Metlife Foundation and Trickle Up, an international non-governmental organization (NGO), kicked-off its innovative economic and social empowerment program, Graduation Approach, at an event.
As a roll-out of the program, 20 Gram Panchyats have been identified across Mandu, Churchu and Dadi blocks in Jharkhand in addition to Manoharpur Block of West Singhbum District and Maheshpur Block of Pakur District.
Under the three-year long initiative, women from ultra-poor households will be identified and organised into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote women solidarity and empowerment. The alliance partners will provide coaching for skill development and work closely with the participants on their individual project.
They will gradually be equipped with the required grants and further integrated into the financial system to enable them to gain access to government programs and benefit from its financial support schemes.
Commenting on the initiative, Krishna Thacker, director – financial empowerment Asia, Metlife Foundation said, “Metlife Foundation is proud to support Trickle Up’s work in Jharkhand and across India. The Graduation Approach is an innovative program that will help the ultra-poor shift from limited survival opportunities to availing themselves of opportunities that promise a more sustainable livelihood.”
Amalendu Pal, Asia regional representative of Trickle Up said, “The ultra-poor have two primary issues: food security and they do not have an economic situation where they can have continuous employment. Improving this can be challenging because they also lack access to productive assets and formal financial services delivered by regulated institutions.”