#LivingMyPromise (LMP), a pioneering community-driven philanthropic initiative, launched the Integrated Village Development project in Gaurahari, Uttar Pradesh. An ambitious endeavor by a group of community members (LMP Promisors) aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by rural communities and create a sustainable model for holistic development.
The project, a collaborative effort involving several LMP promisors, has already made significant strides. Over 20,000 saplings have been planted by 200 farming families, not only providing an additional source of income but also contributing to water conservation and environmental sustainability.
Stuthi Vijayaraghavan, Founder Urban Venture Labs, said "Bundelkhand is a highly sensitive area facing heatwaves, drought and water deficiencies. With our project, we aim to demonstrate that livelihoods which are local and sustainable can actually aid, rather than exacerbate climate change. Our goal is to create such a model and further scale to other village clusters as well, turning the area into a climate hotspot."
Raj Mohan, Founder Director at Sustainable Green Initiative, added "To put simply, we are planting trees to help alleviate hunger and poverty while fighting climate change." Beyond afforestation, the project encompasses a wide range of initiatives focused on women's empowerment, livelihoods, health, and education.
Key highlights of the project:
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Afforestation: Planting over 20,000 saplings to enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change.
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Women Empowerment: Implementing programs to empower women through education, skill development, and economic opportunities.
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Livelihoods: Supporting sustainable livelihood options for the community, such as agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale enterprises.
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Health: Improving access to healthcare facilities and promoting preventive health measures.
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Education: Enhancing educational opportunities for children and youth through scholarships, infrastructure development, and teacher training.
By addressing these critical areas, LMP seeks to improve the overall quality of life for the residents of Gaurahari.
Ravindra Kumar, General secretary at Srijan Ek Soch NGO, said "Our goal is to uplift every facet of village life by enhancing education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities for youth, women, and farmers, while creating a model village to inspire neighboring communities."
Gunjan Thaney, Head - LMP said, "#LivingMyPromise provides a platform for individuals to share their promise to give away half their wealth for social good. While participation in collaborative projects is completely optional, our Promisors often find themselves inspired to work together on shared philanthropic goals. This sense of community fosters collaboration and active engagement."
LMP's commitment to rural development is driven by a community of individuals who have voluntarily pledged a portion of their wealth to causes they believe in. This collaborative approach allows promisors to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and efficiently collaborate on shared causes. Through LMP's platform, individuals can participate in initiatives such as the Dolphin Tank, its Annual Giving Event where promisors also pitch their philanthropic ideas for funding, and the LMP Annual Retreat, a gathering for networking and inspiration.
While LMP provides opportunities for collaboration, the choice to participate in these initiatives lies entirely with the individual promisor. This voluntary nature fosters a sense of ownership and empowers promisors to contribute to causes that resonate with their personal values. By creating a supportive community and providing opportunities for meaningful engagement, LMP is inspiring individuals to give back to society and make a lasting impact on society.
