NGO Think Peace is helping over 230 hamlets in Andhra Pradesh become self-sufficient


Think Peace has been in existence for quite some time now, but they are still as passionate as they were when they started

it's been 12 years since Think Peace started its work in 230 hamlets in what is now Andhra Pradesh and they still strive to do their best. What started with the founder, Kiran Chukkapalli distributing solar lights and teaching the tribal folk how to repair and maintain them, has now evolved into an NGO that has taken on its most "ambitious programme yet,” says Chukkapalli. 

Access to healthcare in villages is scarce and getting to a doctor is a task in itself. To set this right, Think Peace has decided to launch (tentatively on March 23) Arogyam, a healthcare programme that combines local sources and technology. A few locals are trained in the basics of diagnosis and treatment with the use of devices that are simple and easy to use. They can even get in touch with a doctor in case they have any issues. "Not only this, the doctors will have access to the medical reports as all the records will be documented online," says Chukkapalli, adding that they hope to pilot this in villages like Sai Nagar, Kothavalasa and more.

And that's not all. The women of these hamlets are already skilled at making Vistaraku, a disposable plate made of broad leaves. Think Peace is exploring new markets for these plates and are currently engaged in procuring sewing machines at a subsidised rate. They also wish to improve the literacy levels of the middle-aged villagers by setting up a school for adults and are looking for a market space for local produce like turmeric, pepper, raagi and more. "All of this is still in the planning stage though," clarifies Chukkapalli. What is common among most of their initiatives is that they train local hands for projects. "Sustainability and scalability, that's our aim,” he says, adding, "We believe it is our responsibility to make sure that every programme we initiate in the valley is self-sustainable and not dependent on the organisation's presence.  We will always be there in the valley and for our tribes, but the idea is to liberate them and not make them dependent on us.".....Read more

 

Source web page:Edexlive,com

 

 


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