What problem or need is the project addressing?
The government and other NGOs have done tremendous work in building homes and restoring livelihoods of fishermen and farmers. But few agencies are working to improve the livelihoods of other vulnerable groups such as women and young people.
In the wake of the tsunami, young people are reluctant to take employment in traditional livelihood opportunities such as fishing or agriculture, because of fear of further natural disasters. However, they lack vital skills and few other employment opportunities are available to them. Consequently unemployment is growing.
While some efforts have been made to help women access micro-credit, there has been little support to help them develop viable income generating activities. Training is needed to help women make the most of the loans available to them.
What is the project doing?
The project has three key areas of activity:
- Train 2,500 young people to improve their skills and employment prospects and increase their income. It will provide training in vocational skills (construction, hospitality, services and repairs/maintenance) that are relevant to the new economy, as well as skills in entrepreneurship, communication and leadership.
Train 1,500 women to improve their skills and business opportunities and increase their income. It will provide training in business skills and entrepreneurship and encourage them to develop collective business enterprises. - Support young people and women to develop collective solutions to their livelihood issues, and engage in policy dialogue and decision-making processes that negatively impact upon their livelihoods.
With an average family size of five, this project will benefit 20,000 people.
What impact has the project had?
The project has only recently started so it is too early to measure impact. However, we expect the impact to include significantly increased income and employment opportunities for the young people and women.
Our local partner
Traidcraft Exchange is implementing this project with SAFAL (Skills Academy for Appropriate Livelihoods). SAFAL is a charity based in Bangalore, working to enable sustainable and viable livelihood opportunities for low income groups in urban and rural India.
How is this project funded?
The project is funded by the Big Lottery.
