BV Booklet - August 2015

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Community Driven Development 360o



Bala Vikasa is a secular, professional and innovative non-protorganization committed to improving the lives of the underprivilegedand marginalized in India. Today, our comprehensive communitydevelopment programs are engaged in the provision of potablewater, women’s empowerment, quality education for rural poor,food security and environmentally sustainable agriculturalpractices. In line with our motto ‘Helping Communities HelpThemselves’, we prioritize capacitating women, youth, childrenand farmers, thereby turning them into agents of change to buildtheir communities. Community members are directly involved inprocesses of design, implementation, resource mobilization andmanagement of each project, creating sustainable growth.

Our initiatives continue to have measurable impact in morethan 6000 villages, affecting millions of people. Some of ourcommunity development models have become trendsetters thatinspire NGOs and governments to adopt similar projects. Basedon this success, to share our experience and expertise fromover three decades of eldwork, we initiated capacity-buildingprograms through our People Development Training Center fora culturally and professionally diverse set of change agents. Todate, we have successfully trained development professionalsfrom over 40 countries. Moving forward, Bala Vikasa believesthat we can contribute to the development of the CSR and SocialEntrepreneurship sectors and is setting up Vikasa InternationalCenter specically for this purpose.

37 years of sustainable community driven developmentimpacting 4 million rural poor in 6000 villages



Mrs. Bala Theresa Singareddy moved from India to Canada in the 1970s to bewith her French Canadian husband, Mr. Andre Gingras. She carried with hermemories of the poor and disadvantaged in her motherland and was unable toenjoy a privileged lifestyle without doing something to help them. She resolvedto dedicate her life to their empowerment, and today her dreams are slowlybeing realized in an inspiring manner.

Mr. Andre Gingras, who worked for nearly 30 years in many countries as aninternational development expert with the Canadian International DevelopmentAgency, shared his wife’s dreams and together, they started a non-prot

called SOPAR in Canada in 1977 with the aim of helping the poor in India,especially in Andhra Pradesh. 15 years later, to strengthen and better monitorthe organization’s activities, they establishedBala Vikasa in Warangal, namedafter Bala Theresa.

The two societies now operate as sister organizations under the cohesiveguidance of the founders, and are supported by the generous contributions ofseveral funding agencies and individuals in North America, Europe and Asia.The Gingras’ couple are not just founders but builders, and their continued

unflinching commitment, competence and high values provides inspirationnot just for Bala Vikasa’s large family but also thousands of developmentprofessionals globally.

MEET THE FOUNDERS



OUR 10 DEVELOPMENT RULESBala Vikasa has derived these 10 Development Rules from our extensive eld experience. They form the core of our developmentpolicies and the guiding principles of our development approaches.

1. Development is People: People are the cornerstone andthe main assets of development. Development shouldbe for the people, of the people and by the people.

2. Development is Women: Women are the heart ofdevelopment. For development to be tangible, womenmust be given their rightful place in the community inwhich they are major assets.

3. Development is Change of Attitude: It starts in themind. Self-esteem and self-condence in one’s ownabilities are pre-requisites for self-development. Forpeople to change their lives, they have to rst reject the‘mendicant mentality’ and build on their assets.

4. Development is Solidarity within groups and withincommunities: In their search for wellbeing, people aresupported by their group. In return they must invest inthe group and in the community.

5. Development is Iterative: at each step of thedevelopment process, the question should be asked‘Are we in pursuance of the goal?’ When the goal is lostsight of, corrective action has to be taken immediately.

6. Development is Participatory: People have to identifytheir assets and their needs, and must themselvesnd the solutions to their problems. They must takeownership of each stage of the development process.

7. Development is Intra-Cultural: People’s culture has to beunderstood and integrated into all facets of developmentas an important dimension of the community.

8. Development is Long-Term: It is unrealistic to think thatdevelopment impact can be obtained after a few yearsof community activities. Change of attitudes takes time.

9. Development is Not Free: People’s contribution inkind and in money to their own development warrantsownership and is an essential condition for sustainabledevelopment.

10. Development builds on Results and Credibility: Agentsof change must show results if they want to be acceptedby the people. For an NGO, there should be consistencybetween the rules and mission, professionalism andtransparency at all levels.



