Swabhimaan

Addressing the pressing issue of hunger, the initiative focuses on collecting surplus food from 5-star hotels, corporations, and events to distribute it to the community daily, preventing wastage. This effort impacts over 60,000 people monthly. Additionally, groceries valued at INR 600 are provided to approximately 2,500 families affected by the pandemic each month. During the pandemic peak, 10,000 daily meals were supplied, which has now decreased to 4,000, predominantly benefiting local children and elders in the community.

Educational programmes play a crucial role in community development, focusing on training teachers, awarding scholarships to students, and establishing community centres. These centres offer free tuition, and access to libraries and computers, fostering a conducive learning environment. Additionally, various youth empowerment initiatives are undertaken, including instruction in soft skills and football coaching. This multifaceted approach aims to uplift and empower individuals through education, providing essential resources and skills for personal and community development.

Swabhimaan endeavours to identify and nurture the unique talents of women, youth, and differently-abled individuals in the community, providing opportunities for their independence. Job-oriented skill-building sessions are conducted to prepare them for employment both within and outside the community. The products, such as paper and cloth bags crafted by these skilled professionals, are sold citywide. Their significant contributions enable Swabhimaan to actively pursue the goal of creating a plastic-free community.

The daily wage workers in the community allocate approximately 15% to 20% of their income to healthcare expenses, highlighting the need for affordable healthcare. Consequently, three charity clinics were established, offering consultations and medicines at a nominal fee of 10/-. Emphasizing prevention, counselling services are also provided to educate the community members. These clinics serve an average of 100 patients daily. Swabhimaan actively engages in health-hygiene awareness sessions, low-cost clinics, and the distribution of sanitary kits through collaborations with corporations and NGOs.

Supporting non-working housewives, Swabhimaan has offered interest-free loans for the past 15 years to initiate small businesses. This initiative yields manifold benefits, strengthening families financially and enabling women to provide education for their children without financial concerns, subsequently reducing school dropouts. Micro-loans ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 35,000 are provided, with an annual allocation of 20 - 24 lakhs, benefiting nearly 350 women across diverse communities in starting their small businesses.