Asha for Education

Project Brief: Rural reconstruction and self-reliance in the Gandhian Gram Swarajya model in 3 Manipur villages.
Project Type: Vocational Training (description)
Primary Focus: vocational training (description)

Secondary Focus: dropouts

Area: Rural
Supporting Chapter Contact: Madison

Status: completed - requirements ended
Project Steward: Sanjay Jain
Project Partner(s):
Other Contacts:
Project Address: , Thoubal Achouba, M.I. Road,Hotel Kongbra,Thoubal,
Manipur  795138
Tel: (03848)-22641
Stewarding Chapter: Madison

The Gandhian Institute of Rural Development (GIRD) is based in Moruk Ingkhol, Imphal East District, Manipur and is about 15 km from Imphal. It was established in July 1995 as part of the Mahatma Gandhi Mission. Its main aim is to implement the Gandhian philosophy of life and human development, through Gram Swarajya (rural independence), rural reconstruction and self-reliance.

GIRD volunteers work with the local, mainly agricultural and rural, community of 3 villages (Moruk Ingkhol, Saruthel and Avang Nayerangam). GIRD focuses on vocational training, agriculture and non-formal education. They use 6 acres of land donated by the villages and work closely with the local community.

GIRD's main vocational activities are a dairy farm, a nursery, kitchen garden, weaving, bee-keeping and horticulture. The weaving unit trains many villagers and makes a profit by selling products in nearby towns. GIRD's educational activities include 3 balwadis in each of the 3 villages with about 25-30 children each. They also maintain a village library and women's self-help groups.

GIRD faces problems on the financial front as well as from local militant groups who have threatened to force GIRD to leave if they are unsuccessful in their efforts.