Bala Vikasa uses certain core methodologies and approaches at an individual, community and organizational level. Tried and tested,

these form the basis of not just our community driven development projects, but also the essence of our capacity building trainings.

Using our community driven development projects as an entry point, we strive for villages to attain the status of a ‘model community’,

i.e., where people use their own assets in an innovative way for their own progress. One of our model communities is Gangadevipally,

which has over the years risen to prominence and was recently selected by PM Narendra Modi as an inspiration for his Sansad

Adarsh Gram Yojana.

OUR METHODOLOGIES

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD): as an alternative to the needs-based approach, ABCDencourages communities to identify their existing resources (physical, natural, individual, associations,

institutions) to initiate development activities, rather than exclusively focus on their problems and needs.

Appreciative Inquiry (AI): A powerful approach focused on appreciating the core strengths among

individuals and communities, by fostering innovation through the gathering of positive stories and images

and envisioning a positive future.

Result Based Management (RBM): A management tool which is used in planning, implementing,

monitoring and evaluating the results of development initiatives with measurable indicators. It also ensures

accountability from the stakeholders to produce desired results at output, outcome and impact levels.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): A motivational tool that is designed to program the mind for success,

by transforming the way people think and act, building self-esteem and belief in oneself, and thereby

generating new possibilities and opportunities.

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Actively involving and empowering local communities through helping

them examine their problems as well as their assets, setting goals and monitoring their achievements.

ABCD

AI

RBM

NLP

PRA



L O C A L P

R O J E C T S

Bala Vikasa’s Reach Through its Community Driven Development Program

Bala Vikasa empowers communities in 6000 villages in all 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and is slowly

expanding its programs to neighboring states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Orissa and Tamil Nadu.

Women & Youth Empowerment• 200,000 women being empowered• 15,000 widows being mentored• 4,000 youth turned into change agents

Water & Sanitation• 690 water purication plants installed• 6,300 bore wells with hand pumps• 440 overhead tanks constructed• 20,368 family toilets built

Environment & Food Security• 710 irrigation tanks de-silted• 400 organic farmers trained• 237 drip kits provided• 500,000 saplings planted

Education• 1,500 orphans being educated• 275 rural government schools improved



More than 8,500 development professionals, activists,

students and bureaucrats from 25 states in India, and

from over 53 countries globally have participatedin knowledge-sharing training programs on our

community driven development models and practices,

at the People Development Training Centre.

Asia GL

OBALI NFL UEN

CE

Europe & The Americas

Africa

Bala Vikasa Inspires Change Agents Through its Capacity Building Programs



CAPACITY BUILDING

Investing in people - sharing our knowledge and experiencewith thousands of change agents across the globe



\\\ Activity \\\

The state of the art People DevelopmentTraining Center (PDTC) was establishedin 2002 with the purpose of inspiringdevelopment professionals with the

expertise Bala Vikasa has garnered fromdecades of community developmentgrassroots work. PDTC aims at bringingchange in attitude, and improvingknowledge and skills of the participantsthrough different capacity buildingprograms held throughout the year at thecenter. Our development methodologies,strategies and approaches are designed

into “Community Driven Development”training modules of three-day, two-weekand one-month duration.

\\\ Reach \\\

The reach of PDTC is growing year after year dueto the relevance and effectiveness of its trainingprograms. Talking about what we do in the eldand showing what we talk about in the classroom

invests the training modules with a uniqueadvantage and truly inspires participants.

8,500 development professionals, governmentofcials, development students and bureaucratsfrom 25 states of India and over 53 countries inAsia, Africa, Europe and North America have sofar attended our programs. The number is growingyear after year as PDTC evolves as a “ Center for

Excellence in Community Development”.

Overseas training programs have been organizedin Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal in collaborationwith local partner organizations. In response toincreasing demand, Bala Vikasa is looking toextend the program to more countries. PDTCalso produces audio and video material, as wellas research publications on community drivendevelopment.

PDTC is aiming at developing a sustainablerevenue model by offering consulting servicesand conducting custom-made training programsin given areas.

\\\ Impact \\\

Inspired by our developmentapproaches , hundreds ofdevelopment professionalsacross the globe are able todesign, implement, monitor

and eva luate susta inab ledevelopment programs for theirtarget communities, makingBala Vikasa a global thoughtvehicle. 40% of the traineesattend through word-of-mouthreferrals from previously trainedprofessionals, which highlightsthe success of the program.PDTC provides the platform for

change agents from differentbackgrounds to reflect on socialissues, making the programsdynamic and culturally rich.



