The third phase of the U3 programme is in line with the key strategic pillars of Caritas India, and it helps improve the lives of impoverished families.

The programme fosters and secures self-sustaining climate-resilient, climate-adaptive agriculture and livelihoods through community-owned processes in the states of West Bengal, Karnataka, and Telangana. It has continued the momentum of strengthening and upscaling the PLE approach in order to mainstream it and absorb the onus of development within oneself.

Partner Directors and Program Implementors from Karnataka, Telangana, and West Bengal came together to vouch for their progress at the annual review meeting organised at Palli Unnayan Samiti, Baruipur, West Bengal. All 35 participants, including Caritas India staff, reviewed and reflected on the achievements and progress of the program.

The annual review reflected on the programme activities based on the first-year timeline. It provided participants with the opportunity for cross-learning and idea exchange. While explaining the purpose of the meeting, Dr Haridas V.R., Lead-U3 Phase III, Caritas India, said that the objectives of the U3 Phase III are in line with the key strategic pillars of Caritas India. By achieving the objectives of the program, deserving poor families will get benefits, and their life situation will be in a better position. The programme objectives are also in line with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, such as eradicating poverty, hunger, climate change, etc. He appreciated Fr Saumen Malik, Director, Palli Unnayan Samiti, for accepting the request of Caritas India and hosting the meeting.

The programme works on four key objectives: community-led actions through local governance that improve their livelihoods; community-led intensification of dialogue with duty bearers and nature; engagement of volunteers in improving qualitative changes in communities; and scaling up resource mobilisation efforts for sustenance.

All 14 programme implementors made presentations focusing on the results achieved under each outcome and shared best practices, success stories, and future plans. Each presentation was discussed in detail for the participants to clarify their doubts.

“We need to focus on integrating or mainstreaming people with disabilities, disaster vulnerable communities, and migrants, and build networks with like-minded organisations and different government office bearers,” said Fr (Dr) Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India, while addressing the partners of the U3 program. He also invited partner organisations to do dissemination mapping or documentation of good results or outcomes under the program, which will bring dividends.

Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, emphasised his presentation on standard operating guidelines and an accountability framework. He focused on the accountabilities at the partner organisation level and also at the Caritas India level. He clearly spelt out the aspects of programme partnership management.

On the third day, the participants visited the Sunderbans area, where Palli Unnayan Samiti, one of the implementing U3 Phase III partners, operates. The participants interacted with the farmers and primary stakeholders of Chandipur village and learned about intercropping and mixed cropping.

As part of the annual review meeting, the partner organisations have exhibited traditional seeds and products made by the SHG members.