Help Vulnerable Women Build Their Skills

About the Organization:
Established in 1969, the Verala Development Society (VDS) is a grassroots organization dedicated to community development. Their mission is to empower underprivileged women to meet their basic human needs, including food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare. The VDS continuously works toward addressing all five fundamental needs of individuals.

The VDS, in its span of 4 plus decades has achieved incredible feats, some of which include:

1. Generated 2.5 million man-days of one-time employment, providing livelihood opportunities.
2. Irrigated 500 hectares of land in drought-prone areas, improving agricultural productivity.
3. Planted and nurtured 100,000 forest trees, transforming wasteland into green cover.
4. Implemented watershed development projects covering 70 sq. km., resulting in an annual water harvest of one million cubic meters.
5. Established a workers' cloth-producing cooperative with an annual turnover of 20 million Rupees and employing 200 workers.
6. Constructed 70,000 sq. ft. of low-cost housing, providing affordable homes to those in need.
7. Reclaimed 500 hectares of saline farmland, enabling agricultural cultivation.
8. Conducted community health programs in three centers, promoting well-being and healthcare access.
9. Provided income generation training to marginalized women, empowering them economically.
10. Implemented a lift irrigation scheme in Khanapur Tehsil, improving water availability for agriculture.
11. Engaged in an Adolescent Health Program in 15 schools and 2 colleges, focusing on gender sensitivity for youth.
12. Worked on a Targeted Intervention Program for STI-HIV-AIDS for nine years, serving migrant workers and slum dwellers. The program treated and referred 38,000 STI cases, and trained 80 peer educators for program sustainability.

At VDS, each member is committed to creating lasting positive change in the lives of individuals and communities they serve.

Issue:
VDS is Working towards empowering a multitude of individuals. Upskilling Women for a Secure Future!

Verala Development Society (VDS) is dedicated to skilling and empowering widows, COVID-affected individuals, and underprivileged women. They recognize the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable groups and strive to provide them with opportunities for personal and economic growth.

Action:
Through their numerous skilling programs, we equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their employability and income-earning potential. They offer training in various sectors such as vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, enabling them to explore new avenues and become self-reliant.

Additionally, they provide mentorship and guidance to help them navigate the complexities of the job market and establish sustainable livelihoods. By empowering widows, COVID-affected individuals, and underprivileged women, VDS aims to uplift their lives, restore their confidence, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Impact :
Generated 2.5 million man-days of one-time employment, providing livelihood opportunities.

Established a workers' cloth-producing cooperative with an annual turnover of 20 million Rupees and employing 200 workers.

Engaged in an Adolescent Health Program in 15 schools and 2 colleges, focusing on gender sensitivity for youth.

Worked on a Targeted Intervention Program for STI-HIV-AIDS for nine years, serving migrant workers and slum dwellers.

Provided income generation training to marginalized women, empowering them economically.

Primary Cause :
Skilling and Empowering Women.

Project Location(s):
Sangli