ENABLING CSR & ENTREPRENEURSHIP



Bala Vikasa sets up an International Center for Social Entrepreneurship andBusiness Responsibility in Hyderabad

Bala Vikasa, BSR and Social Entrepreneurship

In this context, Bala Vikasa is well placed to provide thecorporate sector with the knowledge, skills and methodologiesit needs to contribute effectively to sustainable communitydriven development. To this end, we are setting up a secondstate-of-the-art international center in Hyderabad (the VikasaInternational Center) which will build the capacities ofcompanies in Business Social Responsibility through training,research and by providing advisory services in formulating

strategic policies, execution capabilities, and monitoring andevaluation of BSR initiatives. The Vikasa International Center(VIC) will also be a hub for fostering social entrepreneurs, andentrepreneurship through trainings, mentorship and linkageswith venture capital providers and incubation centers.

Business Social Responsibility (BSR) in India today

Businesses are playing a greater role in community

development, shown through the growing trends of BSR inIndia today. With the obligation of the Companies Act 2013, it isnecessary to capacitate the corporate sector to channel theirresources and goodwill in an effective and organized manner.It is important for companies to contribute to sustainabledevelopment rather than just traditional philanthropy. Thestage is set for innovation and lasting impact.

The Vikasa InternationalCenter (VIC)

Set on a 20-acrecampus in Ghatkesaroff the Outer Ring Roadand adjacent to theInformation TechnologyInvestment Region (ITIR)in Hyderabad, the VIC is a flagship institution that will featuregreen buildings and international-standard facilities. With a lakeview and surrounded by rocky outcrops, it will have a residentialcapacity of 200, multiple lecture halls that can accommodatebetween 40 – 150 participants, a modern auditorium and fully-equipped multimedia set-up. We look forward to its launch inDecember 2015.

Note: Draft design of proposed VIC buildingwww.vikasacenter.org



WOMEN

An entirely women-runprogram empowersthe socio-economic,

political andintellectual status of

more than 200,000

women in 1500villages.



\\\ Impact \\\

Over the last two decades, the stories ofsuccess related to our WID program aresnowballing in multiple aspects of social,economic, psychological and political

development. Over 100 diverse microenterprises are being organized and run bywomen to gain economic empowerment.260 women contested for local bodyelections during 2013-14, speaking topolitical empowerment. Most signicantly,the women become self-confident andare able to address issues of gender andwomen’s rights. They take on leadership

roles, thereby increasingly acting as effectivechange agents not just at the family level butalso at the community level.

Now, they are respected and live in dignity.They are able to mobilize the community toinitiate development activities using localresources and networking with local bodiesand government agencies. The womenhave identified 1500 orphan children to

whom they give love, care and hope astheir adopted mothers, demonstrating thesolidarity among women. Further, theydonate more than 4 million rupees annuallytowards the orphans’ education.

\\\ Activity \\\

Bala Vikasa, having as one of its 10Development Rules that women arethe heart of development, is committedto the upward mobility of rural poor

women who lack awareness, basicfreedoms and are discriminated. TheWomen’s Integrated Development(WID) program was started in 1994and is focused on restoring their dignityand self-respect, while inspiring them tobecome agents of change. Through awell-networked system of grassrootsSHGs, women participate in a multitude

of activities and capacity-buildinginitiatives.

\\\ Reach \\\

In the state of Telangana and AndhraPradesh some 200,000 women from themost underprivileged communities belongto self-help groups established by Bala

Vikasa.130,000 women have been handedover to 40 partner NGOs. Currently, there are6,656 SHGs consisting of 70,310 womenmembers directly under Bala Vikasa.The WID program is run by 290 Self HelpAssociation leaders and 195 Bala VikasaField Coordinators. 41,800 women havegone through intensive adult literacy classes.On average, 5,200 women gain economic

strength from micro-enterprise opportunitiesand entrepreneurship every year.



