On October 22 and 23, the vibrant city of Ranchi, Jharkhand, played host to a two-day training session for the Caritas India Gram Nirman initiative, marking the commencement of its fourth year of impactful community development. This project, supported by Caritas Australia, exemplifies the essence of grassroots empowerment. Through its Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, Gram Nirman is not just transforming livelihoods but also instilling a sense of dignity within communities across Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

The training brought together 22 dedicated members from the ground teams operating in 11 districts, alongside core program team members and representatives from the head office. The gathering commenced on an inspiring note with the singing of the national anthem, uniting participants in their shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful India. This collective aspiration is at the heart of Caritas India’s mission to foster sustainable development.

The agenda was rich with collaborative discussions aimed at aligning the team with the anticipated outcomes for the upcoming year. Program activities were translated into Hindi to ensure clarity and engagement among all participants, fostering an inclusive learning environment. This emphasis on communication is vital for empowering communities to take ownership of their development.

A key highlight of the training was an interactive session led by Mr. Armstrong Alexander, Associate-MEAL, focusing on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks. Participants were presented with real-life scenarios that clarified complex concepts such as log frames and indicators. This practical approach not only enhanced their understanding but also equipped them with tools to effectively measure their impact in the field.

Moreover, discussions on essential policies like Child Protection and Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) led by Ms. Anjali Kujur, the Associate HR reinforced Caritas India’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. Engaging video snippets captured participants’ attention while ensuring compliance with these critical guidelines.

As the training progressed into its second day, Ms. Babita Pinto, the Head of Program (HoP) engaged with attendees to express gratitude for their dedication and set an optimistic tone for the future. Emphasizing creativity and local solutions, she urged team members to strengthen their identities within communities and link government initiatives with grassroots activities. Her call for community leadership echoed throughout the session, encouraging participants to empower local voices in guiding village development.

The HoP’s insights were particularly resonant as she highlighted the importance of community investment in their own progress. By leveraging the ABCD approach, teams were encouraged to introduce innovative concepts such as community campaigns and fundraising events that utilize local resources effectively.

In a subsequent session focused on Disability Inclusion undertaken by Ms. Sangita Kulsheshta, program leaders reiterated Caritas India’s commitment to integrating persons with disabilities (PWD) into mainstream development efforts. The emphasis on early detection and prevention of disabilities within a participatory framework aligns seamlessly with Gram Nirman’s holistic approach to community well-being.

Participants were also introduced to practical skills in photography and videography, rekindling their enthusiasm for documenting community stories and successes. This creative outlet not only enhances visibility but also serves as a powerful tool for advocacy.

Kshitiz Jaiswal, one of the community educator from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, expressed how the knowledge gained would enhance project execution and foster a deeper understanding of interrelated components within their initiatives. Similarly, Charles Able Joseph from Ranchi noted that the training inspired him to adopt a fresh perspective on community engagement, reinforcing his commitment to fostering self-reliance among local populations.

As Gram Nirman steps into its fourth year, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven development. By equipping local leaders with essential skills and knowledge, this initiative not only complements government efforts towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat but also paves the way for sustainable development across remote villages in India. Through collective action and empowerment, Gram Nirman continues to be a catalyst for change—one village at a time.