by Father Ajay Shelke with Father Pravin Makwana for BISMumbai

DEEP Don Bosco Dakor under the guidance of Director Father Pravin Makwana organized a 01-day orientation for Viraj SHG of Shimlaj village of Umreth Taluka. The SHG started about 07 years ago with 15 women and monthly savings of Rs.50/- each was dissolved after 05 years of its functioning, with the savings and interest distributed to its members. During its 05-year functioning, this was one of the few SHGs regular in monthly savings and bank-depositing, but however was wary of giving loans, since it involved a risk.

On Friday 18 September, a 01-day orientation and input session was organized by DEEP Don Bosco, with Father Mayank Parmar as resource animator. Father Parmar, Director of DRISTI Don Bosco Kapadvanj explained the purpose of an SHG and its functions. He also enlightened the members of the risks involved and the various possibilities of taking loans. He said, "The SHG is meant to assist you in solving your financial problems. Make use of the bank balance to start a business, animal husbandry, farming, insure against accidents, pay the children's school expenses."

At the end of the orientation the SHG members sanctioned Rs. 25,000/- to a member to buy a cow and Rs. 10,000/- to another member for agriculture. DEEP Don Bosco field animator AShwin Vankar thanked everyone.