\\\ Impact \\\

Thousands of widows now expressconfidence, think independently

and are determined to dissipatethe dogma that surrounds them.In the villages where Bala Vikasaworks, widows are inviting otherwidows to participate in ritualsand family celebrations. Youngerwidows are decorating themselveswith bangles and bindi, somethingthat was uncommon before. The

others in these target communitiesare slowly altering the mannerin which they treat widows, andencouraging their participationin community gatherings. Re-marriage is increasingly beingaccepted. Semi-orphans are ableto continue their education andshow support for their mothers byconvincing other family members

to accept the women into dailycommunity life. Bala Vikasa is alsonetworking with likeminded NGOsfor advocacy and with institutionsto bring about policy change.

\\\ Activity \\\

Widows are considered inauspicious in a majority ofcommunities in India and are ostracized because of

superstition. They lead terribly lonesome and destitutelives, and their children remain uneducated andsegregated. A survey done by Bala Vikasa indicatesthat social, psychological, nancial and family problemsforce 29% of widows to consider or attempt suicide.This shows the pathetic situation faced by widows andthe need for social change that protects their humanrights. Bala Vikasa organizes a series of counselingand awareness sessions for widows, their children and

the community at large to provide dignity, security andopportunity for these marginalized women.

\\\ Reach \\\

Community awareness and capacitybuilding programs are organized

every year for 15,000 widows fromall the women’s program centers intwo states, with the collaborationof 40 partner NGOs and like-mindedinstitutions to bring about holisticchange in their personal and economicstatus. These sessions work towardsmaking them self-reliant, restoringtheir dignity and supporting their

children’s education. 2,400 semi-orphans are receiving an educationthrough Bala Vikasa.

Social Justice for over 15,000 Widows



\\\ Reach \\\1,500 Vikasa children are admitted intoreputed boarding schools and colleges,and are regularly visited by their adoptedmothers, who continuously encourage andmotivate them.

1,000 destitute aged are being cared forby the Women’s Groups in their areas,

and provided with medical care, rationsand clothing.

1,780 physically and mentally challengedindividuals are supported by Bala Vikasa.

\\\ Impact \\\The Vikasa children are being educated,graduating with degrees in science,commerce and the arts. They are ableto find professional jobs and live adignied life. They nd constant solacein the Bala Vikasa Women’s Groups andcommittee members, and feel cared for

and secure. Decrease in child labor isa direct result of orphans receiving aneducation. By showing solidarity with theaged and vulnerable, women promote acompassionate community life.

\\\ Activity \\\

Bala Vikasa, with the support of its strong Women’sProgram network, partner NGOs and local donors reachdifferent target groups – orphans (Vikasa Children),aged and destitute, mentally and physically challenged- through various welfare initiatives. Orphan childrenare identied and taken under the wing of our Women’sGroups in the area. Annually, more than 50,000 womenshow their love and support for their adopted childrenon Solidarity Day.

Committed to 4280 Orphans, Aged & Challenged



EDUCATIONImproving education in

275 rural governmentschools



\\\ Impact \\\

The targeted educational institutions not

only display cleaner, greener and better

equipped campuses but also a drastically

lowered rate of absenteeism, from 30%to 13%. Children have access to a more

encouraging and comfortable learning

environment, leading to better academic

performance. Better sanitation has

improved the attendance of girl children

and greatly reduced health risks. Parents’

committees, teachers and students

feel collectively responsible for their

schools. While there is marked leadershipdevelopment amongst students through

the eco-club activities, teachers are more

committed to building better citizens.

\\\ Activity \\\

The a larming dropout rate from

government schools across the country

is cause for concern. In 2013, the RTE

Forum (a civil society collective of 10,000

NGOs) found that only 5% of government

schools complied with all the basic

standards for infrastructure set by the

Right to Education Act. Bala Vikasa closely

studied the situation and concluded that

one way to combat this trend is to provide

better infrastructure and improve the

quality of education by launching its Vidya

Vikasa (Education Development) programin 2007-8, specically targeting rural and

remote government schools.

\\\ Reach \\\

Bala Vikasa has identied 275 deserving

government schools catering to 92,840

students and provided them with classroom

furniture, library infrastructure, sanitation

facilities, dustbins, puried drinking water

and shade saplings as per their need.

Awareness and motivation meetings were

conducted to ensure the participation of

the District Education Department, Gram

Panchayaths, parents’ committees, and

establish student-teacher eco-clubs.

Regular trainings given ensured everyone

involved is motivated and capacitated tomaintain the new facilities.



