IDPs, SHG interact with Guv

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 15: A group of internally displaced women, and members of Leima Self Help Group, staying at the Meitei Langol Leima Khullen Leikai Relief Camp in Imphal West interacted with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today.
The interaction at the Raj Bhavan was enabled by the MaolKeki Foundation to apprise the Governor on the progress of the Livelihoods Development Program, laun-ched in December 2023 by then Governor Sushri Anusuiya Uikey.
The entrepreneurial women from Leima SHG apprised the Governor of their achievements and thanked the Governor for his support.
They appealed to him to resolve the crisis soon so they could return to their homes.
They honoured the Governor with a Lengyan made by another IDP SHG and also presented a few items they tailored which included bags and stationary covers.
Kenedy Lourembam, Project Manager, Nirupa Sanjenbam, Head of Projects, and Trustee and Pravasi Bharatiya Samman recipient Dr Shachi Gurumayum represented MaolKeki Foundation and led the women.
Notably, the Foundation has supported over a thousand children in 12 relief camps located in five districts and provided healthcare materials  including sanitary pads to over 14,000 individuals, it said in a statement.
Following the outbreak of widespread violence on May 3, 2023 which displaced tens of thousands of people, MaolKeki Foundation focused on helping the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The Livelihoods Development Program was launched with fundings from Anaha Trust, managed by Sattva, and the North American Manipuri Association (NAMA) with an aim to train IDPs on self-sustaining means of livelihoods.
Under the program, 111 women in seven relief camps in four districts were provided necessary support including skills, business management & leadership training, material support,  formation of Self Help Groups, promotion and market access. The women then went on to form 11 SHGs including the Leima SHG which emerged as the best performer, earning an average of Rs 4 lakh per annum from tailoring activities.
Additionally, the Livelihoods Development Program has secured funding from the Azim Premji Foundation to further scale the support to 120 women in various relief camps, said the foundation.