Hand in hand

Gekås Ullared, together with Hand in Hand, helps people to get out of poverty by starting their own business.

Gekås and Hand in Hand

Gekås is funding a project in the Indian village of Abidpur Manki that gives people the opportunity for training, microloans and support in their entrepreneurship. The project is primarily aimed at women. Read more about Hand in Hand.

The project in Abidpur Manki

The village of Abidpur Manki is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. The nearest major city is Ghaziabad. There are about 4152 people living in Abidpur Manki and agriculture is the dominant occupation. Poverty is high as there are no real jobs. It is also common for children not to attend school, as they have to help support the family.

Entrepreneurship and jobs

During the two years that Gekås is funding the comprehensive change program, a lot will happen. Around 100 women will be trained in self-help groups. They will learn to read, write and count. This will be followed by training in entrepreneurship and how to run a business. After the training and the possibility of microloans, more than 100 small family businesses will be started, providing new livelihoods for the family.

Schools, health, environment and democracy

All children are placed in school, school buildings are renovated and more teachers are hired. Children who have fallen behind their age group in school will first attend “transit schools” to catch up before they can enter mainstream school. In addition, comprehensive hygiene, health and veterinary programs will be implemented. A special environmental program will be started with a focus on waste management, water treatment and biogas. In addition, a community center will be built to provide villagers with internet access and community information. When the project is completed after two years, the whole village will have been lifted from severe poverty to a new future of hope, dignity and choice.