YOUTH & MODEL COMMUNITIES

Youth DevelopmentAgents Drive Formation

of Self-SufcientCommunities



\\\ Activity \\\

Bala Vikasa has been in the constantendeavor of facilitating the creation of modelcommunities for over two decades; that is,communities which are empowered and self-

reliant, and where human dignity and equalrights are enjoyed by all. In this process BalaVikasa promotes Asset Based CommunityDevelopment (ABCD) approach which createscondence and inspires the people to buildon their local resources rather than waitingfor external aid. Gangadevipally is a goodexample of this initiative and has beenidentied at the national level as an inspirationfor SAGY scheme. Bala Vikasa has embarkedon an initiative to turn 100 villages into fullyfunctioning model communities.

Motivated youth are trained as DevelopmentAgents to spearhead this process, by firstgathering all community members into acommon vision and setting up democraticallyelected committees consisting of sevenvillagers each, to take on different aspects

of community development (food security,water, health, education, etc). Through regularmeetings and capacity building, youth arecapacitated to drive various activities gearedat achieving model community status.

\\\ Impact \\\

More villages are evolving into modecommunities, as they increasingly utilizlocal resources in various developmeninitiatives such improving health, sanitatioand environment, social justice, googovernance, education. The succesachieved through these initiatives is inspirinthe communities to strengthen their unitand leadership. A snow ball effect is visibin the target villages. Youth are evolvinas change agents working in coordinatiowith women groups, Gram Panchyathlocal institutions etc for attaining integratecommunity development.

\\\ Reach \\\

In each of the target villages, sevendemocrat ical ly e lected vi l lagedevelopment committees have beenformed, consisting of over 3000 menand women. Over 80% families in eachvillage attended the public meetingsat which these committees wereestablished. 18 Village DevelopmentAgents are regularly trained andmentored by Bala Vikasa in coordinatingthe various activities performed by thecommittees, with the help of localYouth and women Groups and GramPanchyaths.



WATERRevolutionizing access toclean, safe and abundantwater for nearly 3 million

people



\\\ Activity \\\

Some 60% of Bala Vikasa targeted villagesare affected with high fluoride content in

ground water in parts of A.P. and Telangana,causing widespread dental and skeletalfluorosis. Mushrooming of commercialwater plants even in the remotest villagesin the target region indicates the severity ofthe situation. Water sold by companies is notaccessible to 80% of the rural population. Inorder to make safe water accessible to thepoorest of the poor, Bala Vikasa initiated a

community owned, operated and managedproject during 2002-03 and facilitated asafe water revolution. Today, Bala Vikasastands not just as a pioneer but as a leadingorganization in the sector through having aneffective community-based and sustainablemodel in place.

\\\ Impact \\\• Providing access to safe drinking water at Rs.2-3 per 20 liters of puried water (80%

less than market price) allows even the poorest in the 650 targeted communities todrink clean water which protects their health from all sorts of water borne diseases.

• Reduced medical expenses, and incresed work days as a result of reduced waterborne diseases.

• Water purication unit construed as a social enterprise uniting community leadershipamong diverse community members.

• Over 700 rural youth are employed within their community as water unit operators• Revenue generated through the project is meeting its operational costs ensuring

its sustainability.• Bala Vikasa’s model is inspiring many communities, NGOs and government bodies

to implement similar projects for greater benet to communities.

\\\ Reach \\\

690 villages in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra with more than 2 PPMfluoride in drinking water sources were selected for the project. 690 Reverse Osmosis

Technology water purication units have been installed to provide puried water to 1.4million people. Village-level motivation meetings were conducted to create awarenesson the need for safe water and ensure villagers’ active participation in project planning,implementing and monitoring through the formation of a Water Committee. Villagershave elected 4,400 village leaders who are regularly trained by Bala Vikasa on effectiveleadership and project management. Similarly, 700 operators were trained on unitoperation. Approximately 60% of the project cost is borne by the community membersin the form of infrastructure, bore well and cash contribution.

650 Community Water Purifcation Plants (WPPs)



Any Time Water Systems (ATWs)

Introduced in 2012, the ATW technology was another breakthrough that

increased the efciency of Bala Vikasa community Water Purication Plants asit automatically dispenses the water 24 hours a day by using a pre-paid smart

card given to each member. Since the benets are numerous, more villages are

opting to install the ATW for their WPP project. Benets include:

• Providing access to water 24/7 resulting in 10% increase in consumption

than before.

