AnnuAl RepoRt

2014-15

Bala Vikasa strives for a just and peaceful society in which each individual and each community is empowered and self-reliant; where human dignity, equal rights and equal opportunities are enjoyed by all.

ContentsAchievements of the CDDP 1

Reach of the People’s Development Training Center 2

Founders Massage 3

President Massage 4

Executive Director Massage 5

Establishing Self-Sustaining Model Communities 6

Working towards Food Security 11

The Safe Water Revolutions 16

A year for Women’s Empowerment 19

Striving for better Health and Sanitation 22

Catalyzing change for Widows 23

Education for Orphan Children 25

Creating Conducive Learning Environment 26

Creating Local and Global Ambassadors of CDD 29

VIC for Social Entrepreneurship and Business Responsibility 35

Summary of Financial Statement 39

Bala Vikasa 10 Development Rules 40

Our Donors 40

Achievements of the Community Driven Development Program

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InTERVEnTIOn 2014-15 CuMuLATIVE

Water

Water Purification Plants installed

Bore wells dug

Women’s Empowerment

Women’s SHGs facilitated

Microenterprises set upSkill training beneficiariesAdult literacy beneficiariesWidows Mentored

Food Security & EnvironmentTanks de-siltedFarmland acres fertilized with natural siltOrganic farmers enrolledDrip irrigation kits donatedTrees planted

EducationRural government schools improved

Orphans educatedModel CommunitiesDevelopment Committees establishedVolunteers elected

Solar streetlights installed Health and SanitationHealth Camp beneficiariesFamily toilets built

82 WPPs benefiting 54,547 families

220 bore wells, benefiting 58,075 people

6,855 Groups,

consisting of 72,812 women members

7,022134

529,435

304,409 acres, benefiting 2,287 farmers

1230

45,819

25 schools, benefiting 7,722 students

1,082

140 committees in 28 villages

1,138158 lights in 14 villages

19,481569

658 WPPs benefiting 307,374 families

6,261bore wells, benefiting 191,615 families

18,209 Groups, consisting of 202,502 women members

170,0001,289

41,85015,000

700102,967acres, benefiting 54,180 farmers

380267

5,45,819

275 schools, benefiting 93,270 students

15,000

495 committees in 79 villages

3,323244 lights/3 pumps in 25 villages

34,55520,937

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Afghanistan

Bangladesh

Cambodia

China

India

Japan

Jordan

Lebanon

Maldives

Myanmar

nepal

Philippines

Pakistan

Qatar

Sri Lanka

Syria

Tajikistan

Taiwan

Thailand

Vietnam

Yemen

Cameroon

Congo

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Ghana

Liberia

Malawi

Mauritius

nigeria

Senegal

Sierra Leone

South Africa

South Sudan

Sudan

Tanzania

Togo

uganda

Zimbabwe

Austria

France

Germany

Africa

Europe

America

Asia

Bala Vikasa has trained development professionals from 25 states in India and 53 countries across the globe.

2014-15 Cumulative

Number of training programs 19 241

Number of national participants (NGOs & CBOs) 679 8,583

Number of international participants 131 727

Number of NGOs represented 326 1,793

Reach of the People’s Development Training Center

Italy

Latvia

netherlands

norway

Romania

Sweden

uK

Canada

Guatemala

Haiti

uSA

Founders Message

A reflection on the past year and an assessment of the results achieved, shows an exceptional performance by all those involved with the organization, especially its board members and the staff. For their commitment and their professionalism they have to be commended.

In 2014-15, Bala Vikasa has pursued an important strategic shift allowing the organization to be even more relevant bringing sustainable development for the benefit of the poorest of the poor.

Last year, a multitude of specific development activities and capacity building programs have been implemented – this annual report gives the numbers – but what is still more important is that, beyond these activities and programs, an integrated approach is being promoted and implemented at the grassroots by Bala Vikasa for the benefit of the fragile sectors of the local communities: rural women, widows, small farmers, youth, students, etc. This approach is called Bala Vikasa 360 ° Sustainable Community Development model and is working very well.

Bala Vikasa 360 ° approach is actually being implemented by almost 80 villages that have become “model communities”. By the end of 2017, it is expected that this number will reach one hundred. No wonder if, inter alia, inspired by Bala Vikasa’s results, Prime Minister Narenda Modi created the “Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)”. This scheme has as its main objective, the creation throughout India of at least 2,500 model villages in the next five years. On October 11, 2014, Bala Vikasa’s Executive Director and representatives of Gangadevipally, one of Bala Vikasa’s model villages were invited to Delhi for the national launching of SAGY to share their experience. &

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The 360° Sustainable Community Development approach has become Bala Vikasa’s trademark. At a time when the organization is entering into partnership with the business sector, which is more and more aware of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the relevancy of this approach is recognized by the “for profit” sector.

In 2014-15, in addition to the substantial and generous yearly contribution of SOPAR and of the Canadian government, more than Rs. 2.3 crores have been entrusted to Bala Vikasa by the Indian business sector for the implementation of sustainable development activities at the grassroots directly involving the local communities. It is hoped that the business sector involved with us will continue over the years to support the work started in 2014. Indeed, as it is well stated in one of Bala Vikasa’s 10 sustainable development rules, “Development is long term!”

A few years ago, reading the sign of time, Bala Vikasa decided to launch its Vikasa International Center (VIC) on a piece of land on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The center is now a reality and is becoming an effective hub to share with the corporate sector Bala Vikasa’s long and effective expertise in community development.

While we are still patiently waiting for a construction permit from the municipality, in 2014-15, Vikasa International Center, under the leadership of the Executive Director and its General Manager has been methodically ascertaining its role in CSR and social entrepreneurship: an office has been set up; a network with the international, national and local corporate community is being developed; training syllabuses and mentoring services are being identified, prepared and shared with entrepreneurs and business persons. Ascertaining its visibility and relevancy, in March 2015, VIC organized a P-Cubed Conference, which saw 160 participants from the corporate, social entrepreneurship and non-profit spaces came together to listen and deliberate on their role as agents of change in society.

The above are only a few examples of the results achieved during the past year. They are the vibrant proof that Bala Vikasa is not losing its relevancy and its strong commitment to help building a just and equitable society.

Congratulations to all of you, active members of our great Bala Vikasa-SOPAR family for a year of exceptional accomplishments! Let’s continue the good work!

Bala T. Gingras & André Gingras

President Message

It confirms us strongly that Bala Vikasa is moving in the right direction in an effective manner each time we hear on different platforms from state ministers, government officials, development professionals, media and general public that Bala Vikasa is a “trend setter”, “role model”, “inspiring agent”, “change maker”, “pioneering organization” etc. With gained expertise over the decades in sustainable community driven development sector, Bala Vikasa is inspiring the development professionals across the globe. Participation of development professionals from 53 countries from around the world in our Community Driven Development training programs is an indicator of our global reach. Bala Vikasa’s gross root network is widely spreading year after year serving millions of poor through different innovative and relevant community development initiatives touching multiple states in India.

Bala Vikasa always strives to be relevant and effective in this ever changing world. Our recent initiative, Vikasa International Center (VIC) is one of such efforts by Bala Vikasa. VIC started its operations since October, 2014 from our new office at Somajiguda, Hyderabad. The VIC team is putting required efforts in networking, promotion, documentation and preparation of required modules for capacity building. The successful initiative through the P-cubed conference with a theme “Social Enterprise- The new model for CSR” indicates how VIC is innovatively moving ahead. We are gearing to play an active role in the coming year through similar innovative initiatives.

The much appreciated widow empowerment initiative is not just a project but it is a social movement led by Bala Vikasa in which new players are joining year after year recognizing the need for this social change. Bala Vikasa will put all the required efforts to strengthen this movement by involving social agents of change n the sector so the desired change will happen in near future.

It is satisfying to note that all the three departments CDDP, PDTC and VIC of Bala Vikasa are performing well and exceeding the annual targets under the leadership of Executive Director Mr. S. Shoury Reddy. I appreciate the efforts of all the Managers, POs and the rest of the office and field staff for their commitment and professionalism.

All other things apart, the most significant good fortune for Bala-Vikasa, this year, has been the constant guidance of our beloved founder Mr. Andre Gingras. His tremendous courage and strong will to see the completion of Vikasa International Center is driving him to fight all odds and to realize his dream. VIC is a great

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challenge and we are committed to make it realize with concerted efforts from the Executive Body, VIC staff and the different committees organized for the purpose.

We feel privileged to have constant guidance, participation and inspiration from our founder Mrs. Bala Theresa Gingras which is making the organization help the communities help themselves. As usual SOPAR Canada has been very cooperative and helpful. Their guidance and financial help is of great value to Bala Vikasa. We extend our thanks to all the Board members of SOPAR and special thanks to the Director General Mrs. Shobha. All the Executive and General Body members have been very cooperative and active at all times. The Secretary Mr. D. Showry Reddy deserves special appreciation for his special contributions for VIC construction.

Basani Marreddy

The year 2014-15 was another impactful year in the journey of Bala Vikasa. Browsing this report one could gauge not just the number of activities implemented by Bala Vikasa and places we have reached but how relevant and impactful the initiatives of Bala Vikasa are to the rural poor communities and international development organizations. We are able to achieve this impact due to committed, concerted and competent efforts of the teams working at the three departments in Bala Vikasa i.e. Community Driven Development Program (CDDP), People Development Training Center (PDTC) and Vikasa International Center ( VIC). Thanks to all the office and field staff who have fostered well the family spirit of Bala Vikasa and contributed in every way that is possible for them to achieve the mission of the organization. We also greatly appreciate the dedication and contributions of all the voluntary community leaders of Bala Vikasa numbering over 15000 who are continuously striving to sustain the development initiatives in their respective villages.

