Action Village India - Registered Charity Organisation

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Action Village India - Registered Charity Organisation

UK based charity. Non-profit organisation working in rural India to improve healthcare and education in the poorest of areas.

Action Village India (AVI) is a UK registered charity founded and run by people inspired by India. For more than 25 years AVI has supported six partners in India who manage rural development projects.

“The Future of India lies in its villages.” Gandhi. Behind India’s rapid economic growth and emerging middle class is a story of growing inequalities. In the areas where our partners work, roads and communications are poor, there are not enough schools and health services are patchy. Corruption and lack of knowledge leave people without access to their basic rights and the economic unit that is the rural village can be disrupted by the changes development brings, leaving people with no option but to migrate to slums in the overcrowded cities.

“Be the change you want to see.” Gandhi. In response to these changes AVI’s partners work to improve the quality of life for rural people in the Gandhian tradition of self-organisation and non-violent change. AVI's approach is: Indian answers to Indian problems. As an organisation we are committed to understanding the needs of rural India and its people at a time when India is changing and developing so quickly. Our strong partnerships allow us to access this knowledge and we do this in a spirit of friendship, fun and food!

08/10/2026

🌸 From Training to Independence: Dhankunwar’s Story

Our grassroots partner in India, MSSN, recently shared the inspiring story of Dhankunwar Pawar, whose participation in a skills training programme has helped her establish her own small business and earn an independent income.

A resident of Basipipri village, Dhankunwar had always been interested in beauty parlour work. When MSSN introduced a two-month beauty parlour training programme in Badgonda, she eagerly took the opportunity to develop her skills.

During the training, she gained practical experience in eyebrow shaping, facials, makeup and other beauty services.

💅 Putting her new skills into practice, Dhankunwar opened a small beauty parlour from her home. Although business was initially slow, word gradually spread throughout her village, bringing a growing number of customers.

Today, she earns approximately ₹4,000–5,000 per month, with particularly strong demand during wedding and festival seasons. Her earnings are helping to cover household expenses and improve her family's financial security.

💚 Dhankunwar's story, shared by our partner MSSN, demonstrates how access to practical skills training can create opportunities for women to build livelihoods, strengthen their financial independence and shape their own futures.

Through our partnership with MSSN, Action Village India supports grassroots initiatives that empower women to develop new skills and build more secure livelihoods.

Please visit our website to find out more.

07/10/2026

When Anbu stopped attending her local disability support group, our partner CRUSADE visited her to check that she was okay.

Anbu, 65, lives in Kilambakkam village in Ellapuram and has hemiparesis, which affects movement on one side of her body. She had regularly attended the Thamarai (Lotus) group, but had been absent for several months.

During their visit, the team discovered that her tarpaulin shelter had been completely damaged. Neighbours were welcoming her into their homes at night, while she spent her days cooking and sheltering beneath trees.

CRUSADE provided a grant to build a thatched-roof home. Anbu now has a safe place of her own, where she can sleep comfortably without having to rely on neighbours for shelter.

Alongside this, CRUSADE has helped her access a Disability Identity Card, a monthly maintenance allowance of Rs.1,500, a walking stick and physiotherapy.

Thank you to everyone supporting CRUSADE’s work and the local groups that help people stay connected and look out for one another.

05/10/2026

Our wonderful partner, ASSEFA, has been working with farmers to improve soil health through vermi-composting and crop rotation.

Farmers who also keep dairy cattle were supported to establish compost beds, using cow dung and earthworms to produce organic fertiliser on their own farms. After around 45 days, the first harvest yielded approximately 15 bags - around 750 kg - which farmers applied to coconut trees and other crops. Farmers were pleased with the compost, which helps soil retain moisture and provides nutrients for plant growth.

Alongside this, 20 farmers planted Vamban 8 black gram after harvesting their dry-land paddy crops. Each contributed Rs.375 towards the Rs.1,500 unit cost. Growing pulses between paddy crops helps replenish soil nitrogen and reduce the build-up of pests and diseases, while providing another source of food and income for farming households.

