Holistic Child Development India

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CSR – Tribal Development Project

Thakarwadi Sustainable Tribal Development Project

In Partnership with FINWIZZ

As part of Holistic Child Development India’s (HCDI) mission to uplift marginalized communities through child-centred, community-driven interventions, the Thakarwadi Sustainable Tribal Development Project was launched in Khed Taluk, Pune District with the generous CSR support of FINWIZZ. This initiative focuses on transforming the lives of over 70 tribal families, especially the 116 children of Thakarwadi village, through a holistic and sustainable development approach.

Situated in a remote area with limited infrastructure, the Thakarwadi tribal community has long struggled with issues such as poverty, limited healthcare access, inadequate education, and a lack of basic amenities like electricity and clean water. HCDI, with the support of its partners, has taken bold steps to address these challenges through locally anchored programs designed to foster empowerment, resilience, and self-sufficiency.

Impact Highlights: 2023–24

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1. Health Awareness for Women

A health awareness session was conducted for tribal women. The session focused on the prevention of infectious diseases, proper hygiene practices at home and school, and the importance of nutrition.

As most women in the community had limited prior exposure to such topics, this initiative proved transformative. It led to a visible reduction in communicable diseases, improved children’s dietary and hygiene habits, and positively impacted school attendance and academic performance.

2. Promoting Hygiene and Personal Care for Children

In a community where personal hygiene is often overlooked due to lack of resources and awareness, a hygiene kit distribution and training session was conducted for children. Each kit included essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, oil, a handkerchief, and a comb.

Children also participated in an engaging session where they learned about handwashing techniques, daily grooming, and the role of physical activity in staying healthy. This not only improved personal hygiene practices but also helped instill a sense of self-responsibility and pride.

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3. Safe Drinking Water for Every Family

On 9th March 2024, 70 tribal families received 200-litre drinking water tanks, addressing a long-standing issue of water scarcity and unsafe drinking sources. Until then, women and children often walked long distances to fetch water, impacting health, safety, and school attendance.

The distribution of tanks provided immediate relief, improved household water hygiene, and enabled families to focus on education, health, and livelihoods. The community-wide event was attended by local leaders and HCDI staff and marked a hopeful step toward better living conditions.

4. Educational Support Through School Kits

Recognizing the importance of basic supplies in supporting early education, HCDI distributed educational kits to 65 children—including 25 from Anganwadi centers and 40 in Grades 1 to 4. Each child received a school bag, notebooks, drawing books, a pencil box, and stationery.

Arriving just before exams, the kits were a timely intervention that boosted student morale and helped increase school participation. Parents shared that their children were now better prepared and more enthusiastic about completing schoolwork and attending class regularly.

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Ongoing CSR Interventions: 2024–25

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1. Empowering Women Through Self-Help Groups

Women from the Thakarwadi community were mobilized into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and received training on financial literacy, savings, bookkeeping, and small business planning. For many, this was the first step toward economic independence and active participation in community development.

The sessions helped women gain confidence in managing money and opened doors to income-generating activities that can support their families and improve their children’s futures.

2. Mobile Medical Health Camps

Access to healthcare is minimal in Thakarwadi. To address this, HCDI introduced a Mobile Medical Unit, which delivered healthcare services directly to the village. In its first camp, it served 114 villagers, including 44 children.

Services included dental, eye, and general checkups, along with distribution of essential medications. The initiative has not only provided early detection and treatment but also helped foster a culture of proactive health-seeking behavior in a region previously unfamiliar with formal healthcare systems.

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3. Skill Development for Tribal Youth

To tackle rural unemployment, five tribal youth were enrolled in a 28-day government-certified driving course. The program covered driving techniques, road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the licensing process.

This skill-based training has created pathways for the youth to access employment in transportation, logistics, and delivery services, offering them the potential for financial stability and long-term career growth.

4. Promoting Sustainability Through Solar Energy

In a region without consistent electricity, solar lanterns were distributed to 70 families. This eco-friendly solution has allowed children to study after sunset, enabled women to manage household tasks more efficiently, and eliminated reliance on unsafe kerosene lamps, reducing health risks and environmental impact.

This simple yet transformative initiative has improved daily living conditions and introduced the community to renewable energy as a viable and sustainable solution.

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5. Strengthening Local Governance and Ownership

All activities under this CSR initiative were implemented in close coordination with Gram Panchayat leaders, ICDS workers, and schoolteachers. This ensured transparency in beneficiary selection, alignment with actual needs, and community ownership.

By engaging local stakeholders at every step, the project has nurtured accountability, sustainability, and a shared vision for long-term development.

Conclusion

The Thakarwadi Sustainable Tribal Development Project, supported by FINWIZZ, is a powerful example of how strategic and community-based CSR initiatives can bring about lasting, multidimensional change. By addressing critical gaps in healthcare, education, livelihood, women’s empowerment, and sustainable energy, the project has laid the foundation for a more self-reliant and resilient tribal community.

The active involvement of local stakeholders and families has ensured that this transformation is not only meaningful, but also sustainable in the long term. HCDI remains committed to expanding this integrated model across more tribal regions in India, ensuring that every child and family has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and lead a life of dignity and possibility.

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