Today Bala Vikasa stands as one of the leading organizations in the two Telugu States i.e. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for the size of the reach we have achieved in terms of geographical area coverage, number of communities reached and projects supported over the decades. We are also becoming active in Maharashtra, Karnataka and other neighboring states. This makes Bala Vikasa one of the major progressive organizations in India which is constantly striving to create good development models and network and collaborate with NGOs, corporate and government.

Executive Director Message

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The Bala Vikasa community development models are inspiring not just the NGOs but state and central governments in India. The adoption of community tank de-siltation and water purification projects by Telugu state governments and model village concept by central government are examples of our inspiration to others.

The initiative of partnering with corporate companies during 2014-15 is a new milestone in the history of Bala Vikasa. These partnerships have great potential to exchange each other’s resources ultimately to build a better India. We have started to share our decades of Community Driven Development expertise with the corporate sector through our VIC on one hand and receiving funding for BV community development initiatives on the other hand. The recent big projects that we initiated with over 25 million rupees of CSR funding from Aurobindo Pharma Pvt Ltd. Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company, and Franklin Templeton India is an indication of the confidence in Bala Vikasa among the corporate world. A few more MOUs are under process with new companies for new initiatives. We thank all our corporate partners in a very special way for these new partnerships and look forward to continue working with you in different aspects.

Bala Vikasa stands in this respectable situation mainly because of Mr. Andre Gingras and Mrs. Bala Theresa Gingras who have not just founded the organization but are building the organization continuously with high values, vision, dedication and competence. We thank our founders in a special way for their constant inspiration not just to the Bala Vikasa family but to millions of rural poor in India and thousands of development professionals across the globe. Our great appreciation to SOPAR and FATD Canada for continuous support to Bala Vikasa in taking up majority of our activities. We thank also our other funding organizations such as Frank Water projects- England, Novara Center Onlus - Italy, School for Children- Italy, SOPAR-Bala Vikasa USA, NRIs and local donors. We also thank our implementing partner organizations and well wishers of Bala Vikasa. A special thanks to all the media who have contributed in different ways to share our activities and inspire the community at large.

S. Shoury Reddy

ESTABLISHING SELF-SUSTAINING MODEL COMMUNITIES

Program OverviewBala Vikasa, through its Model Communities initiative, has spearheaded this grassroots movement in 100 villages where we have been working for a few years through different projects. The difference here is that instead of focusing on specific activities, we are taking an integrated approach, with the intention of facilitating villagers to become owners and managers of the holistic advancement of their communities, by enabling them to manage and sustain the projects by themselves. In this regard, the villagers have identified and elected different committees, each dedicated to a separate aspect, which includes education, water, environmental concerns, food security and social watchdogs. So far, in 79 of the target villages, over 3200 committee members (out of whom 1415 are female) belonging to almost 500 development committees have been elected and are constantly being mentored and trained by Bala Vikasa’s project team and Development Agents (DAs). The various committees have over the last two years implemented a variety of projects towards the betterment of their villages, demonstrating that the ‘model’ of grassroots empowerment holds the key to sustainable development.

BackgroundIf there is one thing we know as an organization and as a country, the words ‘growth’, ‘development’, and ‘prosperity’ mean nothing if India’s villages, and the large percentage of the population who live in rural areas, are still in a state of impoverishment. While the cities have flourished, seeing rapid expansion of commerce and industry, improvements in infrastructure and quality of life, the rural areas have remained stagnant. Infrastructure, clean drinking water, adequate roads and sanitation systems are thoroughly underdeveloped. Education in rural areas lags behind urban counterparts.

One of the major obstacles to change is the lack of adequate governing structures and facilities. Improvements that occur in cities due to implementing government organizations rarely trickle down to villages. Money that is meant for development is often bottlenecked due to bureaucracy and corruption. Ultimately, if the development community should have learned one thing in the last 66 years, it is that the top down approach of development has failed miserably. Unfortunately, it is those in the villages who have been forced to pay heavy price for these mistakes. If effective development is to occur at the village level, it must be a grassroots movement that empowers communities to empower themselves. Until this happens, the poverty that becomes a defining characteristic of rural India will remain unchanged.

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2014-15 Highlights

Gram Sabhas (Village Meetings)

In order to actively engage all villagers in the process of forming Model Communities, village gatherings were organized where every individual in the community was encouraged to attend, in true democratic style. To ensure comprehensive participation, before the mass gatherings, smaller meetings were held with the existing community leaders and elders, village administration and influential people. In the last year, these preliminary meetings were organized in 28 villages, and involved a total of 1431 community leaders. The success of this strategy meant that eventually, at the gram sabhas, close to 9800 villagers were present to learn about Bala Vikasa’s initiative, and to elect 137 development committees consisting of over 1050 volunteers. Notably, there was an almost equal division of men and women in these committees, with a ratio of 56% men, 44% women. After the election of these bodies, Bala Vikasa reinforced the importance of the committees, outlined their roles and responsibilities and suggested projects they could get started with immediately. The fact that the committees existed to work together for the benefit of all, regardless of caste, religion and politics, was reinforced.

Strengthening the Capacities of Committees and Development Agents

Over the course of the year, six trainings were held to capacitate the development committees in their particular area of work. A total of 1470 men and women attended these trainings, which dealt in depth with project management, village administration, food security, health, water, education and social issues respectively. The committee members were specially guided to assess the existing assets and issues associated with local resources, actions required, identify priorities, and search for possible solutions. Additionally, monthly meetings take place for all committee members at village-level, monitored by the Development Agents.

Development Agents (DAs) are male youth who have been appointed by Bala Vikasa because of their commitment to development, aptitude and demonstrated initiative. The 18 DAs are responsible for guiding and overseeing the activities of development committees on the ground. They participate in monthly capacity building sessions where they are mentored in effective management and monitoring of planned activities. All decisions are made collectively with the full consensus of the DAs. Updates are shared at these meetings about the progress of different villages, hurdles faced, challenges overcome and these exchanges build their confidence and solidarity.

Shankar from Shanigaram

“Regular trainings, review and follow up meetings are the secret for success of our projects. These trainings are the platform for us to plan activities together, evaluate the techniques used to get success and reasons for failure, learn from one another, being together for the same cause strengthens our bond.”

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Development initiatives taken up by committees with people’s participation

SECTOR ACTIVITY nO. OF VILLAGES

Health

Sanitation & Cleanliness

Infrastructure

Social Issues

Food Security

Education & Employment

Community Care

13,189 people attended medical camps where they received sensitization on preventive health measures in nutrition and hygiene, with the assistance of 468 doctors and nurses who worked on voluntary basis. Medicines worth Rs.663,100 were collected from donors and distributed to those in need.

3480 took part in eye check-up camps

Cataract operations performed on 105 elderly villagers

230 attended a dental camp

Mosquito spraying and bleaching powder spraying

Drainage cleaning

104 toilets constructed

554 dustbins donated by 310 well-wishers and placed in key public areas

Participated in Swachh Bharat (Prime Minister Modi’s Clean India) campaign

158 solar streetlights

6582 guava and 14,108 red sandal trees planted

286 shade saplings planted on village streets

186 tree guards placed around saplings

74 illicit alcohol shops closed

Total eradication of liquor shops (legal and otherwise)

36 drip kits for irrigation procured from the government at subsidized rates

38 farmers received sprayers, 30 received zinc bags and plough tools from the agricultural department

78 farmers were helped to obtain crop loss benefit from the government

24 farmers received land under ‘pachathoranam’ project

225 children enrolled in government schools, 4 child laborers were withdrawn from work and are being educated

655 books and pens distributed in government schools

66 adults underwent literacy classes

40 individuals underwent skill training through government centers

Jaladanam (provision of drinking water at public areas during summer)

746 pairs of shoes distributed to 250 children

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12

9

1

40

20

1

43

54

14

75

3

2

14

4

2

4 + 2

4

2

6

4

1

2

42

1

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2390 committee members from 59 target Model Communities took part in a one-day convention, that was launched with a rally and organized with the objective of motivating all those present to have a shared vision for a more equal and just society, and the roles they could play in making that happen as an individual, a community member and a volunteer in a development committee. Using skits, songs and

Gangadevipalli Model Village Reaches new Heights

Bala Vikasa first intervened in Gangadevipalli more than twenty years ago with a water project, and subsequently took up multiple other development activities with the active participation and initiative of local village committees. The successes and milestones achieved by the community since then have achieved national fame and recognition. In October 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi selected Gangadevipalli as one of three model villages to showcase at the launch of his scheme, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, which encourages Members of Parliament to adopt villages and facilitate the development of their physical and institutional infrastructure, but especially focusing on social and cultural advancement. Through our Model Community program, we intend to see many more such successes.

Bala Vikasa also organized a visit for a team of CSR department heads of different companies who were brought by the Confederation of Indian Industry to Gangadevipalli, to discuss with the local village administration potential partnerships between the corporate sector and promising villages, and how they could go about establishing sustainable and long-term development projects with the involvement of local communities.

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resource persons, various methodologies - especially the Asset Based Community Development approach – were divulged and examined. The convention created a platform for discussion, sharing and relationship building between various village networks. Together, they pledged to work together to make their villages into exemplary Model Communities, recognized far and wide.

Annual Convention: “Our Responsibility in Building Model Communities”

Ananthasagar Village – A Beacon of Inspiration

In January 2015, Bala Vikasa organized an exposure visit for development committees from the Model Communities program. 210 individuals from 59 target villages were taken to Ananthasagar village in Medak district, which has shown exemplary progress over the reporting year almost purely through voluntary service, practicing the Asset Based Community Development methodology, using local assets and resources. Below are some of the achievements outlined, which demonstrate the results of collaboration for the common good regardless of monetary incentives.

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Education Committee1. 45 children who were not being educated were enrolled in the local government school.2. Three private teachers were appointed to start an English medium school. The salaries for these three

teachers are divided by Gram Panchayat (village administrative body) and the parents. A watchman was also appointed for the school.

3. The education committee in collaboration with the school management procured 14 computers from the government for the local public school.

