India project profile

Ratlam ADP

Education
By 2002 the state government had created primary schools in almost every village. However, schools are in poor condition and some lack classrooms. One teacher was appointed to every school, but many find it difficult to travel to their school.

Some parents keep their children at home because they cannot meet school expenses or see no value in education.

The ADP encourages attendance by providing uniforms, stationery and sports equipment, organising children’s clubs and holding public meetings.

Classrooms are repaired and provided with furniture. Teachers are offered refresher training and single teacher schools are provided with a second teacher.

Health
The Bhil people believe in witchcraft and visit traditional healers for treatment, only seeking professional advice when their illness has worsened. There are few government health workers in Ratlam ADP because it is so remote.

The ADP works with government health officials to organise programmes in pre-natal care, immunisation and nutrition programmes and HIV/AIDS education. Traditional birth attendants and village health workers are trained to provide basic health services. Working with the communities, World Vision digs and deepens wells to provide safe water.

Income generation
Agriculture is the mainstay of the region’s economy, but little of the land is irrigated. The expanding population is placing pressure on land and water resources, consequently the water table is low and topsoil infertile. This forces agricultural labourers to migrate in search of work each dry season.

World Vision is building ‘check’ dams to recharge groundwater and water tanks to store rainwater. Irrigation enables families to grow a second crop each year, reducing the need to migrate.

Training is provided in alternatives sources of income, such as horticulture and fish-farming, and sustainable agricultural practices, including composting. Farmers are linked to government schemes to provide subsidised inputs.

Groups savings associations, called ‘self-help groups’, are formed. Through these groups people regularly contribute small sums to a group account from which they can later borrow for personal needs or to start a small business.

Community leadership
Village development committees (VDCs) link together focused groups, such as watershed management committees. VDCs discuss community issues and seek solutions. The ADP helps VDCs identify and prioritise problems, implement programmes and monitor progress.

‘Mahila Mandal’ (women’s associations) encourage women, who previously had little decision-making power, to contribute ideas for development. Youth clubs are organised to hold cultural and sports activities, debating competitions and discuss village issues.

Sustainable development
World Vision started Ratlam Area Development Programme in October 1994. The ADP is working with the community to increase its capacity to access resources for ongoing development without World Vision’s direct assistance. We will keep you updated on their progress.