• Technology has reduced operation costs, by reduced workload.

• Dispensation of exactly 20 liters eliminates wastage of water while lling

water cans.

• Total transparency in revenue recording as water is supplied only when the

card is charged with money.

• Allows effective monitoring of project data.

Bala Vikasa has constructed 440 overheadtanks in the last 30 years impacting 100,000families by providing tap water to their doorstep.



\\\ Activity \\\

Providing adequate water supply through

the construction of bore wells has been apriority for Bala Vikasa since its inception,

to address the predominant problem of

lack of water in remote and neglected

habitations. Some villages that have a

water source cannot access the water

properly due to irregular power supply. A

bore well can provide sufcient water for

30 – 50 families. Communities contribute

20% of the project cost. Bala Vikasa workswith several partner NGOs for this project.

\\\ Reach \\\

6,300 bore wells with manually operated

hand pumps have been installed, enablingregular water access for 1.2 million people

in 3,500 villages in 21 districts. Tube

wells are drilled to an average of 200 ft

and casing pipes to an average of 40 ft.

Durable and easy-to-handle hand pumps

are xed to enable manual pumping of

water. 4-ft diameter concrete platforms

are built around the bore well to channel

wastewater and keep the surroundingsclean.

\\\ Impact \\\

Bala Vikasa bore wells program is

providing access to water for households

in 3500 targeted communities. Women

and children are able to spend more time

on other, productive activities. There

is a marked improvement in personal

hygiene and sanitation in the villages

with bore wells. Community members are

encouraged to cultivate kitchen gardensand cattle. Notably, availability of water

engenders a peaceful atmosphere with

less water-related disputes at common

sources.

6,300 Bore Wells with Hand Pumps



FOOD SECURITYStriving to promote

sustainable agriculturepractices through

traditional andalternative methods forimproving productivity

Women farmers preparing ‘Panchagavya’ (organic fertilizer) using cattleurine, dung, milk, yoghurt, ghee, coconut water, banana



\\\ Impact \\\

This project is highly successful due to its

multiple, instant, assured and enduring

benefits in environmental, economic

and health aspects, with a minimum of

cost and effort arising from the usageof existing infrastructure and technical

expertise. Increased rainwater storage

capacity and increased groundwater

help recharge old tube wells, thereby

providing access to irrigation for land

under the command area. Farmers are

able to take up a second crop, which

provides work in lean periods, hence

arresting migration. Improved water

storage provides access to livestock

fodder/grazing, which prevents farmers

from selling livestock in lean periods.

Improved soil fertility and decreased

costs of crop production are observed

as direct results of de-siltation. Reduced

chemical applications result in purer

crop and better health. Alternativelivelihoods like sh rearing, communities

are also benefited and are able to

augment their income.

\\\ Activity \\\

Traditional tanks in the rural areas still continue

to play a major role in providing irrigation,

maintaining ground water and ecological

balance. Thousands of tanks built centuries

ago are unfortunately becoming less effective

due to silt deposit at their base and bad

management. The tradition of silt application

in farms by farmers is almost extinct due to

mechanization of agriculture and availability

of chemical fertilizers. Bala Vikasa initiated a

community centered tank de-siltation activity inlate 1990s using modern machinery to connect

communities with traditional practices of xing

soil fertility.

\\\ Reach \\\

Some 710 water tanks have been de-silted

in 13 districts benetting 1216 villages

with this revolutionary approach to water

conservation. Silt has been applied to

95,000 acres of farmland belonging

to 51,530 farmers. Communities are

mobilized to participate in the de-siltation

activity and contribute 70% of the total

project cost, while Bala Vikasa shoulders

the remaining 30%. Village level Silt

Committees are formed and trainedin program execution to oversee the

management of the initiative.

De-siltation of 710 Irrigation Tanks



Organic Farming

Organic farming is the need of the hour as the current chemical cultivation

is leading to multiple health, environment and economic issues. Efforts are

needed for shifting the target of “Green revolution” to “Ever Green revolution”.

Using cow dung, urine and other locally available organic material as

alternatives to chemical inputs, farmers can considerably reduce their cropinvestment and increase prots. Bala Vikasa supports over 400 organic

farmers cultivating a variety of crops such as paddy, maize, and vegetables.