Care & Share Committee1. Applied for pensions for 350 eligible candidates who had not been receiving any aid.

Health Committee1. Identified good doctors for the Bala Vikasa health camps.2. Collected Rs.30,000 worth of medicines from local donors and well-wishers. 3. Did eye checkups for 5 people and among them 3 received cataract operations.

Committee Against Superstitions and Social Evils1. Conducted a rally to stop sale of illicit liquor in the village.2. Door to door promotion to stop liquor sale.3. In total there were 16 liquor shops in the village, 12 were closed and they are working to close the

remaining four.

Food Security Committee1. Conducted tank de-siltation program for renovation of local reservoir and aided farmers with natural

silt fertilizer. 2. Conducted an awareness campaign on the quality of seeds with the help of Bhakthi agro company.3. Procured four spray pumps from the government agricultural department.4. Procured four large covers from government to dry paddy.

Water Committee1. Obtained a water purification plant (WPP) through Bala Vikasa’s Water Program and providing purified

water of 20 liters at Rs. 3

Environment committee1. Received Nirmal Puraskar award from government. 2. 22 dustbins have been placed on the village streets through community donations.3. Each of the committees has adopted two streets in the village and is motivating the families to clean

their surroundings including roads.

As appreciation for the above achievements, Bala Vikasa provided the village with solar streetlights, with 20% contributions from the villagers. The exposure visit was an inspiration to the participants. They learnt how in a short period a village can develop itself voluntarily without any outside funding through unity, commitment, sharing responsibilities and dedication. From the committee members 17 village presidents who participated in this exposure visit expressed that they would strive for their own village to achieve a similar status within three months time.

WORKING TOWARDS FOOD SECURITYProgram OverviewWithin the aspiration of forming self-sustaining communities, Bala Vikasa is engaged in a series of programs targeting rural farmer communities to improve their economic status through environmentally beneficial activities. As with all of Bala Vikasa’s interventions, these programs require demonstrated commitment and ownership from the farmers through contributions in money or kind, and active participation in project management.

Tank de-siltation program was designed to renovate irrigation tanks to increase their storage capacity, thereby improving the ground water recharge and irrigation in the surrounding area. In the process, the accumulated silt that is excavated from the tanks is applied as a natural fertilizer in land belonging to farmers who take part in the project. So far, we have performed de-siltation in 700 tanks spread across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and more than 100,000 acres of farmland have been fertilized with natural silt, benefitting approximately 54,000 farmers.

Bala Vikasa also provides needy farmers with drip irrigation kits, as an alternative to surface irrigation methods which lead to great losses during conveyance and application. With drip kit technology, water application efficiency is maintained at about 90-95%. Till now, 267 farmers have received drip kits as part of this program.

Three years ago, Bala Vikasa started in earnest its organic farming program. Currently, there are 380 farmers enrolled with us, cultivating a variety of several crops, nuts, pulses, legumes and vegetables over 432 acres. Through awareness building and training, incentives in the form of agricultural inputs and constant support from our field staff, The success of these farmers in terms of the reduced costs of inputs, increased profits through premium-priced produce, and the vastly improved quality of soil is evidence of the success and scalability of non-chemical cultivation. The benefits of organic farming extend to natural resource conservation, as air and water contamination is reduced.

BackgroundAccording to statistics, the newly formed state of Telangana and residuary Andhra Pradesh are reeling under a massive agricultural crisis brought on by inadequate rainfall and acute power shortages. Agriculture forms the core sector of both states, which employs over 60% of the population and contributed 23% of the state GDP in 2013-14. Between June 214 and January 2015, 536 farmers in Telangana committed suicide as a result of debt and the number is growing. Malnutrition amongst women and rural children is still rampant. Research conducted by Young Lives confirms that the food intake of poor children is changing – they are eating poorer quality cereals and less pulses, legumes and nuts. The hazards of chemical farming and the costs of industrial agriculture are taking a toll on the productivity of the land, and farmers are struggling with the cost of inputs. All these are pressing issues that need to be addressed urgently, if we are to have inclusive and sustainable development of the economy.

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2014-15 Highlights

Paving the way for an Organic Farmer’s Cooperative

With the intention of ultimately establishing a cooperative, 26 farmer’s groups have been set up to consolidate market access, work on building a brand and improve leveraging power with relavant government departments. Each group has one leader who undergoes special trainings on a monthly basis. A process of organic certification has been initiated, which will greatly help the farmers to sell their produce at premium price. Linkages with local markets and stores are also being created for the same purpose.

Four farmers have established demo farms consisting of a total of 18 acres, for purposes of demonstration of good practices, knowledge sharing with interested farmers and as an inspiration. The farms are located on roadsides to attract more attention.

Exposure & networking

This year saw a series of inspiring exchanges and networking events with like-minded institutions in regard to our organic farming program, which is increasingly gaining traction at the state-level, while actively getting incorporated into the organic movement taking place on a national scale.

Department of Botany, Kakatiya UniversityA group of 35 Bala Vikasa organic farmers were trained in the production of azolla, a floating fern which is responsible for the fixation and assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen. It acts as a source of carbon and contains high protein content, and is increasingly being recognized for its value as a bio-fertilizer for wetland paddy. The Department of Botany distributed azolla to each farmer as an impetus to begin growing their own for application in their paddy fields.

National Institute of Plant Health Management, HyderabadOn two separate occasions, groups of 31 and 21 organic farmers visited NIPHM, Hyderabad for exposure to bio-control measures. During the two-day workshop, they learnt about cultivating useful bacteria and harboring insects that help plant growth.

Jattu Trust, VishakapatnamIn November 2014, 29 organic farmers, accompanied by Bala Vikasa field staff visited Jattu Trust in Vijayanagaram district to learn more about the Annapoorna Model, a system of crop cultivation specially designed for small landholdings to minimize costs of inputs and maximize yield, primarily ensuring food security for marginal and tenant farmers and addressing issues of hunger and malnutrition. The model illustrates how farmers can optimize half an acre of land to grow short duration crops, vegetables, millets, pulses and fruits sufficient to sustain the family and earn between Rs.50,000 – Rs.1 lakh per annum. The harvesting is done on a cyclical basis rather than all at once. Some of the farmers who went on the exposure visit have started implementing their learning.

Center for Sustainable AgricultureA reputed agro-technical non-profit, Center for Sustainable Agriculture, is creating a directory with the details of all organic farmers in India and will be including the profiles of all Bala Vikasa organic farmers.

5th National Organic Farming ConventionHeld in Chandigarh from 28th February to 2nd March 2015, the 5th National Level Organic Farming Convention was attended by 2800 participants from all over the country. Bala Vikasa’s Food Security Program Officer and team were present at this important occasion, where they presented on the models and successes of our organic farming program.

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Bala Vikasa’s Annual Convention - “Organic Farming: Sustainable Integrated Development”

Media Coverage of our Organic Farming Program

Bala Vikasa had widespread media recognition of its various programs, especially organic farming initiative which has garnered appreciation from TV channels, regional newspapers and local publications. A state television channel, MAA TV, which hosts a program called Bhoomi Putra on agriculture-related subjects, shot and broadcast three comprehensive and captivating episodes centered on Bala Vikasa’s organic farming initiative. The show featured different farmers, shot them while they were mixing different concoctions, and interviewed them in great depth about their experience with chemical and non-chemical cultivation.

The show, which was viewed widely, sparked immense interest in our organic farming program, with several dozen farmers from around the state calling in to express interest in knowing more. As a result, we conducted a two-day training program for 59 keen farmers who returned to their villages and immediately began adopting certain practices.

A monthly farming journal by the name of Prakruti Nestam also printed articles on three different farmers who have demonstrated success in yield and profit after taking up organic practices.

Almost 1000 farmers from 22 villages attended this convention, where the importance of organic cultivation and indigenous methods was stressed on by both Bala Vikasa’s team and invited guests. In this time when small and marginal farmers are losing out because of increasing costs of inputs, low yield due to reduced soil fertility and unpredictable markets, it is crucial to actively promote and adopt alternative solutions to alleviate the crisis our country will face in the not so distant future.

Joint Director of Agriculture Mr. Rama Rao spoke about the state government’s new farm mechanization scheme that is currently being rolled out, and encouraged the farmers to apply for subsidized machinery. Center for Sustainable Agriculture’s Executive Director Mr. Ram Anjanelu gave inputs on marketing strategies, suggestions on how to establish unions amongst organic farmers and the process of certification to enhance product value. A collective action plan has been devised to increase the quantity of organic foods in the market.

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More Water, Better Soil

Jagampalli is a small village, with a population of about 250 farmer families. Paddy, cotton, and chilies are the major crops grown there. This village has a tank named Oora Cheruvu constructed 150 years ago with a storage capacity of 25 acres. Silt accumulation in the tank was spread to an area of 10 acres with an average depth of 2.2 meters and had drastically reduced the tank storage capacity.

After the project was approved, the farmers elected a committee that was trained by Bala Vikasa in project implementation and monitoring. The silt excavation was successfully carried out for 16 days and a total of 6158 tractor loads (13,885 Cu. Mts.) of silt were excavated from the tank. The excavated silt enabled the tank to restore its capacity and store 13,885, 000 liters of water, and was transported by 66 farmers at their cost to be applied in 170 acres of farmland.

The farmers who applied silt have decreased their chemical fertilizer usage by 30 – 40 %. Increased water retention in the tank enabled a rise of water levels in open and tube wells located within a radius of 2kms from the tank by 15 - 20% (as there was a rainfall deficit, the recharge was lower than anticipated.) If the tank had not been de-silted, the cultivation area in the village would have reduced.

