The Society for All Round Development

      The Society of All Round Development (SARD) is a special project the Giving World Foundation started in 2004. The objective is to help women in the mining region of Rajasthan make enough additional income to support their families. Many of the women in this area are widowed because of the harsh effects the mining industry has had on their husbands. The purpose of this project is to empower these women with a skill in the farming industry and get them out of extreme poverty.
      SARD provides women from different self-help groups in the region with poultry, goats and crops. SARD then teaches these women how to raise the animals or grow the crops. Over the first year, it was found that goat rearing was the most profitable and poultry the least, because of its high mortality rate. Through multiple seminars provided by the government and The Giving World, many of these set backs have been addressed and success stories have ensued. The information brought in about the importance of immunizing animals and what crops to grow with what specific techniques has had a big impact on these women. They are realizing the power of education, health and community development.
      SARD is a micro enterprise that has a tremendous trickle down effect for its participants. For instance, once a goat or chicken has its litter, one of those newborn animals is passed down to another woman who then continues the cycle.
      Although there have been many positives to come out of SARD, the project still faces several setbacks. One roadblock to additional success has been the lack of cool storing facilities for the farmers to store their crops, meat and milk without spoiling them. This forces the women to sell their products right away, which usually means a lesser price for them. Likewise, the roads around these remote towns are often in bad condition, making it hard for them to sell their goods outside of the village and make more money for their families.
      We urge you to help support this project in any way you can. Projects like these are helping Indian women and families realize there is a way out of poverty.