New initiatives launched in Rajasthan

In the southern part of Rajasthan lies the district of Chittorgarh. This portion is generally covered with undulating hills. Though heavily forested in the south, it is generally bare and thinly populated consisting of large areas of sand and stone. The dry and dusty land of Chittorgarh receives less rainfall and people generally depend on river water or underground water for irrigating their agricultural land. The rearing of sheep, goats and cattle provide the people with other means of livelihood.

The story of development and success has not reached the rural Rajasthan which is plagued with high levels of poverty and illiteracy. A large portion of poor lack productive assets, especially land, adequate livelihood skills or capacities due to illiteracy. Also the traditional pattern of life of its people has somewhat hindered the development of its people, especially women who still play a subordinate role in the family.

On 21 June 2010 HOPE worldwide started operating in this area with the intent to work in five remote villages of Mangrol, Bhavaliya, Satkanda, Nagri and Acchora. Through our programme, unemployed youth will be provided with employability skills, children of three selected government schools will be supplemented with computer education and free tuition, and quarterly health and veterinary camps will be conducted for the general population.