Tank De-siltation: 2014-15 Accomplishments

number of tanks: 30

number of Districts: 8

number of trips (volume of silt excavated): 160,328 trips (360738 Cu. Mtrs.)

number of acres fertilized: 4409 (2799 +1610)

number of farmers: 2287 (1496 men + 791 women)

number of committee leaders trained: 179 during eight trainings

number of villages that took up tree plantation: 22

Saplings planted: 6160

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Widespread Recognition of our Tank De-siltation Program

Presentation at Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, DelhiA case study on the tank de-siltation program was submitted to the Center of Excellence for Sustainable Development (CESD), the sustainability vertical within IICA which is slated to undertake actions to support Indian businesses and industry, including the development of holistic CSR projects. The case study was selected for showcasing at a 2-day Management Development Program (MDP) titled “Strategizing CSR Projects for Sustainable Development: Design, Development, Implementation and Monitoring” in October 2014. Bala Vikasa’s Executive Director Shoury Reddy spoke at the event and presented on our tank de-siltation program, which was received well by the senior CSR representatives from a number of esteemed corporates, both private and public sector and have expressed interest in formulating a CSR project around this activity.

Supporting Mission Kakatiya, TelanganaExecutive Director Shoury Reddy shared Bala Vikasa’s experiences at an awareness meet on “Mission Kakatiya” headed by Mr. T. Harish Rao, Minister for Irrigation, Mines and Marketing in October 2014. The Telangana government has launched “Mission Kakatiya”, an initiative to restore 45,000 irrigation tanks in the state over the next five years. While presenting our program that has restored 670 tanks over the last 12 years, Bala Vikasa provided some suggestions on how Mission Kakatiya can improve its effectiveness. We are in the process of conducting an evaluative study on the quantitative and qualitative impact of our program, which will be shared with the government and other implementing agencies on how to make the project community-driven in its approach, and therefore sustainable.

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THE SAFE WATER REVOLUTIONProgram OverviewBala Vikasa initiated its Community Water Purification Plant (WPP) program in 2002-03, and has since brought purified water at minimum, affordable cost to the poorest of the poor in 658 villages. Using a global technology of ‘Reverse Osmosis’ adapted to the local context, 658 WPPs have been installed benefiting 1.48 million people who can now buy potable water at Rs.2 or Rs.3 for 20 liters. The WPP program functions as a social enterprise model, whereby the profits from the sales of water are ploughed back into the maintenance of the machines, operators’ salaries and even in some case, sponsorship of WPPs in other needy villages.

It is very much a community-centered project, requiring the target villages to mobilize resources such as a source of water, a suitable room for the machine, a pipeline and electricity supply. Additionally, it is required that a majority of the families in the village take part in the project by paying a membership fee – which amounts to 20% of the machine cost - and elect a Water Committee that is involved in planning, implementation and management of the project. The elected committees attend regular capacity building programs and become community leaders. This approach creates a strong feeling of pride and ownership for the project and a strong commitment to keep it functioning. Each WPP uses Any Time Water technology that uses prepaid cards which enable the consumer to collect purified water 24/7, while making the process of record keeping easy and transparent. In 2014-15, 82 WPPs were installed in as many villages, enabling 54,547 rural poor families to avoid contracting fluorosis and other water borne diseases. 1006 men and women were trained as committee members who played a central role in all project aspects and continue to be in charge of the plants, ensuring 100% sustainability.

Bala Vikasa also digs bore wells with manually operated hand pumps in select villages where access to water is limited. In the year 2014-15, 220 bore wells were constructed, touching the lives of 58,075 beneficiaries who no longer have to walk miles in search of water.

BackgroundTelangana and Andhra Pradesh are two of three states in India that are the most affected with fluorosis, which is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride in drinking water sources. Over 1.17 crore people are at risk of contracting fluorosis, which can lead to dental and skeletal decay. High levels of salinity, arsenic and non-point pollution from agriculture also result in contaminated surface and ground water.

People are forced to depend on commercial companies which are mushrooming in the villages, and which provide purified water at high prices which are not accessible to the poorest. The only sustainable and equitable solution is to ensure that clean drinking water is accessible for all regardless of economic status. The other major issue in rural areas is limited access to water. Women and children often have to walk long distances to fetch water for domestic purposes and sanitation. They miss out on work and school in the process. In drought prone areas in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, this becomes an even more serious problem.

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2014-15 Highlights

Italians Channel Celebratory Gifts into a Good Cause

Constance and Giovanni set an inspiring trend by contributing their wedding gift money towards providing safe water to needy villagers and slum dwellers through Bala Vikasa. Italian students have also donated their graduation cash presents towards bore wells, and certain other individuals decided to commemorate the death anniversaries of their loved ones by similar gestures. We hope more people will follow suit and recognize the honor and value of such a generous act.

Canadian Sponsor Visits Bore Well Villages

Shelley Saklatvala, a teacher from Beacon Hill School in Montreal came to visit in July 2014. The children from her school raised funds to sponsor six bore wells through Bala Vikasa. Shelley had played an important role in explaining the situation to the students and convincing them to contribute, and was very inspired after her field visit. She is determined to mobilize more funds for more bore wells and plans to support the Water Purification Plants also. Similarly, every year, children from 150 Canadian schools mobilize donations for the construction of bore wells, which is a tremendously inspiring example of showing responsibility for those less privileged.

Seminar: Rural Drinking Water Project Models

Bala Vikasa organized a seminar in January 2015 for 24 participants from 15 NGOs to discuss the various project models existing in the space of safe water provision, especially in tribal areas. There was sharing on the different kinds of water projects being implemented by the other NGOs using alternative technologies to RO filtration. Bala Vikasa also took this opportunity to elaborate on our WPP model and explained the criteria for implementation through other organizations. A few examples of the alternative models that were discussed are:

Bore wells with manually operated hand pumps in small tribal communities.

Construction of Ground Level Tanks (GLTs) along with bore wel;, motor & pipe line in tribal welfare hostels & small communities.

Community water filters with LifeStraw system of purifier.

Defluoridator Unit Filters (without RO technology) Fluoride Removal Units (in small scale)

The seminar helped the organizations to identify the varieties of water filtration technologies and potential tribal areas for implementation, as well as develop rapport with the NGOs that work in tribal areas.

World Water Day

Bala Vikasa organized rallies on 23rd March, 2015 on the occasion of World Water Day to highlight the importance of water conservation. 7037 participants including students from 20 government schools, WPP committee members, women leaders and school teachers from Warangal, Karimnagar and Medak districts took part in these lively walks for water.

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Annual Water Convention: “Role of Committees and Federation in Sustainability of Water Purification Plants”Bringing together 2500 Water Committee members, project operators, local sarpanches, community leaders and village council representatives onto a common platform, the objective of this Convention was to reinforce the idea of sustainability by delineating the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders in the project and inspiring those present to recognize the importance of ownership of the plant. The WPP Federation, which consists of the presidents of each WPP Committee, pools their resources to sponsor WPPs in other needy villages, as an illustration of true community driven development.

The Convention was attended by several notable guests, including Mr.Kadiyam Srihari, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister and Minster for Education of Telangana state; Mr.Vinaya Basker, MLA, East Warangal and Parliamentary Secretary; Mr.Aroori Ramesh, MLA of Wardhannapet Constituency. Bala Vikasa’s Executive Director Shoury Reddy, on behalf of all the 650 WPP villages, submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister, demanding free electricity supply or provision of subsidized power to all the community WPPs.

Decisions made during the Convention• Strengthening of the WPP Federation in order

to ease the withdrawal of Bala Vikasa from older projects, and also for close monitoring of all the activities of the WPP Committees.

• Purified water should be tested regularly by the Committees to maintain the BIS standards.

• To adapt innovative methods by the Committees to provide safe & purified drinking water to ALL in the village without any discrimination.

• To take up other village development activities by the concerned committees.

• Committees should follow guidelines given by Bala Vikasa for sustainability of the projects.

Bala Vikasa projects provide inspiration to Governments - Sri. Kadiyam Sri Hari, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana

The community development projects of Bala Vikasa are highly appreciated as they are able to bring sustainable impact especially in social, health and education sectors through increased awareness, unity, confidence, leadership, capacity building etc. I can say without any hesitation that Bala Vikasa has been inspiring the state and central governments through its innovative and sustainable development models over the last two decades. We will be happy to support Bala Vikasa in all its future initiatives and would be happy to take their guidance and support in improving the effectiveness of government initiatives.

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A YEAR FOR WOMEn’S EMPOWERMEnT

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Program OverviewBala Vikasa’s Women Integrated Development Program was launched in 1994 with the objective of empowering women on multiple levels – intellectually, socially, economically and politically. It was understood that only through such a consolidated approach would there be any tangible change. Through all the activities lies embedded a basic desire to give women dignity and self-confidence, because this is where real progress starts: in the mind and spirit of the woman herself. All of Bala Vikasa’s community development programs are focused on enhancing the access and participation of women, through actively involving and collaborating with them. As one of our Development Rules, ‘Development is Women’, we firmly believe that no sustainable or genuine progress is possible without the empowerment and mandatory participation of women.

Women’s GroupsSo far, 200,000 women have joined Bala Vikasa’s Women’s Groups in 1500 villages. To make the program scalable, the Women’s Groups are handed over to partner organizations after they have reached a certain level of stability. Currently, just fewer than 73,000 women are part of Groups that are still under our jurisdiction. In 2014-15, 199 new Women’s Groups were formed, consisting of 2500 new women entrants. The Women’s Groups act as micro organizational units through which different activities are carried out. They are actively supported and monitored by 350 volunteer Women Cooperative Leaders and 230 Bala Vikasa Field Coordinators. Each Women’s Group has a monthly meeting, where they are exposed to learning about social issues and schemes; where they can become part of a savings scheme; where they are able to cultivate confidence in forming opinions and sharing their experiences; where they are organized to carry out village development projects. These meetings record an average 80% attendance, because they give the women a chance to be themselves.

BackgroundIn a country that is constantly being blacklisted for women’s rights and freedoms, and regularly rated as one of the worst places for women to live in, it is all the more imperative to tackle issues of patriarchy, inequality and poverty at the grassroots level, in the rural communities. As the cities slowly lurch into a slightly more liberal and globalized mode, where increasingly women are able to fully realize their professional potential and enjoy certain freedoms of mobility and choice, the villages remain sadly under the grip of a strongly misogynist mindset.

