"Cargill’s Global Vision is about nourishing potential. Everything we saw today, the Anganawadis, the women empowerment initiatives, scholarships and mobile health clinic actively demonstrate our belief through what we are doing in villages and among the communities where we live. We are thankful to the local community leaders for their support for the program.” – Robert Schubert, Managing Director- CPN India
"I am inspired by the work done in this community and would like to thank Cargill for reposing their trust in United Way and for their support towards uplifting local communities. On a personal front, I want take part this initiative and sponsor the education of 10 students.” – José Pedro Ferrão, International President- United Way Worldwide.
A Community Connect event was held on 18th April 2018 at Bisuvanahalli Govt. Primary School, to coincide with the visit of José Pedro Ferrão, International President- United Way Worldwide and Robert Schubert, Managing Director- CPN India. The objective of the event was to celebrate community development and showcase the Integrated Rural Development Initiatives that Cargill has supported over the past two years in the Bashettihalli Grama Panchayat, Doddaballapura Taluk, covering 5 villages, Bisuvanahalli, Kasavanahalli, Medihalli, Yellapura and Bashettihalli.
Integrated development, integrated exposure
COMMUNITY CONNECT 2018 – THE DAY OF ACTION
The guests got a glimpse into every initiative of the project through a well-planned event which took on the look and feel of a village mela or fair. Beginning with a traditional welcome that consisted of aarti, and a joyous procession accompanied by music and dance, the mood for the rest of the day was one of celebration. The guests and UWBe team were welcomed by the local community leaders, students, children and women.
The group first interacted with the Mobile health clinic staff including an MBBS doctor, a pharmacist and a nurse to understand the reach and impact of the medical outreach into the selected villages. They were then given insights into the women empowerment initiative and the women who had been helped for income generation showcased their progress through specially designed stalls. Cargill has supported 75 women by funding them for petty shops, fancy stores and also built their skills for tailoring and other trades. Some women have also been given livestock support. Another highlight of the day was the visit to the anganwadi centre (Born Learning Centre), where the guests interacted in the workers and witnessed the learning activities. Cargill supports five centres in the area.
Robert, Jose, some community members and volunteers from Cargill then took part in a seed ball making competition which is a greening initiative of UWBe. It was a one-minute fun game where groups of four made an average of 15 seed balls per group. After planting saplings, the guests took part in a unique community connect conversation, where 200 community members had gathered to interact with the guests.
Sr. Bindu, one of the NGO partners, explained the importance of early childhood learning and the transformation of BLC centers to the community and extended gratitude to Cargill for the support.
Dr. Nagaraj, MBBS, from the mobile health clinic shared the health condition of the villagers prior to the intervention, cases identified, villages covered, camps held, patients examined, patients treated and the improvement not only in their health condition, but also in the behavioral change.
Asha, a student of 1st year degree, who is part of the Student Support Program, shared how the program helped her to continue her education after completing class 10.
Manjula, a women entrepreneur who has received support from the Cargill – Women Livelihood program shared that she had generated additional income and this has helped make her more confident. She expressed her whole hearted thanks to Cargill for their Support.
Amali, an NGO partner shared her experience through the journey of transforming lives and thanked Cargill for the support.
Students from the Student Support Program received certificates from Robert and the team took part in graduation day celebration of BLC children who have completed three years in the anganwadi and will be attending regular school. The children are now school-ready and will join schools from the forthcoming academic year.
Cargill team then acknowledged the local community leaders for their support and distributed livestock to the next set of women beneficiaries. The day ended with a vote of thanks from UWBe and smiles all around!
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