Pace Organization Progressive Action For Community Emancipation

PACE is among the select organizations chosen by the Reserve Bank of India through its Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund scheme. The goal is to educate and raise awareness among depositors, promoting their interests and ensuring the safety and security of their deposits. The program's objectives include encouraging the public to open bank accounts, discouraging them from dealing with illegal non-bank entities, clarifying KYC requirements, and providing information about depositor rights. PACE has already conducted six workshops as part of the pilot project and an additional 30 workshops under the quarterly project.

PACE organized an awareness program on Anti-Tobacco for the youth of Madanapalle. The primary objective of this initiative was to educate young minds about the harmful and addictive nature of tobacco products, dissuading them from taking up smoking or using tobacco. For those already using these products, it aimed to help them break free from this dangerous habit.

In partnership with the A.P. State Biodiversity Board, PACE, has already compiled 5 Peoples Biodiversity Registers. Each register contains comprehensive information on local biological resources, their medicinal or traditional uses, and associated traditional knowledge. This plays a vital role in building a knowledge base for the conservation, sustainable utilization, and equitable sharing of biodiversity benefits. They also contribute to the responsible management of ecosystems such as forests, rivers, lakes, grasslands, and ponds. This, in turn, enhances public awareness of the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainability, fostering grassroots action.

While family bonds in India remain remarkably strong, and a vast majority live with or are supported by their sons, certain areas of concern regarding the elderly have surfaced. As a result, the situation of a significant number of older individuals has become precarious, making it impossible to assume that their children will automatically be able to care for them in their old age. PACE has undertaken several initiatives in this regard, including:
1. Offering health check-ups conducted by specialists.
2. Distributing clothing and bed sheets to them.
3. Providing regular food support to meet their nutritional needs.

A well-functioning market economy relies on informed and educated consumers who can influence the market through rational decision-making when faced with choices. Informed consumers are also less susceptible to exploitation in trade and business transactions. Therefore, it is imperative to raise awareness about consumer rights and educate individuals about their rights and responsibilities through concerted publicity and awareness campaigns.
PACE, is actively conducting "Consumer Education Awareness Programs" in schools, colleges, markets, and other public places in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh. This program is sponsored by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.

In addition to raising awareness, PACE has undertaken a plantation drive during the months of June and July. This initiative was carried out in both Madanapalle Town and Madanapalle Rural Mandal. A total of 351 plants were planted along roadsides, tank embankments, schools, and Gram Panchayats. Furthermore, 133 fruit-bearing plants were distributed among communities to support kitchen gardening. The program has had a positive impact, as the community has assumed responsibility for caring for the plants, with enthusiastic participation from children of various age groups. Native plant species such as Neem and Pipal were carefully chosen based on soil conditions, water availability, and other factors to ensure maximum survival rates.

The CFL project, initiated by the Reserve Bank in 2017, introduces an innovative and participatory approach to financial literacy at the Block level. This collaborative effort involves select banks and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Initially launched as a pilot project in 100 blocks, it is now expanding nationwide to include every block by March 2024.
With the rise of tech-savvy millennials in the workforce, social media bridging urban-rural gaps, and technology influencing policy, financial inclusion is set to grow substantially. It is essential to focus on facilitating sustainable access to credit, investment, insurance, and pension products while addressing demand-side constraints and enhancing customer protection.
Customized financial education interventions, tailored to local languages and settings, are crucial for diverse target audiences.

In our drought-prone region, women and girls find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty, primarily due to limited access to diverse education and skill development opportunities. Girls are frequently withdrawn from school to shoulder household responsibilities, and for many, the chance of returning to education diminishes. Even when they do complete their education, employment opportunities are often denied to them.
PACE aims to bridge this stark opportunity gap by offering Skill Development and Vocational Training Programs across India. These initiatives are designed to empower young women and girls, enhancing their employability and granting them access to a range of opportunities while fostering financial independence. PACE provides dynamic skill programs that equip participants with market-ready technical skills, as well as the soft and personal skills necessary to embark on a fulfilling career journey.