Issues such as female feticide, child marriage, dowry disputes, domestic violence, honor killings and slavery are prevalent in some parts of India more than others. These issues are relatively easier to identify, report, make legal accommodations and devise solutions for. However, the fundamental and most difficult issue at hand is to battle a societal structure of power that is ingrained in mentality, attitude and thought. This is where the most urgent work needs to be done.

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Capacity BuildingMonthly training and review meetings for the Women Cooperative Leaders and Field Coordinators are conducted, keeping the program relevant while keeping the women motivated and challenged. Their leadership qualities are enhanced and they are guided in taking up new initiatives for community development in their villages. It is observed that with each passing month the women become more sure of themselves, confident about their abilities to speak and even show initiative in coming up with innovative ideas. They show dedication in serving their people and are sensitized to the plight of those who are more vulnerable than them in their communities. This year, the Women Cooperative Leaders donated 13,000 kilograms of rice to the old and destitute in their villages.

The success of the Women’s Integrated Development Program lies in the commitment of the Field Coordinators. They are the real agents of change in the process of development. Their monthly training sessions capacitate them with the requisite knowledge and skills for the effective functioning of the program at village level. They are taught program planning, implementation methods, analysis and monitoring. As all decisions are made with their participation, they feel ownership over the program in its totality.

Savings (Microcredit)Women’s Group members who take part in their Group’s saving schemes are able to avail of small loans for income generation activities. During this reporting period a total of 7022 women took loans worth 58 million rupees to set up small stalls, milk production units, tailoring shops, etc. Less dependency on moneylenders and more independence and economic power from owning their own business is an unparalleled method of empowerment. All women who took loans have received formal training on the establishment and running of a micro-enterprise.

2014-15 Highlights

Cultivating Micro-entrepreneurs

364 promising women entrepreneurs who have a good track record and who have demonstrated remarkable skill in growing their businesses were given a two-day training that mainly focused on business ethics, practices, how to make use of natural resources and how they can develop their business at cooperative level. The women responded well and requested follow-up trainings in accounting, finances and legalities.

Skill Training For Economic Empowerment

Based on their interest and capacity, skill-training workshops in tailoring were organized for 134 women members for 75 days with qualified and professional teachers in their respective villages. The teachers themselves were given input sessions on maintaining discipline, rules, regulations and formulating lesson plans. The women took part in a test and the majority of them are now working as piecework tailors.

International Women’s Day

More than 6830 women commemorated International Women’s Day at gatherings in 56 villages across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Rallies were conducted, and the events were lively and exciting with games, songs and talks by distinguished guests on the theme of women’s emergence as community builders and inspiring leaders. Village administration bodies, local officials, teachers, professionals attended these celebrations to present a diversity of opinions. On this day, the women collectively took a decision to expose the injustices faced by widows.

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Our energetic, inspiring and noble Founder Bala Theresa Gingras addressed the 3,800 women from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh gathered together on this special day, and urged them to set personal goals to become leaders in their communities, be it through political participation or economic empowerment. Issues of social, cultural and economic inequality were discussed; several women shared stories of how they had overcome stigma, poverty and patriarchy in order

to attain status in their communities. Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Vinay Bhaskar, Wardannapet MLA Mr. Aroori Ramesh and TDP Telangana Floor Leader Mr. Erabelly Dayakar Rao attended the event, and expressed how they take Bala Vikasa as a source of inspiration to start Women’s Groups. Professor Shobha from Kakatiya University spoke at length about violence against women, gender mainstreaming and how women leaders can act, raise out their voices.

Annual Women’s Convention: “Role of Women Leaders in Contemporary Society”

Bala Vikasa a pioneer in empowering women - Sri. Errabelli Dayakar Rao, MLA

Today is the day of reflection on the status of women before and after the intervention of Bala Vikasa. When I was elected as an MLA 20 years ago, that was the time when Bala Vikasa started its SHG groups. When I was invited to the meetings, there were just a few women present. Some of them stayed inside the house and peeped through the windows and doors. But after 20 years today we see a change. Women are honored, self sustained, participate in meetings and enjoy dignity and freedom. This is all due to the spirit of Bala Vikasa. Today if women are coming forward to share their solidarity with the orphan children through their donations, and show their social responsibility by taking leadership roles, it is only the inspiration of Bala Akka.

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STRIVInG FOR BETTER HEALTH AnD SAnITATIOn

Pre and Postnatal Care

To combat infant and maternal mortality, 52 daylong awareness camps were organized for pregnant women and mothers of small children. Approximately 3000 women attended these camps and learnt about pre and postnatal care, vaccination requirements, basic nutrition, hygiene and child safety. 139 local doctors volunteered their services, and all the women received the nutrition supplement “Growth Re-vitality Development” which is essential for the health of both mother and child.

Health Camps

Women in the rural villages are exposed to all kinds of diseases and other sicknesses. To create awareness about simple preventive measures for better health and offer consultation services, one day general health camps were organized by the Field Coordinators in 32 villages, where close to 6300 women were informed about avoidance of common ailments through hygiene

and nutrition. 200 volunteer doctors examined sick women and administered medicines, which had been provided by 57 donors worth Rs.244,200.

Family Toilets

The majority of rural households do not have indoor toilets. Open defecation is rampant and leads to all kinds of social, environmental and health problems, including malnutrition in children. Women and young girls are especially inconvenienced by this and face issues of safety, especially when forced to go to the fields at nighttime. Bala Vikasa’s Sanitation Program doesn’t just provide family toilet facilities but spends time and effort sensitizing the beneficiaries about the importance of utilizing the toilets, and their maintenance. This year, 570 families received toilets in their homes. Verification visits are performed by the Field Coordinators to ensure usage and maintenance. At the same time, they encourage the communities to utilize government schemes which also provide family toilets.

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CATALYZInG CHAnGE FOR WIDOWSProgram OverviewA survey conducted by Bala Vikasa amongst 5000 widows revealed that 29% of them had considered or attempted suicide. This scary statistic is an indicator of the plight of widows in rural society, where they are kept outside of mainstream community life, because they are considered to be an ill omen and inauspicious. After a man’s death, his wife is disallowed from attending functions, religious ceremonies and cultural events. She has to stop decorating herself and is shunned by family and neighbors. As a result, her children are similarly segregated and often take to the streets or start working to earn an income.

Bala Vikasa takes up the issue of propagating justice and equality for widows very strongly. We advocate through all our programs and especially through our Women’s Groups for the fair treatment of widows by the community, educating villagers about the futility of superstition. We also have a network of 15,000 widows who are part of our Women’s Groups, whom we support with counseling and capacity building. Special sessions were held in 2014-15 for 9435 widows to inspire them not to give up, and instead face life with courage. Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques and yoga are amongst the tools we use to strengthen them.

500 young widows from Warangal district are exposed to regular monthly training sessions, where they are educated on various subjects, encouraged to take part in community life and to remarry if they choose. This year, three widows remarried and are living happier lives.

2014-15 Highlights

Further Education, Better Prospects

Education is power. 52 young widows and field coordinators are pursuing their BA degree with Nagarjuna University through a distance education course. Many of them have passed their first and second years, and are preparing for their final exams. The degree they receive will enable them to find professional jobs in the semi-urban areas, and give them a new lease on life.

Seminar: Empowerment of Widows

As a culmination of these efforts, we organized a one-day seminar to create a platform to discuss this issue, and initiate a network of like-minded NGOs, social activists, policy makers, development practitioners and grassroots government institutions who could potentially work together for greater societal change. More than 200 participants representing 82 organizations attended this seminar, during which Bala Vikasa widows shared their experiences first-hand with the gathered crowd. The Chief Guest, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. T. Rajaiah spoke warmly about Bala Vikasa’s efforts and promised to take the special demands outlined during the event to the government. A manifesto outlining four demands (see section of International Widows’ Day celebrations) was drawn out and presented to the officials present.

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“How I Found the Leader in Me”

“I am K. Koteshwari and I am a single mother with two children. My son completed 10th Class and now he is working as a driver. My daughter is studying in 10th Class. I dropped out of school when I was 12. When my husband was alive he used to do construction work and I would perform agricultural labor. Then one day, my husband suddenly died of a heart attack.

At that time when my husband died I did not understand any thing. I was left alone with two small children. We were staying in a rented house and it was difficult for me to manage the rent. I was reserved, did not know how to talk to others, much less go out and handle all these affairs on my own. It was very difficult for me to take care of two children with my meager earnings.

I joined the Bala Vikasa Women’s Group in the year 1996. Then I became a group leader and now I am working as a Self-Help Association leader. Through attending the monthly meetings, my knowledge, exposure and confidence grew. We were given trainings in leadership, management of development projects. Each time there was a new topic, my knowledge also improved greatly. Through these meetings I learned to speak in groups and also to guide others.

As I was coming for all the meetings and seeing the success stories of other women in a similar situation, I thought I should start a business so I took a loan Rs.3000/- and started selling eggs and dry fish. With the trainings I learnt some techniques so I was able to develop the business slowly. Now I am also selling killi leaves. I even own my own house now.

As a Self Help Association leader I make special efforts to encourage women to attend the group meetings. As a widow myself, I support the widows in the village to be courageous and live a happy life. I do speak in the meetings to motivate and change the people to come out of the old traditions and live a new life that is gifted to us. I am an inspiration for the widows in my community, as I am leading a respectful life as an independent woman. The other villagers also respect me for my strength and endurance.”

International Widows Day Celebrations

A rally through the streets of Hanamkonda and Kazipet with more than 700 widows raised awareness about the issue and our dedication to their cause. Slogans demanding equality, respect and the abolishment of superstitions rang out through the streets. The all-day event was incredibly successful and was graced by 12 like-minded NGOs, local authorities, government departments and partner organizations who all expressed solidarity with the widows. ICDS representatives shared information about various government schemes for women and their children and encouraged those present to avail of these. Numerous press outlets also covered the event.

