The Vision 

 

The ideals of unity, social justice, dignity underline the FFVDP vision in India. The attention of communities, that are displaced, marginalised and disenfranchised, is often focused on basic amenities such as food, water, shelter, and then the means to earn a livelihood. 

The primary aim of the FFVDP programme is to provide them with the wherewithal to live a life of dignity. This is accomplished by building strong families and self-confident communities where everyone counts in the march toward empowerment. 

It thus begins with the individual and then extends to the community: an empowered and inclusive family centered community. With them every  step of the way, the FFVDP provides support to the the various family members at every age and every stage of their lives. Beginning  with access to education, providing employment and creating eh right environment for health and hygiene, ensuring a stable finances, a safe and secure household and leading to empowerment in every sphere of life.   

In essence, strong and happy families lead to happy villages, which lead to happy nations and a happy world 

 

The Mission

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FFVDP's mission is to create strong sustainable communities especially among the undeserved sections of society. In Andhra Pradesh, Odissa and Tamil Nadu states of South India, FFVDP focusses on the the original inhabitants of the subcontinent. Known as Adivasis, or scheduled tribes, they form an important link to early settlement and cultural rooting of Indian society. 

They have a deep connection to the earth and nature and lived in harmony with the elements. Over time, they have become neglected, marginalized and often forgotten buy the mainstream. In the name of development, entire villages have been displaced, relocated and forced to live in urban and semi urban settings having to cope with the loss of livelihoods, traditions and their way of life. 

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FFVDP has embraced these tribal villages and communities and made it their mission to educate and empower them as also enhance the quality of life. 

 

• An inclusive strategy to empower marginalized, depressed and under-served communities in rural India and address diverse issues and concerns through a 360-degree approach 

• A family that is strong can create a strong and stable environment for itself, the village, the community and the world at large  

• Every member of every family will play a role, and will be nurtured to create strong bonds with each other and the world

• An aware and educated family will lead to an aware, self-reliant society

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The Strategy

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This focus on holistic, family-centered development can be done through six thrust areas, its guiding philosophy being ‘Investment in ethics and values.’

 

With the formation of village development councils (VDCs) and Family Development Groups [FDGs] the members of the community are empowered to identify, articulate and address their issues in a community-driven development approach.  

 

FFVDP strategy focuses on these key areas that will not only benefit these communities in the short-term but also put in place systems for self-sustainability in the long term.

  

 

Health and Household Care 

1. Food security (2-3 nutritious meals/day)

2. Kitchen gardens 

3. Secure and liveable shelters 

4. Access to sanitary latrines 

5. Access to safe drinking water

6. Decreasing water/mosquito-borne diseases 

7. Health care services 

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Education 

1. Children between 3-6 are enrolled in Anganwadis/CCCP 

2. All children between 6-16 are in school 

3. Youngsters are in professional/vocational studies 

4. All adults are functionally literate

 

Enlightenment 

1. Social and cultural values 

2. Values for life 

 

Alternative livelihoods 

1. Employment for all

2. Financial stability/sustainability 

 

Living Conditions 

1. Yearly income increased

2. Savings increased 

3. Debt decreased 

4. Eco-friendly agricultural inputs 

5. IGP Profit 

 

Leadership 

1. VDC with defined roles, responsibilities and representations 

2. VDC Participation in Grama Sabhas 

3. VDC acts as per the Overview Results and does follow-up action. 

 

Essentially, the interventions by the FFVDP and the partners are aimed at helping the people help themselves. Giving them a hand but allowing them to assess and determine their own path, and equipping them with life-skills that will see them become self-sustaining and self-motivated communities – at the individual, family, community and village levels.