Based Training on Formation and Management of Self Help Group (SHG) Federations for Livelihood Enhancement." The programme was organized by Sr. Moksha Mary Anthonappa, the Social Development Coordinator (SDC) of the Province, and held at the N.M. Sadguru Water & Development Foundation - Dahod, Gujarat. Ms. Asmita Sheth welcomed the participants and introduced the Sadguru team. Her PowerPoint Presentation on Sadguru's experience with Integrated Natural Resource Management (NRM) and a documentary on successful NRM activities in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan strengthened the participants' understanding of SHG Federation objectives and structure. Ms. Kirtida Vora, an expert in SHG Federation formation, explained the detailed process of forming SHGs, cluster formation, and Federation functions, emphasizing inspiration, leadership, collectiveness, and discussion as important features. On the second day, a field visit was made to the SHG Federation at Kherdi, including meetings with Federation leaders in Kherdi, Chilakota, and Kamboi villages. Ms. Sarikaben Macwan, a Sadguru staff member, shared her $15$ years of experience with SHGs and facilitated interaction. The leaders detailed their successful journey after joining the SHGs through the Sadguru Foundation, including how they resolved the village water issue. The meeting concluded with the participants teaching the ladies an action song. In the afternoon, a visit was made to a village where Federation members were engaged in income-generating activities such as preparing gooseberry candy and masala powders (turmeric, chilly, coriander, and jeera). On January 19, Mr. Jitendra Pal shared his experiences at Sadguru in promoting Farmer Producer Organizations, explaining their role in improving production and marketing by providing services in four areas: Input Supply, Financial Techniques, Marketing Linkages, Training, and Extensions. Mr. Karanbhai Balehar spoke about Dairy Farming and production, citing his personal example and noting that through the Sadguru Foundation, farmers earn between $60,000$ to $65,000$ rupees per month. He mentioned $7,000$ women are linked with dairy farming and other activities like vermicompost and Gobar Gas. The training also included Ms. Asmita Sheth explaining the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) need-based approach, focusing on Social, Human, Financial, Physical, Natural, and Personal Capital. Participants received certificates for their valuable contribution and discipline.