Bala Vikasa elaborated on the four specific demands the organization was making to the government with regards to the issue at hand:

Passing the Widows Atrocity Act to safeguard their human rights, stop harassment and discrimination.

The provision of special reservations for semi-orphans in schools and job opportunities.

The formation of a widows’ corporation for subsidies and their economic empowerment.

The banning of manufacture and sale of illicit liquor in the villages.

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EDuCATIOn FOR ORPHAn CHILDREn Program OverviewIn order to reduce the incidence of child labor, Bala Vikasa supports a community adoption program amongst its Women Program villages. The women identify orphans in their communities who are in need of emotional support and an education. Despite being poor themselves, the women donate over 4.5 million rupees annually towards the education of these children and take on the responsibility of visiting them in school, counseling them in times of need and showing solidarity in many different ways. Through this program, Bala Vikasa sponsors the education of 1500 orphans by sending them to private reputed boarding schools to give them the best possible opportunities. During the year, several events are planned to bring these children together with their adopted mothers.

2014-15 Highlights

Solidarity Day

Every year Bala Vikasa Women’s Program celebrates the birthday of the orphan children on one dedicated day, across several program centers. The Field Coordinators and Women’s Group Leaders invite various officials such as doctors, teachers, lawyers, and political parties for the celebrations. The women come from different villages to the main center and they forgo their daily wage, pay for their own travel, and even bring food and snacks for the children. Despite being extremely poor themselves, the women contribute one or two days’ wages towards the tuition fees of the children. There is no better illustration of communities supporting their own weak and vulnerable, proving that outside help is not mandatory. The children share

moments of their lives, about their studies, friends, future aspirations, happy and sad moments.

This activity took place in the months of January - March 2015 and a total of 48,259 women, 172 Model Community committee members, 767 extra participants, 605 guests, 785 orphans, and 66 print media attended the events. Women’s cash contributions towards the orphans’ education amounted to an unprecedented Rs.4,750,617 (4.7 million rupees). The rest of the guests donated Rs.529,454.

School Preparatory Day, Summer Camp & Vikasa Children College Day

Just before the school year begins, the orphans are invited for School Preparatory Day, where they are given guidelines and instructions on behavior, studies, social habits and how to excel in school. This year, 627 children attended this event where they also received pedagogical supplies.

During the summer holidays (May 2014), 21 selected girl children who are star students are brought to PDTC, Warangal for a residential camp where they are given intense lessons in English music and dance. As the girls are enrolled in English medium schools, these classes are imperative for them to fare better in their academics.

210 teenagers came together for a special session in November 2014 for special guidance and encouragement towards their studies and character building. There were input sessions on personality development, career guidance and counseling. The students shared their goals and future aspirations. Special scholarships were awarded on merit basis to selected students.

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CREATInG COnDuCIVE LEARnInG EnVIROnMEnT

Program OverviewIn this context, Bala Vikasa intervenes through its Vidya Vikasa Program, with the mission of providing a “healthy environment and quality education to children in rural public schools.” Started in 2007 with the participation of the local district education department, Bala Vikasa focuses on the provision of key infrastructural aid while also working to bring in attitudinal changes in the minds of the students, teachers and parents towards improving the health, hygiene and overall quality of education. Between 2007 and 2010, Bala Vikasa reached 200 government schools, impacting 65,528 school children.

Since 2012, Bala Vikasa has targeted 25 schools each year, focusing on improving school facilities; setting up Eco Clubs (consisting of students, parents and teachers) to ensure that these facilities are maintained; conducting awareness camps and annual competitions to gauge the improvement in the standard of education. In 2014-15, Bala Vikasa collected base line data from 32 schools, out of which 25 were selected in four districts (Karimnagar, Medak, Nizamabad and Warangal). The Vidya Vikasa Pathakam directly impacted 7722 children in the reporting year.

BackgroundWith its landmark Right to Education Act (2009), the Indian government made free and quality education a fundamental right for children aged between 6 to14. Numbers of enrolment have skyrocketed all over the country – the most recent pointing to an impressive 98% in primary schools, but the fact remains that quality education is still a distant reality for most rural students. While public schools remain the majority provider of education in villages, poor infrastructure, lack of teachers and unsanitary conditions are features common to most. Last year, 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 Act.

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2014-15 Highlights

Key Interventions

We work to improve facilities in rural government schools and provide a healthier learning environment for the students. In 2014-15, Bala Vikasa provided classroom furniture for 57 classes with 570 benches benefiting 2398 students; cleanliness material such as 50 dust pits were constructed, 25 doll dustbins, 25 trolleys, 25 iron tubs, 256 iron dustbins for classrooms, 25 iron buckets for watering the school plants. About 4420 fruit and 682 shade saplings were distributed to the schools and students to plant in their homes. Plants were surveyed consciously, and have a survival rate of 83%. Awareness dramas were conducted in the 25 schools with 6492 participants on cleanliness, hygiene, health and child safety. In 25 schools library infrastructure consisting of 50 reading tables with granite stone, 50 iron racks, 300 chairs, and 7675 books were issued.

Program Review Meeting

An Annual Review Meeting was organized with 14 parents, 22 teachers, 166 Eco-Club leaders and 202 other students who took part in an annual competition were in attendance.

Muduchekkalapally Head Master T. Satish Kumar

“The attitude of parents and students towards school development is high due to motivation camps conducted by Bala Vikasa. Inspired, the school management and students conducted a health rally, Swachh Bharat, swine flu awareness camp in the tribal tandas.”

B. Divya, Student from Muduchekkalapally Tribal Welfare Girl’s School.

“The students initially were not motivated towards Bala Vikasa, because every year they see many organizations and government officials come to visit the tribal schools and promise many things but nothing ever happens after the meeting. Whereas Bala Vikasa kept their promise and did what they had intended to do from the beginning. Apart from that students leaned how to manage waste water for the growth of greenery in the school.”

Sumathi, Parent from Gangipalli.

Due to Bala Vikasa’s intervention, our children conducted a rally in the village for Girl Child Protection and Swacchh Bharat program which telecast in Dooradharshan. Awareness levels of the students increased and students are active in protecting plants that are given by Bala Vikasa.”

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Devunipalli Eco-In charge Teacher Roop Singh

Through Vidya Vikasa Pathakam, there is visible change among the teachers as well as students on health and hygiene, cleanliness, environment related issues due to continuous monitoring and observation of Bala Vikasa. The motivation camps helped them to lean more, with the inspiration of Bala Vikasa representatives the school management and students mobilized tree guards for the protection of school plants.

Inspired Students Take up Development Projects

Out of 25 schools, 13 schools were inspired and emboldened by Bala Vikasa’s program and initiated other activities in the village where the school is situated. Students from Chinnakodur School renovated toilets with tiles and installed water pipeline connections with funds they mobilized from villagers. They are also running a student bank. The Jayapuram school students conducted Health and Girl Child Rights awareness rallies in the village. In Kondapalakala school, the students, teachers and village elders took up the Swacchh Bharat (Clean India) campaign in the village. Students from the Devunipalli School are growing more plants besides those given to them under the program. The Chintagattu School students have taken up an adult literacy program to teach illiterates during the nighttime.

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CREATInG LOCAL AnD GLOBAL AMBASSADORS OF COMMunITY DRIVEn DEVELOPMEnTProgram OverviewFor the last 12 years, Bala Vikasa’s People Development Training Center (PDTC) has been igniting the minds of the development professionals from all over India and 53 countries across the globe. Each year, hundreds of community leaders, international development professionals, public officials, activists and students attend capacity building programs in this evolving Center for Excellence in Community Development and leave changed in some way: increased knowledge, enhanced skills, altered attitudes.

The unique approaches and methodologies that are practiced by Bala Vikasa and proven to yield sustainable results form the basis of all that is taught in the lecture halls at PDTC. Workshops and seminars held on relevant and contemporary development topics bring together stakeholders who initiate discourse on policy chance and advocacy. The publication unit of PDTC regularly prints newsletters, reports and research documents on various programs and their impact. In 2014-15, close to 700 local and international participants, representing 326 organizations from 25 countries took part in our 3-day, 2-week and month-long capacity building programs and seminars.

2014-15 Highlights

Short Duration Training Programs for Indian Non-Profits

In order to create more awareness on sustainable development approaches amongst like-minded Indian non-profits, PDTC designed nine training programs that are relevant and practical for the development sector. 286 agents of change including development professionals, bureaucrats, community leaders, activists and students representing 142 organizations participated and enhanced their skills. Having realized the relevance of the programs, NGOs from the neighboring country of Sri Lanka and Netherlands also participated in the training programs.

The training topics included Asset Based Community Development Result Based Management Neuro Linguistic Programming Advocacy, Communications and Social Media Neuro Linguistic Programming & Conflict Resolution Communication Tools for Non profit organisations Development Documentation & Report Writing Training of Trainers Video Documentation: A Strategic Tool for Non profits

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One-day Seminars / Workshops on Pertinent SubjectsSeminars were organized on subjects that were pertinent to the evolution of the development sector, for instance changes in policy at a national level or integrating new communication tools into non-profit marketing and branding. In 2014-15, PDTC held five seminars (the ones on ‘Empowerment of Widows’ and ‘Rural Drinking Water Models’ are discussed earlier in this Annual Report in their respective sections) to bring NGOs on to one platform for learning, sharing and brainstorming.

