Action of Human Movement (AHM)

The world has transformed into a global village, primarily due to the widespread influence of Information Technology. However, in both rural and urban Tamil Nadu, many people lack computer literacy, causing them to miss out on numerous opportunities. Considering that mobile phones function like computers, AHM NGO recognized the significant gap and necessity for basic computer courses like MS Office, browsing, and email. To address this, it proposed a business plan to Infosys Foundation, which agreed to provide computers. These computers are installed either in panchayat headquarters or common areas, requiring the village president to provide a communal building for this purpose. The course duration spans six months, open to individuals from the age of 5 onwards with no upper age limit for enrolment in this rural computer literacy program. Upon completion of the course, the computers will be moved to the next village.

AHM distinguishes itself by adopting an SME-based business model rather than the conventional MFI approach. The ultimate aim is to generate more local employment, foster women's economic advancement, and create assets. Transitioning women entrepreneurs from an MFI to an SME model is challenging and demands innovation, diligent monitoring, and evaluation. AHM NGO has partnered with CHILASA, an impact investment agency based in Switzerland, to establish innovative women business models.
Presently, AHM has two SME models - pappad manufacturing and a vegetable supply chain - along with four livelihood models encompassing rural dairy, food processing, organic farming, and vegetable cultivation.

This initiative is a joint effort between Adivasi Foundation (based in Chennai), and AHM. The program has been successfully implemented in the Orathoor and Perumbakkam Panchayaths within the Achirupakkam block of Kancheepuram.
The study center operates from 6 PM to 8 PM, where school students gather for academic support. The center remains closed on Sundays, while Saturdays are dedicated to recreational activities.
The primary motive behind establishing this program is to address a prevalent issue faced by children in the area. Due to limited space and a lack of conducive studying environments at home, students find it challenging to focus on their studies. Often, their parents are occupied watching television mega-serials, resulting in inadequate space or quiet time for the children to complete their homework. This issue is common in rural India, prompting AHM to initiate the evening study centre.

AHM is dedicated to rural community-based rehabilitation (CBR), specifically focusing on the livelihood development of individuals with Learning Disabilities (LD), Mental Retardation (MR), Multiple Disabilities (MD), and Cerebral Palsy (CP). AHM has master trainers certified by the National Institute for Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) in New Delhi.
The organisation provides crucial support through various means, including the distribution of assistive devices, securing maintenance grants from the Government, conducting regular volunteer house visits, and offering physical therapy assistance to Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

AHM has devised a comprehensive plan to address the issue of drought through a stakeholder analysis involving various levels of engagement. This plan includes conducting awareness programs in schools and villages, as well as organizing tree planting initiatives, among other measures. The Social Forestry Division of the Tamil Nadu Government is supporting AHM’s efforts by supplying saplings for this initiative.

The issue of electricity shortage and erratic power supply poses another challenge. AHM conducts awareness camps advocating for the use of solar energy as an alternative. Collaborating with Lights A Billion Lives in Delhi, AHM is working to provide solar lanterns to the affected areas.

The adult literacy initiative is a two-year programme, conducted in partnership with Literacy India Trust in Chennai, targets individuals within the 18 to 65 age group. While the government offers numerous literacy programs for the 0 to 18 age group, there is a scarcity of such initiatives for those aged 18 to 65. To bridge this gap, this programme focuses on enhancing reading and writing skills while also imparting crucial awareness education among rural communities.

AHM works closely with 450 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) associated with the Tamil Nadu Social Forestry division, providing comprehensive training, economic empowerment activities, and capacity building initiatives. Over the past three years, AHM has undertaken a project in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation (TNWDC) and the Indian District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) under the Samboorna Gramin Swarojkar Yojana (SGSY) scheme.
The focus has been on providing training in tailoring, embroidery, handicrafts, and creating eco-friendly jute fancy bags. Post-training, these women have established their production unit near Vallam, close to Chengleput. Leveraging a subsidy of 1 lakh, supported by a 3 lakh loan from the Tamil Nadu Government, these women have initiated their own production endeavours.