trans. 'Temple of Service') has been working in one of the world’s poorest regions, where people live on an average of USD 0.50 a day, to build cohesive and inclusive communities whose members are able to participate actively in the local decision making. It is currently headed by Chief Executive, Ronak Shah. Every year, 6,000 disadvantaged children receive a quality education in its schools; 8,00
0 women and children out of reach of hospitals are offered critical health services; thousands more families achieve food security and sustainable livelihoods through the rehabilitation of hundreds of acres of land; and 9,000 women move closer to gender equality and financial independence through women’s groups and lending cooperatives. What is distinctive about Seva Mandir is that it does not just deliver aid, but instead uses every development project as a way to build stronger communities. This is accomplished through 532 Village Forums and associated Village Funds, which co-manage all Seva Mandir projects and ensure that citizens themselves take responsibility for their village. Over time, these Forums have grown into institutions of just governance, turning Seva Mandir projects into sustained investments in more self-sufficient and equitable communities. At Seva Mandir, very modest amounts of money go a very long way toward improving people’s lives, and our success has been recognised through a long list of awards and partnerships with distinguished funders and the Indian government. To support us please visit our website: www.sevamandir.org