Promoting your nGO using Social Media Tools

Social media has become indispensable, especially for non-profits to get their message out there, garner support for their cause and raise funds. This seminar was held in September 2014 and attracted 63 participants from 20 NGOs, who were so impressed with the new insights that they requested a follow-up training program of at least a few days.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr.Pavan Mondreti, a social media strategist working at Delloitte, the international financial services firm. He touched on the different avenues (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs) that can be used to advance your

Four-Week Capacity Building Programs on Community Driven Development

Over the last year, there have been four vibrant and enriching month-long international trainings in Community Driven Development at PDTC. Representatives from well established international non-profits such as Save the Children, GIZ, Qatar Charity, Norwegian Afghanistan Committee, Allianz for Social Mobilization and bureaucrats from Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Economic Development (Sri Lanka) came together at these comprehensive training programs which are gaining popularity each year, attracting increasing numbers of development professionals from all over the globe.

Featuring modules in a wide variety of subjects along with Bala Vikasa core methodologies including Culture & Sustainable Development, Appreciative Inquiry, Strategic Planning, CSR, Participatory Rural Appraisal, Development Communications, Gender and Conflict Resolution, and accompanied at regular intervals by field visits to Bala Vikasa community development programs, the trainings are invaluable for anyone interested in deepening their skills and knowledge about sustainable community driven development. In 2014-15, 88 International change agents from 17 countries learnt best practices in Community Driven Development.

NGO’s mission, and the various ways in which non-profits can attract supporters in the form of participants, volunteers, donors and sponsors resulting in real world actions. Using examples and illustrations, the seminar was very practical, and had several takeaways.

Climate Change and Impact on Vulnerable Communities

To understand the implications of climate change and its impact on diversified fields, especially on vulnerable communities, PDTC organized a seminar on this subject during November 2014. 150 people participated in the seminar, which paved the way to discussions on the measures we can collectively take for adaptation and mitigation.

FCRA 2010 Act

The Seminar is intended to enable the participants to understand, analyse and interpret the provisions of FCRA-2010 Act which is important for all development practitioners. 69 participants from 43 NGOs participated and focused on insights in the concepts, issues and practical applications of the Act. This Seminar was facilitated by Mr. J. K. Chattopadhay, Ex. Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs. The focus of the seminar is to share insights into the concepts, issues and practical applications of the Act.

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Overseas Program – nepal, March 2015

In order to expand the awareness and benefits of the core concepts of Bala Vikasa to neighboring countries, PDTC organized its fifth overseas one-week training program on ‘Community Driven Development’ in collaboration with International NGO South Asian Partnership, based in Kathmandu, Nepal. All 26 participants from 17 NGOs expressed that the program was immensely useful and relevant to their local context and having more of these programs will enhance the impact of development work in Nepal.

Customized Training Program for nIRD, Hyderabad

17 development officials from Eritrea, Ghana, Mauritius, Myanmar, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe came to PDTC for one week to explore the sustainable methodologies of Bala Vikasa. They were part of a 6-week training program in Community Driven Rural Development conducted by

National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad. During the course of the week, Bala Vikasa facilitated modules in Asset Based Community Development, Appreciative Inquiry, and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). The participants were taken to Gangadevipalli Model Village for field exposure, and had practical application of PRA in Ontimamidipalli village, through interacting with community leaders. It was a truly rewarding collaboration. Participants expressed an experience of learning positive skills that can be replicated back for positive impact. We look forward to more such programs with NIRD and other institutes in the future.

Orientation for Local Development Students

Over 100 Master of Social Work students belonging to five colleges affiliated to Kakatiya University were oriented on Bala Vikasa’s sustainable development practices. PDTC over a decade has become a consulting center for MSW colleges to study the best practices in community development in a practical way as part of their academic curriculum.

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Research & Publications“Share your knowledge. It’s the way to achieve immortality.” - Dalai Lama.

PDTC continuously inspires and motivates like-minded NGOs, donors and community leaders by sharing program experiences and awareness material through its publications. During the reporting year 2014-15 PDTC published the following:

Social Responsibility Series 2“Bala Vikasa: For a Synergy Between Civil Society and Business”. This publication describes the Bala Vikasa way to facilitate Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility using a Sustainable Community Driven Development Approach.

Annual Report 2013-14 This report describes all the program activities with achieved results during the reporting year. The hard and e-copy of this report is distributed among governing body members, donors, partner organizations and NGOs.

Bala Vikasa informational bookletsThis booklet, used as a promotional tool, comprehensively describes all of Bala Vikasa’s activities with their reach and impact.

Organic Farming ManualThis booklet is a guide to organic farmers on the seasonal precautionary measures to take for the crops. The manual also provides information on the different types and processes of making organic concoctions, the materials needed and their application.

Widows PostersIn order to create a momentum among the society on widows issues, awareness posters were designed and distributed to the change agents, government bodies and community leaders. They are meant for placement in public spaces in the villages.

Tharangini CDDPThis quarterly newsletter published in the months of May, September and January shares the updates of all Bala Vikasa’s Community Driven Development Programs (CDDP). The e-copy of Tharangini is being circulated to thousands of NGOs in our database. Hard copies of Tharangini in English and local language are printed and distributed among all communities, partners and donors.

Tharangini PDTCThe quarterly e-newsletter shares the rich experiences and learning of participants of the capacity building programs held at PDTC through the year. It is circulated to all the training participants in our database.

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Askal Tilahun Worku, unHRC - Malawi [CDD-Two weeks]

“I feel so honored to get to know the Bala Vikasa family. My inspiration actually started when I read about the founders. Some of us, we tend to focus on different things - we want to get more money, more exposure so we leave our country and work in different places. It is very rare to see someone go back, when you have a better life in another country, to see to the vulnerable people, or helping people, or trying to support the community. So that really inspired me because I don’t think I have ever thought of going back home and working with the community. But after this training, that’s actually what’s in my mind and I keep on questioning…”

JOSEPH SHADRECK CHAZVInO, Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Zimbabwe [CDRD-One week]

“I know what is development and Iam doing but how to do development from a different perspective is taught at Bala Vikasa. The positive approaches learnt at Bala Vikasa will help me to gain positive results when I go back to my communities. Thanks to Bala Vikasa.”

Lauren Fairweather, Student at Caplano university – Canada [CDD-Four weeks]

“I feel like I have a really good baseline understanding of all the aspects of community development and I now feel like I’m more capable of applying to an NGO for work experience. Amongst the courses, although Strategic Planning and Result Based Management were difficult and challenging because I’d never been exposed to them before, I think it’s really good, practical knowledge.”

Anna Maria Oteanu, International Organization for Migration – Romania [CDD-Four weeks]

“I met new people working in different fields of development and tried to connect their experience with my own. By interacting with different country people through this program I’m having a more open attitude and wider perspective on how to approach new projects, new funds. Coming to India was a new experience – and I enjoyed every single moment of it.”

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Golian Tuang Pu, Community Aid, Relief and Development – Myanmar [CDD-Four weeks]

“The field exposure was amazing to see – thousands of women coming together, paying their own expenses was a real shock for me. I learnt that Bala Vikasa really motivates, loves and cares and builds a good relationship with the communities where they operate. It was amazing, wonderful. If I have friends who work in the social or business sector, I’d really like them to come here to be trained.”

Lalitha Gunashekara - Sri Lanka [CDD-Two weeks]

“This is my tenth international group meeting in India, but this was the best group for me. I don’t feel I was away from home- that is Bala Vikasa’s spirit. I think I have 14 years of experience in the adult non-formal education field, but here I learnt new content, not only for my field but on a larger scale how to plan and to organize. Especially the different approaches- really I am going to apply these learning to my own activities in my organization. I promise – I will do something when I go home.”

Dr.Osman Ghani, Sarhad Rural Support Program –Pakistan [Overseas program in nepal]

“CDD is a wonderful training and was relevant to my own portfolio in tapping social capital and social mobilization. This is a most pertinent training that stimulated us with new approaches. I would be pleased to be ambassador to inspire many more NGOs in my country.”

Stephen Rubanga, Conservation Through Public Health – uganda [CDD-Four weeks]

“My organization is a donor funded organization, and we are used to go into the communities by identifying problems. But here I’ve learnt that the community themselves can identify their own problems along with their resources, and then the organization and the community can come together and agree on a consensus. This makes the program sustainable and the community owns it.”

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VIKASA InTERnATIOnAL CEnTER FOR SOCIAL EnTREPREnEuRSHIP AnD BuSInESS RESPOnSIBILITY

Overview 2014-15Bala Vikasa’s newest wing, the Vikasa International Center (VIC), is quickly establishing itself as a strategic new player in the sector of CSR and Social Entrepreneurship. With an office in Hyderabad city, a professional team of staff, consultants and advisors being established and a calendar with specific goals and targets, VIC has set the foundation for exciting new developments in the coming year. While designs are being finalized for the construction of the Center for Excellence in Ghatkesar on the 20-acre property, VIC has already launched its name into the world of social entrepreneurship, CSR and business responsibility with a successful and well-received conference in March 2015. Internally, various policies and process frameworks are being developed to enhance the professionalism and establish a strong base for the scalability of the organization.

Curriculums for training programs in Social Entrepreneurship (both introductory and advanced), Microenterprise Development and Entrepreneurship Development have been designed and are under review by a panel of specialists, after which they will be submitted for accreditation to the relevant institutions. With the awareness that partnerships form the crux of our activities in this area, we are actively exploring collaborations with key institutions and organizations who will be able to give us the necessary leverage. We are in the process of consolidating MOUs with Unltd Hyderabad, CSIM, ASCI, DICCI, Center for Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation (IIT Chennai), Units Seed Fund (Hyderabad) and Impact Hub (Seattle, USA).

Emerging as a Trusted Partner for CSR Projects

Bala Vikasa has over the course of the year gained traction as a partner for the planning, implementation and monitoring of a variety of CSR projects. We are working with companies in the pharmaceutical and finance sectors on projects mainly related to water and sanitation. In the reporting year we have signed 3 MOUs for a total amount of Rs. 23 million from Aurobindo Pharma Pvt. Ltd, Cholamandalam Investments and Finance Company. Reputed for our community driven development approach and our fundamental belief in building communities through active participation and contribution, we are hopeful of partnering with several other corporate players for the effective and impactful execution of many more CSR projects. In 2015-16, along with existing partners we look forward to working with some new partners such as Franklin Templeton International Services (India) Private Limited, Coca Cola and few other companies to increase the access of potable water, for the poorest of the poor through our Community Water Purification project.

