Working with SHGs is like working in the moment!
We had a wonderful time connecting with the two Self Help Groups formed in our TL center. Today, I would like to share some of the learning that came across while working with these women.
To have a wonderful network of SHG and to have the project’s objective accomplished few things that we learned:
Intentions: It is very important to have our objectives and goals clear of why we want to do what we want to do. The clarity of these intentions helps us organize things accordingly. These intentions help the universe too to conspire in such a way that helps us attain our goals. So, here we were with our intentions to touch lives of the women for enhancing the quality of life by saving system and through the saving system also helping them out with how to use their savings.
Flexibility: Another important aspect that we learned is that our project should be subject to flexibility according to the ‘needs’ of the people. And that the project is further subjected to the changing needs in the times ahead. For example, it was important for us to understand that the saving is not really the main goal; the main goal is to have them feed their children, to build the roofs of their houses during rainy season, to have them pay the school fees, medicines etc. Thus, it is important here to understand that the main objective was to work as a catalyst towards having them achieve their ‘needs’ through the means of ‘saving system-Bachat Khaata.’
Open Communication: Here, to start with, we did a general open survey of the community people learning about their basic living world. The second step was to let them know what is there in our mind, however abstract that is. This helps to have an open communication of what we are intending to do. Not only it is important to communicate the best of the project but also share the ‘truths’ with them. For example:- you let them know that it would also take time for you as a team to reflect on their needs and develop a program for them and this process may take time. Letting them know complete information that you too need time and resources to prepare allows them to understand that their points are considered.
Here it is also important that there is not much gap between the development and the execution.
Creating space and time: Creating an environment where the group members can directly or indirectly interact with each other. Even while making groups, doing an activity which is based on communication, life-skills, etc helps them to have a space where they can share themselves and time where they feel that they are respected and given a chance to exchange thoughts. We have realised that they know better whom to choose as the leader and that they are fine and quite co-operative.
Trust: The most important factor is the trust. Before we wish to have them trust us, we completely need to trust them. We trusted them and their abilities. We trusted them and their needs to change their lives. We trusted them with all their apprehensions and questions. WE JUST TRUSTED!
Second, we trusted our work, our project completely. In spite of modelling the variations each time, we still believed in the potentials of our objectives and our work.
Third, we believed we can execute project qualitatively. We believed in our team and the dedication. Time also plays an important factor for building trust. For example, we reached to our meetings and the SHG discussion on time. This helped them to understand the seriousness of the work to be done together.
Well, I am quite happy to share these learning with you and this is what we call as the Magic of SHGs. I look forward to sharing more on the interesting stories with you! Meanwhile... enjoy the pics.
Thanks,
Dr. Sonia Mackwani
Touching Lives MicroWorld Team!
No comments:
Post a Comment