This year, a new initiative was inaugurated with a group of tribal women working as
health workers in remote areas. They had completed a health training programme with us.
This was initiated as part of an FAO programme for the promotion of organic farming
& integration of Medicinal, Aromatic & Dye Plants (MADPs).We set up a Herbal Preparation Unit & Resource Nursery in a tribal village with a group of Kurumba women. This is not only giving them an income but also developing great self confidence & independence. The nursery is supplying the unit & also local communities with plant material. It is also securing important plant resources for the future by regeneration of a degraded forest.
This model is being replicated in two other tribal villages in 2010.
The Siddha medicines provide livelihood support & are already easing & giving a life to some of the HIV+ people in the area by boosting their immune systems & easing peripheral sickness.
A three month craft training has now been completed in 8 villages with 124 women. This is for knitting, embroidery & tailoring. During this training some low level discussions of health issues, herbal gardens, simple massage techniques and DVDs on environmental issues are also introduced. On completing their training, certificates & herbal plants are given.
If you are interested in being part of this initiative, helping to support the work we are doing, sharing the turning of things, we are registered with FCRA (No.075901221) in India to receive funds from overseas - or if you are in UK, you can contact our funding organisation :
www.friendsofhope.org.uk