Through a network of over 300 local organisations we work to improve the lives of the most vulnerable - tribal groups, Dalits, people with disabilities, city street people and women.

tribal groups

There are more than 700 tribal communities in India whose people are some of the poorest and most disadvantaged in the country. Having lived in almost total isolation until recently, their forced integration into mainstream economy, society, culture and political systems has left them particularly vulnerable.

We are working through partner organisations to provide training and guidance so that they can organise themselves and acquire useful skills. In Uttar Pradesh we are working with tribal Kols to help them tackle bonded labour and sexual exploitation, and claim land rights. Kol children attend informal education centres where their timetables are flexible and they learn by playing, singing, dancing and painting.

dalits

The single largest group of people in India, Dalits are regarded as the lowest form of humanity and are denied all social, economic, cultural and political opportunities. As 'untouchables' they are forced to work in degrading occupations, such as human sewage collection. We are helping Dalit women to form themselves into self-help groups to improve their lives.

people with disabilities

An estimated 45 million people in India are disabled, the majority of them living in rural areas. Fewer than 2% receive the help they need.

We work to rehabilitate people with disabilities into mainstream society, and train community rehabilitation workers. We help to encourage local communities to go to orthopaedic doctors and physiotherapists. We also help to train volunteers and teachers in physiotherapy, as well as supplying hearing aids, walking sticks and specialist footwear.

disadvantaged people in big cities

As many rural people move to cities in search of employment, they gather in large slum areas where housing, sanitation and basic services are inadequate. Women and children are harassed and sexually abused on the streets. We are helping street children, pavement dwellers and sex workers to claim their rights to housing, land and legal aid.

We also help a partner organisation in New Delhi to provide people who are sleeping rough with healthcare, clothing, counselling and protection.

women

Many Indian women and girls have little or no control over their own lives and are discriminated against in every respect, including access to education, employment and health services.

We focus on women with special difficulties, such as sex workers, widows and victims of violence. We are working through local organisations to help women become aware of their rights. We also provide loans so they can set up small businesses to generate their own income and participate in democratic and political processes.