SOPAR

Published purpose

This program aims to reduce poverty by providing tools, community structure and support, and new knowledge to allow the poorest to undertake projects that improve their health and their social and economic conditions. It is based on active participation of the beneficiaries and a community development approach. The program, implemented in partnership with Bala Vikasa, has four main components: 1) Strengthen women’s participation through the establishment of women’s groups, providing capacity-building training, and supporting women’s groups to undertake community development activities such as women literacy training, assistance to orphan education and child labour awareness campaigns. 2) Strengthen youth participation through the creation of youth groups and a network of youth groups, and the mobilization of youth to undertake community actions that aim to improve quality of primary education, health, living conditions, and environment. 3) Improve water management by building bore wells with hand pumps, overhead water tanks and water purification devices, establishing water management committees, and providing water and sanitation training. 4) Share knowledge through the publication of booklets, manuals and CDs on community development best practices and through the organization of seminars and workshops for non-governmental organizations, students, government departments and community organisations.