Dargah Hazrat Inayat Khan

Youth Forum
A new initiative for young men of the community was organized with the
objective of giving an expression to youth voices. 27 young boys are a part of this
forum. In the 5 meetings organized, the youth discussed issues related to their
employability; self employment, vocational training, health and reasons for
school drop out. It provided a platform for the youth to share ideas, experiences,
and issues affecting them. One of the outcomes of this initiative has been that
young boys have enrolled themselves in English classes, Guiding tour and NIOS
program to enhance their knowledge & skills.
Thrift & Credit
Over the years the Thrift and Credit program has provided women the opportunity to lead a
more secure life and become independent by encouraging them to save in groups and
access loans at low interest rates for their unmet needs. Consequently many women have
been able to augment their family income by starting new businesses as well as support
their family's financial needs.
A total of 60 SHGs are functioning under this program with a total strength of 720 women
and savings of Rs. 34, 98,781/-. 68 loans were distributed amounting to a total of Rs. 13,
38,000/-. These loans have been used for various purposes, such as starting petty business,
purchasing vehicles for rent, children's education, asset building, marriages and household
expenses. It is worth mentioning that there has been no defaulter & repayment of loan has
always been regular. The SHG meetings have provided a platform for strengthening of intercommunity
ties between diverse set of communities as women act as a cohesive group.
Khatoon has never attended school but that is not an impediment for her to understand the importance of saving. She makes crotchet
for sale at her husband's shop and saves a substantial amount from the income they earn. Initially her household situation made it
tough for her to save. However she started to save small amounts on a regular basis and to deposit these amounts in the monthly
saving. She took her first loan for her daughter's marriage. After gradually repaying the loan she took another one for buying a small
piece of land in Faridabad as an investment.
She is now satisfied that her future is secure because of her investment. She has shared with her friends and relatives the benefits of
Hope Project's Thrift and Credit program which has led to the addition of many members. She is currently the President of Star
Mahila Bachat Sangathan and is a true example of an empowered woman who has allowed her daughter to continue her studies after
12th standard - against all odds.
21