Aurobindo Pharma Pvt. Ltd Sponsors Massive Urban Water Purification Project

This year, we made an important leap in our Water Program with the launch of our pilot urban water purification project at Siddipet in Medak district of

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Telangana, which will benefit about 25,000 families. We were able to implement this unique project with support from Aurobindo Pharma Ltd as part of their CSR initiatives. Approximately 40,000 liters per hour are being purified through 8 units that were installed in different locations of the town in a phased manner over the course of four months. 20 liters of water will be provided at Rs. 3 at the project site and Rs. 6 at the doorstep using Any Time Water (ATW) dispensing system. Going forward, we are now conducting feasibility studies for a similar urban water purification project in Mumbai and Hyderabad slums. For the poor patients of the government hospital in Siddipet town, a one coin box system was provided. It supplies one liter of purified water for Rs.1. The same has also been installed in the local bus stand for thirsty passengers.

Cholamandalam Promotes Water and Sanitation

Cholamandalam, a renowned finance and investment company, has signed an MOU with Bala Vikasa for the donation of over 97 lakh rupees for the provision of: a Water Purification Plant in Papannapa village; 100% family toilets in three selected villages; toilets for the school children of NTR Colony; a coin based RO purification plant at Karimnagar bus stand; two modern stainless stell ERAM scientific coin-based public toilets

at the Karimnagar bus stand. The project will be carried out in the first quarter of the coming financial year.

P-Cubed Conference: Social Enterprise – The new Model for CSR

On the 5th of March 2015, Vikasa International Center held a daylong conference at Hitex Exhibition Center in Hyderabad whose objective was to initiate discourse on the amalgamation of CSR funding with the ethos of social entrepreneurship. With the conclusion of our P-Cubed Conference, which saw 160 participants from the corporate, social entrepreneurship and non-profit spaces come together to listen and deliberate on this unique synergy of concepts, we are now more certain than ever that the time is ripe and the moment right to launch this movement. We believe that combining the resources of CSR with the models of social entrepreneurship can be instrumental in bringing about sustainable change and addressing the numerous social and economic challenges we face as a country today. It is a differentiated and timely intervention, given the growing social entrepreneurship ecosystems in various cities, as well as the recently mandated CSR allocations from big business.

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The P-Cubed Conference featured eminent speakers from different sectors associated with the theme, and each of them highlighted a unique angle of the subject at hand. The Minister of IT and Panchayati Raj Mr. Taraka Ramarao touched briefly on new initiatives of his department in promoting micro and rural entrepreneurship, through technological innovation. He expressed that his long association with Bala Vikasa had led to a deep trust and belief in the effectiveness of the organization in community development, and that he was happy to see it entering this new vibrant space.

In his keynote address, Deputy British High Commissioner Mr. Andrew McAllister expounded on the provenance and the success of social enterprises in the UK, and how these models can be replicated in an Indian context. He said that the British government would be eager to play a part in the establishment of this process and actively take up a role in such partnerships in the future. Chairperson of CII-Telangana, Ms. Vanitha Datla, CEO of GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, Dr. Raghunathan and Senior Member of CII-BYST, Mr Vijay Kumar were some of the other distinguished guests to give short talks on different aspects of the theme.

The Conference featured three speakers: Mr Pradeep Sharma, CEO of Grey Matters (a social enterprise working with improving education in lower-income English speaking schools); Dr. Radhika Shankar, a leading social entrepreneurship consultant; and Mr. Adarsh Kataruka, Founder of Soul Ace Ventures which works with CSR and business sustainability. Each speaker drew out different threads connected to CSR and social enterprises. While Pradeep used his own enterprise as an illustration of a successful business venture with a tangible and impactful social agenda, Dr. Radhika primarily focused on the theoretical aspects of social enterprises, elaborating on business models, frameworks of innovation, spectrums of impact

investing and finally corporate business with a ‘social conscience’. The ideal model, as advocated by Dr. Radhika, is one of blended value – sustainability and possibility to scale. Finally, Mr Adarsh presented on the crux of the theme by discussing how CSR resources can be tied in with social enterprise models.

Questions arose from the audience regarding the plausibility of social entrepreneurs approaching companies for funding, as well as the legalities behind using CSR funds towards ‘for-profit’ initiatives. His talk was followed by General Manager Dr. Vijay Bhaskar presenting Vikasa International Center’s products and services, and a 45-minute open floor question and answer session convened by Mr. Ram Khata (social entrepreneur – Farm School), Mr. Raj Jangam (Founder of Unltd Hyderabad) and Mr. Subodh (Head of IPR at Tata Consultancy Services).

Overall, the Conference succeeded in two major aspects: it was the first of its kind in discussing this particular nexus of ideas, i.e. bringing together CSR and social enterprises, and this was widely acknowledged and appreciated by several of the participants. Secondly, the Conference successfully launched Vikasa International Center’s name into the public domain, especially in the sectors of social enterprises and CSR, attached to its mandate of filling this niche gap – tying up two significant dimensions in India’s development into one nucleus of potential.

Through the entire event ran the common thread of the importance of partnership, collaboration and discourse/discussions to keep the movement alive. We are currently working on forging different kinds of partnerships with at least 4-5 organizations / individuals. We hope the spark that was lit on 5th March 2015 at the P-Cubed Conference will turn into a raging fire for equality, inclusion and social progress.

Telangana Government is ready to use Bala Vikasa expertise - Sri. K.T.Rama Rao, Minister for Panchayat Raj and IT

Iam here primarily to appreciate what Bala Vikasa is doing. They have done a tremendous job for more than 37 years in terms of reaching out to those areas where government are traditionally not by design but systematic limitations could not fill and reach out to the sections. Bala Vikasa has done an exemplary job even in my own constituency and district and adjacent districts across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as well. Now launch of Vikasa International Center is taking it to the next level ensuring more participation from them. As Telengana Government is planning to federate SHG groups into Krushi marts and all the local products will be showcased across the world. We are using the technology and one side and the Corporate Social Responsibility angle also tied in to create online market

places using retailers like Amazon etc. On one hand opportunity is huge and other hand Corporate Social Responsibility is coming in we would be happy to work with groups like Bala Vikasa. Having seen what Bala Vikasa has done over years and potential to do more we would be happy to partner with Vikasa International Center to participate in the process of inclusive growth and increased and improved self governance at the door step of villages. We ensure social entrepreneurship is appreciated and supported by government.

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BuILDInG OuR COMMunITY OF DISTInGuISHED PARTnERS

Collaboration with Schulich MBA in India

46 graduate students pursuing an International MBA through the Schulich School of Business in Hyderabad (the business school of York University) visited Bala Vikasa in September 2014 to begin a collaboration of ideas and skills. As part of their degree, the students will be identifying sectors of interest, which they will then focus on strengthening by developing strategies and metrics. They spent a day familiarizing themselves with Bala Vikasa’s development approaches, especially Asset Based Community Development that is intrinsic to all our programs, and were exposed to some of our projects on a field visit.

Hosting World Vision

A team from globally renowned charity World Vision Asia Pacific led by Regional Director, Dr. Frederick Christopher came to Bala Vikasa to better understand

our initiatives and models of community driven development, especially with regards to the economic wellbeing of women. The team visited a Water Purification Plant in Jaigiri village and interacted with two women micro-entrepreneurs. Impressed by the impact of Bala Vikasa’s programs on individuals and communities, they expressed a wish to collaborate closely in the future, particularly through our capacity building programs.

uS Consul General & Team Visit Bala Vikasa

A special team of delegates came to visit Bala Vikasa - U.S. Consul General Mr. Michael Mullin and three of his team interacted with the core staff of Bala Vikasa and also with the village development committee members, who came for a training program on that day. A field visit to the Tharalapalli Water Purification Plant inspired Mr. Mullin and he expressed his deep appreciation for Bala Vikasa’s work over the last 37 years.

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Summary of Financial Statement 2014-15

Expenditure Rs. 112,193,602

Income Rs. 112,193,602

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Bala Vikasa 10 Development Rules

Our Donors

CSR Partners

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (FATD)

Canada

novara Center Onlus Italy

Kadoorie Charitable Foundation (KCF)

Hong KongSchool for Children

ItalyIndividuals

Local Communities

SOPAR - Bala Vikasa Canada & uSA

Frank Water Projects England

Bala Vikasa has derived these 10 Development Rules from our extensive field experience. They form the core of our development policies and the guiding principles of our development approaches.

1. Bala Vikasa’s philosophy is that people are the cornerstone and the main assets of development. Development should be for the people, of the people and by the people.

2. Women are the heart of development. For development to be tangible, women must be given their rightful place in the community in which they are major assets.

3. Development is change of attitude and it starts in the mind. Self-esteem and self-confidence in one’s own abilities are pre-requisites for self-development. For people to change their lives, they have to first reject the ‘mendicant mentality’ and build on their assets.

4. Development is solidarity within groups and within communities. In their search for wellbeing, people are supported by their group. In return they must invest in the group and in the community.

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

6. People must participate in all stages of their development; they have to identify their assets and their needs, and must themselves find the solutions to their problems. They must take ownership of each stage of the development process.

7. Development is intra-cultural. People’s culture has to be understood and integrated into all facets of development as an important dimension of the community.

8. Development is long-term. It is unrealistic to think that development impact can be obtained after a few years of community activities. Change of attitudes takes time.

9. Development is not free. People’s contribution in kind and in money to their own development warrants ownership and is an essential condition for sustainable development.

10. Development builds on results and credibility. Agents of change must show results if they want to be accepted by the people. For an NGO, there should be consistency between the rules and mission, professionalism and transparency at all levels.

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

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