There was an energy and life in the room. Everyone dressed in their brightest and finest of colors and patterns. A sense of eagerness and anticipation filled the air…
The only man pictured in the photo above is Wilson. On a monthly basis he meets with the leaders of about 25 self-help groups, which in total add up to about 345 women, all of whom come from dire situations of poverty in the Tamil Nadu region of India. Each of these groups of 12 – 15 women come together on a regular basis to encourage one another in the running of their own businesses and each take part in a collective micro-loan which allows them to get the business off the ground. Wilson provides coaching and training for the leaders and can act as a sounding board for wisdom with challenges that arise along the way. The women love to meet together…
These self-help groups have an incredible success rate. Women are able to start supporting themselves and their families, pay back the loans they’ve taken out, and from the collective fund begin hiring and supporting other women in need!
The women involved in these groups have started many different kinds of businesses – becoming seamstresses, embroiderers, organic vegetable farmers, and even leather-crafters. Business for Orphans has also provided job opportunities through our jewelry business called Dignata. We provide the designs, supplies, and training for the women. Through the jewelry that is made and sold we are able to provide salaries for the women to be self-supported.
It was such a beautiful experience to be able to join with Wilson in visiting the women’s group leaders, as well as provide skill training for new trainees and new designs for those who have already been employed in the work over the last few years. They were so attentive to James’ directives and many new women (more than we had anticipated) were eager to learn the skills. People often think that people living in poverty are lazy…but the thing is, they are just waiting for opportunities to work – to get their hands busy; They are longing to see the fruit of their own work. Poverty goes much much deeper – many find themselves caught in a system of brokenness that has been at work long before these women were even born…
“Poverty is the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life, that are not harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meanings”
- When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert
The concept of these self help groups is an incredibly dignifying and holistic way of addressing the issue of poverty. The women are not given handouts which might help in the moment but are quickly dried up and not solving the underlying problems. Instead they are empowered to work and provide for themselves through skill training, loans, as well as the emotional and social support and encouragement of their fellow group members. There is something powerful that happens when the group takes ownership, not only for their own lives, but for the well being of all the women involved.
Although we are nowhere near solving the issue of poverty - BFO is taking steps to bring more peace and shalom. How we love seeing smiles such as these: smiles are signs of joy, dignity and wholeness being restored!