One of the problems that the villagers encounter is that their initiative is often stifled by lack of money. In response to this we encourage each SHG to accumulate savings together in order to create a ‘group bank’. With careful management, money can be loaned out with a small rate of interest to those in need or to those who wish to start a small income-generating activity. As the money is collectively amassed, each member of the SHG has a vested interest in how the loans are spent and repaid. The autonomy not only acts as an incentive to use money honestly, but also, as is so crucial with our community based projects, encourages social cohesion as well as building a community spirit and ethos.

This project has proven to be especially successful, with some SHGs even taking out a bank account of their own.