Join us in Empowering Youths through Entrepreneurship.

Enabling young entrepreneurs in India can lead to significant changes, not only for individuals but also for the larger economy. As the country's business environment continues to develop, it is essential to provide young people with the necessary skills, tools, and prospects for success. Starting their own businesses presents various benefits for young individuals, allowing them to develop personally and professionally while also making a positive impact on the economy and society.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) India Report, approximately 12% of Indian youth were involved in early-stage entrepreneurial activities as of 2020. A survey by Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Programme (YEEP) found that around 15-20% of youth in India are either actively engaged in or show a keen interest in entrepreneurship. This number is expected to grow as access to digital tools, government initiatives, and educational programs continue to evolve, making entrepreneurship an attractive career choice for the younger generation in India.

Here are two of the many lives transforming stories highlighting the struggles faced by many children and youth in Jharkhand and help them develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Dubla is a remote village in Jharkhand. It is primarily inhabited by tribal people, with a few non-tribal residents. The village's major occupation is agriculture and wage labour. It is one of the 15 villages served by Project Anchal of Development Focus (DF). Project Anchal mobilized a children and youth club in this village where children and youths meet on a regular basis and learn a variety of life skills that will help them develop and grow. Project Anchal aims to reduce migration and avoid school dropout among children and youths. So, it was important to raise awareness and educate them about the negative consequences of dropping out from school and unsafe migration. The project is committed to promote entrepreneurial mindset among youth and children, teaching them to use the resources and opportunities available to earn money. They had practical lessons through Earn While You Learn (EWYL) and Grow Your Money (GYM) activities. Dubla's children club members visit the weekly market for market exposure. Because of such visits and the discussions that follow, Rajkumar Lohar and Ranjeet Munda, members of the children's club, were inspired to start a small business. Rajkumar Lohar, is the youngest child of his parents. He has an older brother and a sister. Ranjeet Munda 13-year-old has an older sister.

Both their parents are farmers and daily wage labourers. Both the boys are studying in Salgadih High School, which is around 4 kilometers from the village. Rajkumar Lohar is in fifth grade, and Ranjeet Munda is in fourth grade. They decided to start a small business selling snacks in the village, driven and motivated by Anchal's ongoing efforts and the outcome of the exposure visits to the local market. They contributed Rs.200 each, borrowed Rs 100 from the club, DF contributed Rs.300, and the Community Mobilizer supported them with Rs.50. They started their business with a capital of Rs.850, which they spent on buying supplies. They opened the shop in December 2023. They started earning a decent profit and divide the profit between them. They have repaid the club loan. Both are quite happy and confident of their ability to run the business and have decided to continue. They serve as an inspiration and example to other children in their community. The parents and villagers are happy to see them running their business and making money. The whole village is happy and thankful to DF for taking the initiative and motivating the village children.

Each contribution and share you make matters; it enables us to empower more young individuals like Raj Kumar and Ranjeet, who will positively influence the lives of children and youth in their communities.