In Eastern India, the population below the poverty line in Bihar and Jharkhand is almost 50 per cent and 30 per cent in Odisha.
At Parinaama, we believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to paid work in formal and informal sectors through added skills and knowledge. We believe mothers and their children deserve access to primary healthcare and the knowledge to stay healthy.
During the past decade, the results achieved:
People were reached through our programs across the five states (both direct and indirect beneficiaries)
Community Health Volunteers Were Sensitized
Producer Groups
Testimonials
"Our journey with Parinaama exceeded all our expectations. We did not realize the importance when the mobilizers first visited our village to conduct the meetings and screening. After enrolling in the program, the opportunity was great, and we had interactions and learnings from significant persons in the district."
Rashmita Sarangi, Balangir
“This learning was not only a simple training program. It was nothing short of a miracle, a discovery of myself. In our village, we never get to speak to anyone outside our clan. I loved the training program and met many other women who share similar stories. It was one of the best things of my life.”
Namita Biswal, Balangir
“We very much enjoyed the small group size of the micro-entrepreneurship workshops, as it allows for an intimate and deep exchange with similar groups facing the same issues. Far beyond the typical workshops, the field trips provided opportunities to be with and learn from other enterprises through their experiences. Parinaama and the local enterprises taught me much about micro-businesses and a great deal about myself.”
Sumalatha Putel, Subarnapur
“First of all, I’ll say that Parinaama is very thoughtful in preparing us for the long haul. They anticipate your needs, so you always feel fully supported in everything; raw materials, skills, budgets, procurement issues, logistics issues, and balancing with domestic chores. The complete package gives you tremendous clarity. And then there’s one more element. The difference you can make is by taking time to bare witness to the lives of the others in the region, so you can truly hear and understand them. You don’t feel you are alone in your life’s struggles."
Shublaxmi Mahananda, Subarnapur
“This is the first step into adulthood. Although we are short of money, I have been taking life easy. Inside my heart, I was yearning to do something. There was no direction from anyone, and time was fleeting past. I feel as if all roads were leading to this one. It was amazing and truly empowering in the highest sense of the word. The training program taught me more about myself, my societal place, and my responsibilities. I was awed and humbled, inspired by many women around me. I am happy to have the first earnings and overwhelmed by the experience.”
Latika Bagarty, Subarnapur
“I can’t think of an experience that would parallel my education and training with Parinaama Foundation. The training is structured and led in such a way that I never had to think about what I would do next, which allowed me to be in the present with those around me. Earlier, we never knew about work outside the house and land. I can now fulfil my household responsibilities and earn an income simultaneously.”
Sukramani, Ranchi
“This job opportunity changed my life. Being in remote villages, we could never dream of working in an organization, especially being less literate. The experience was transformative on many levels. My world was very chaotic and confusing too. I had dreams, but they remained dreams. This job was so different while I was juggling as an agricultural labour working in our fields, doing domestic chores, cooking for the household and tending to the cattle. Parinaama provided me with the chance to avail the training and skills and later absorbed me into the job. The platform provided the quiet, contemplative space that allowed me to listen to my heart.”
Arati Bagha, Boudh
“This opportunity in learning pad manufacturing is way more helpful than I could imagine. It means a lot to me to be able to help our community women and young girls to be able to create a valuable product and make it accessible at their doorsteps. We are profoundly grateful to Parinaama Foundation for setting up the unit near our village."
Ranjita Herenj, Ranchi
“This soap-making training workshop was about rediscovering purpose, passion, possibility and power in everyday life. I am inspired to do something for society and making a difference and profoundly aware of how we can help people in ways we cannot imagine.”
Devaki Kumari, Patna
"People view art as something secondary and unnecessary, an outlier. Parinaama has understood our culture, deep bonds, and attachment to art and culture. The opportunity that came to me as a trainer raised my role and responsibilities. I receive a lot of praise and accolades for my efforts to introduce a new generation of artists and more contemporary perspectives in art. It gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction, and I am grateful to Parinaama for providing us with the stepping stone."
Rekha Paswan, Madhubani
“The microenterprise workshop was joyful, inspiring and has given me the knowledge in connection with everything in small business, not just knowing it intellectually.” The Parinaama program has enabled us women to step out of our comfort zones and accomplish things that we never dreamt of."
Sudha Tirkey, Ranchi
Transnational Advocacy & Networking
Parinaama is a member of RIPESS, the Intercontinental network for the promotion of social solidarity economy, representing Asia through ASEC, the Asian Social Solidarity Economy Committee. Parinaama is engaged with transnational advocacy for social solidarity economy through the networks. Parinaama also mentors AusCam Freedom Project, Cambodia, helping trafficked women and girls engage in microbusinesses, supported by GlobalGlow.
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