Each farmer starts with one acre and, seeing the benets of the initiative,

takes up organic farming on more land. Bala Vikasa motivates and provides

capacity building for farmers through regular group meetings, eld visits,

awareness camps, training programs and demo farms. Bala Vikasa is

encouraging farmers to take up organic certications and facilitating organic

farmers with forward and backward linkages in sustaining and expanding

organic farming.



Drip Irrigation for 237 Farmers

Rapid depletion of ground water sources owing to irregular weather

conditions, excessive withdrawal and flood irrigation practices is making

irrigation a supreme challenge. Our programs encourage the utilization

of drip irrigation technology, aimed at optimizing water consumption,

maximizing output and requiring less manual labor. 237 small and marginalfarmers from drought-affected areas are partnered with, providing them

with low cost drip irrigation kits while they procure the PVC pipes and

provide the manual labor for trench-building themselves. Further, Bala

Vikasa is promoting water conservation and water efciency practices

among farmers.



500,000 fruit and shade saplings planted

We are all aware that the environment is suffering underimmense pressure and haphazard manipulation of naturalresources. Climate change is no longer just rhetoric butreality. In the face of this, to improve air quality, increase

rainfall, reduce heightened temperature and provide accessto nutritious fruits, Bala Vikasa has undertaken rigorousplanting of trees with the participation of women and youthgroups, students and farmers in backyards, public spaces,schools, roadsides and farms. Active care by the communityenables the survival of plants at a rate of 85% and createsmultiple impacts for the villagers. Over 60% of householdshave access to fruits, while youth clubs are playing a vital rolein the protection of plants and in building awareness.

PLANTATION



SOLAR POWERA pilot initiative: 83 solar streetlights and3 solar motor pumps for community watersupply schemes installed

Reports state that over one third of the rural population lacks

electricity. As an alternative, Bala Vikasa is intent on promotingthe use of solar energy as a sustainable solution to meet thischallenge and has launched a pilot project with 20% localcontributions and participation from villagers in 11 ModelCommunities. This project aims at building awareness on non-conventional energy, Solar Committees were established tomaintain the streetlights and motor pumps, as well as collectrevenues from village bodies to ensure project sustainability.Public areas in these villages are now continuously well lit,and water supply is uninterrupted. Seeing the impact of this

initiative, people from neighboring villages are approachingBala Vikasa to take up similar projects there. Bala Vikasa isfacilitating linkages and convergence in this area for largerimpact.



Health camps provide medicalcare to 10,000 villagersannually

People suffering from different illnesses in ruralcommunities do not visit hospitals due to lack ofhealth awareness, transportation and poverty. Inorder to sensitize them about various preventivehealth care issues and to facilitate their accessto health services, Bala Vikasa conductscommunity-level awareness campaigns andannual health camps in approximately 100villages each year, reaching between 7-8000rural poor villagers. Doctors, nurses and healthprofessionals provide medical consultationsand prescriptions on a voluntary basis. BalaVikasa also conducts special trainings annuallyfor 2000 pregnant women and young mothers,

and works with local medical departments inpromoting pre and post-natal care, hygiene,vaccination and nutrition to lower the high ratesof infant mortality.

HEALTH



Family toilets constructedbeneting 20,368 families

To battle widespread practices of opendefecation and poor hygiene, Bala Vikasaemploys a comprehensive strategy thatbuilds toilet infrastructure alongside trainingand awareness sessions on the importanceof maintaining good hygiene for the health

of particularly women and children. In thepresiding spirit of collective responsibility, weprovide the construction material while thecommunities provide the labor. SanitationCommittees are playing an effective role inensuring proper utilization and maintenance ofthe toilets. The project has provided access tosanitation among underprivileged householdsand some 80% of toilets are being utilized.Approximately 100,000 people are now livingwith dignity, hygiene and comfort through BalaVikasa’s family toilet initiative. As a result, therehas been considerable decrease in vector bornediseases.

SANITATION AND HYGIENE



H. No. 1-1-867, Siddarthanagar, NIT (post)Warangal - 506 004, Telangana, India.Ph: +91 (0)870-2459287 Cell: +91 98491 65890Email: [email protected] l Web: www.balavikasa.org l www.vikasacenter.org facebook.com/balavikasa.org @balavikasa_ngo

This publication is fnancially supported by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (FATD-Canada)

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