Enabling Self-Sufficiency Through Green Livelihood Recovery

Enabling communities to thrive and stay together through livelihoods that are in harmony with the environment

Before the disaster, some of the hardest-hit areas were also the poorest. Now, in the aftermath, farms have been destroyed, shops ruined, the tourist trade devastated. In addition, many women who depended on their husbands’ incomes as they cared lovingly for their children have now been tragically widowed.

Without the skills they need to earn livelihoods, they and their children face even greater threats of poverty, hunger and despair. Without work or economic opportunity, some people are feeling forced, out of necessity, to migrate to distant cities. Sadly, in many cases, such migrant families may soon find themselves living in the claustrophobic squalor of urban slums in even deeper poverty.

Recognising that the ability to earn a livelihood is essential towards rebuilding lives and keeping people in their communities, Project Hope and its many partners are directly assisting disaster survivors to find solid footing through the development of new skills. In so doing, Project Hope is training people how to not only make a living, but to make a green and sustainable living that supports both their families and their ecosystem.

  Livelihood Skills for Widows

In the disaster-stricken mountains, countless new widows must now become the sole bread-winners for their families. We are providing vocational classes, such as sewing and embroidery, designed in direct response to their desires and abilities.

Livelihoods through Reconstruction

The majority of people performing construction and reconstruction activities in Uttarakhand are from other states due to the lack of qualified workers. We are assisting local residents to learn how they may help to rebuild their own communities.

Livelihoods through Trees, Herbs & Zero-Budget farming

The Himalayas have always been looked to for their healing herbs, fruit trees, and abundant crops. Project Hope and partners such as Organic India will help disaster survivors to benefit from growing, packaging and marketing organic products in ways that save farmers’ costs, so they may have more for their families and the environment may be protected.

Livelihoods through Cows

We are providing impoverished women of Himalayan villages with tools and skills that are  enabling them to produce and market wonderful products, including natural medicine and improved milk. In so doing, some disaster survivors, especially widows who lost their cows, are also being provided with the gifts of new cows, so that their families may be better supported.

Livelihoods though Water

We are training disaster-impacted people across  Uttarakhand as to how to fabricate Bio-Sand Water Filters.  The filters will be provided to schools, so that the children of Uttarakhand may have safe water to drink.

Livelihoods in Schools

Vocational training programmes are being introduced within many disaster-affected schools, so that a new generation may be assured of bright futures by learning skills they need for modern times.