Building opportunities beyond disabilities through organic farming

The contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not valued. Their talents, skills, and potential remain largely untapped, under-utilized, and under-developed. While their employment rate is very low, they have higher than-normal living expenses; hence, they are one of the most impoverished groups in India. PWDs face several barriers in getting employment. They also face social and psychological barriers – ignorance, myths, criticism, stereotyping and misconceptions about their capacities, non- acceptance by the peer groups, fear and low self- esteem. Unfair access to education and training program is a major challenge that needs to be resolved. To overcome the crisis and to understand the requirement and condition of a person with disability we provide support by which individuals make and sustain a living. PWDs participation in economic activity is necessary not only for sustenance but also for the basic survival and to contribute to one’s self- esteem and enhancing self- fulfilment. PWDs need to be able to learn about life skills and obtain employment which they can physically access and work at despite their ability. Also, Sristi Foundation’s own experience made us realize that we have to create opportunities to facilitate their social and economic inclusion, for that Sristi is initiating various farm based livelihood projects and programs to enhance the life of our community members. The main aim of creating opportunities is to manifest their potential and thereby to find fulfilment of life through socio- economic rehabilitation to be achieved by them on their own merit and to live independent and meaningful life.

At Sristi, we empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with training and skills that will enable them to lead a more independent and dignified life. Our methodology combines education, life skills training, and agriculture. On the 10-acre of land, we have created an inclusive and holistic environment that we lovingly call Sristi Village. Sristi Foundation runs three (3) pioneer projects: Sristi Village, Sristi Special School, and Sristi Farm Academy as well as a lot of community support and environmental projects.

Through these projects, marginalized individuals are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and become independent whilst being provided with nutritious food, shelter, and a loving & supportive environment.

Through experience, we learnt that agriculture provides a perfect education with great potential for employment. In a supportive and loving environment, our Sristi Village members learn how to manage and work in an eco-farm. Farming is not only a therapeutic method to boost their confidence, but also has the potential to create self-reliant income opportunities for them. Through our eco-friendly projects, marginalized individuals are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and become independent whilst being provided with nutritious food, shelter, and a loving and supportive environment. 

1.    To develop livelihood activities which the people with disabilities can themselves effectively manage and which can augment income and provide employment in the area to live independently.

2.    To create an individual self-identity and recognition for people with disabilities in our community. Livelihood is critical to combat poverty and is closely linked to the basic human rights. It is essential for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities - not only because it gives degrees of freedom to take control of life but also because it helps improve one’s self esteem, so very essential for leading a life of dignity and respect.

3.    To ensure person with disability voice to be heard and to gain control of their own lives and to reduce vulnerability and to increase their self-resilience.

4.    To provide equal opportunity, empowerment and social security to participate in all aspects of life.