Tips for Field Worker s Vol 2 - Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

Tips for Field Workers
Majority of Swa-Shakti SHGs are at present around o ne
year old. During the first year, every such project witnesses
great progress and the SHGs and field workers are very
optimistic. During every visit of the field worker, some
progress is seen, members are enthusiastic, basic activities
like group formation, savings and loaning starts, few groups
and their field workers show more initiative and encourage
members to get involved in community affairs, income
generation activities, etc.
Growth of a SHG can be compared to the growth of a new
born child. In the first year (infant stage), the c hild shows
great potential and parents are very happy. In some cases,
they pamper the child. The real problem starts when the
child reaches adolescent stage. During this age, the child
is having great expectations and very frequently conflicts
take place due to difference in what the parents can offer
and what the child wants. Parents have to be very patient
and careful at this age. They have to guide the adolescent
child without hurting its feelings but have to ensure that
the child develops properly. Our SHG may become
“adolescent” during the second year.
Once the child passes through adolescence and becomes
adult, it becomes more responsible, its actual potential
becomes known and it does not need much guidance from
the parents. Our SHGs will become “adult” during their
fourth year.
The “Infant Groups” (which are up to one year old) have
following characteristics:
They get basic training through on site training, o ff site
training and exposure visits;
They meet regularly and are willing to learn from the
field worker;
They start savings and loaning activities; and
Very fast growth is seen in the SHG and every thing
appears to be under control.
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