Small steps like create big impact down the road.

02/10/2026

Over the last year, our partner CRUSADE has helped 25 people with disabilities in Minjur and Ellapuram access equipment suited to their needs. Between them, they received 30 assistive devices, from tricycles and walking sticks to knee and back supports recommended by physiotherapists.

CRUSADE helps people find the right equipment and access the services available to them. In Minjur, this included helping seven people with hearing impairments register for a government hearing aid camp.

The team is also planning a camp with an audiologist to bring hearing assessments and advice on suitable hearing aids to the community.

A warm thank you to everyone who supports this work, and to the CRUSADE team for their continued commitment to people with disabilities across these communities.

01/10/2026

Stay refreshed in style with these beautiful hand-painted stainless steel water bottles. Perfect for picnics, garden days, or everyday use at home. Each bottle is hand painted.

All proceeds go to our rural development partners, and each bottle is hand-painted by artisans with disabilities in Kashmir, supporting dignified livelihoods and showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

We think they are pretty beautiful.. don't you?

www.kathaa.org.uk

30/09/2026

Girls, parents and neighbours are coming together in villages and schools through our partner NBJK’s girls’ education programme.

Seven trained women community leaders lead these conversations, covering gender equality, everyday life skills and future careers. Girls can ask questions, talk through their ambitions and get practical advice on further study and training. Parents take part too, discussing how they can support their daughters’ education and choices.

Between March 2025 and April 2026, the programme recorded:

• 11,460 participants in gender awareness sessions
• 8,197 in life skills training
• 9,172 in career counselling

The community leaders regularly visit schools and villages, working with teachers and families to support girls both in and out of education. Girls have been joining in enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their plans for the future.

28/09/2026

We’ve put together a beautiful collection of Diwali gift bundles, chosen with your loved ones in mind.

Explore the full range on our website and find something special to share this Diwali.

And if you’re planning to buy gifts this year, why not make your spending go a little further? Every purchase from Kathaa helps support Action Village India and our partners working with communities across India.

Give something beautiful. Give something meaningful. 💛

Link in bio or www.kathaa.org.uk

18/09/2026

We are delighted to be returning to the beautiful Eton College for the Eton Action Fair 2026!

Having taken part in the Fair for a number of years now, we can confidently say that it’s always a wonderful day out. Expect a packed programme of performances, plenty of fun games and activities, and barnyard animals aplenty, what’s not to like?

We’ll be there with a fantastic selection from our latest Kathaa range, so if you fancy a day out in Windsor this September, do come along, browse our stall and say hello.

Who knows… you might even spot a royal while you’re there!

For more information, please visit the events page of our website.

Saturday, September 26th: 11:00 - 16:00.

17/09/2026

We’re well known for our beautiful hand block-printed bags, and they make a perfect little gift for Diwali 🪔✨

Each bag is made from 100% cotton and ethically handmade in India using traditional block-printing techniques. With lots of different colours and patterns to choose from, every design has its own character - and at just £6.50, they’re a lovely, affordable Diwali gift for your loved one.

Practical, colourful and full of craft and tradition, they’re one of our Kathaa favourites.

Explore the full collection at Kathaa ✨

16/09/2026

We’ve just put together a wonderful selection of Diwali bundles on our website, with even more on the way! ✨

Make sure to take a look and place your orders sooner rather than later, as we expect our current stock to go quickly.

We’ve also recently received a beautiful new collection of handmade papier-mâché bangles and decorative pots - including some very special tortoise-shaped ones! 🐢

Explore the new arrivals and Diwali bundles at Kathaa: www.kathaa.org.uk

Wishing you a very Happy Diwali! 🪔✨

Address

5 Balls Pond Road
London Borough Of Hackney
N14AX

Website

http://www.actionvillageindia.org.uk/

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