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| The SAATH Approach |
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"Moved by the dismal conditions prevailing in the slums of Ahmedabad, Rajendra Joshi setup SAATH in 1989. Soon confident that slum dwellers would willingly pay for essential services if guaranteed non-eviction, he launched the integrated slum development program, a classic public-private partnership in 1993. Working closely with municipal corporations and private companies, the program offers a complete package ensuring that basic services like water, electricity and sanitation reach the poor. Saath also implements government schemes providing health and pre-school facilities. It offers livelihood training and microfinance options. And true to Rajendra's conviction, the urban poor pay for all the services - nothing is free. The result: the government sees an increase in tax collection; the private agencies have discovered a new market; and slum dwellers are the happiest of all, secure that they won't be evicted."
The Nand & Jeet Kehmka Foundation
Social Entrepreneur of the Year Competition, 2007
"In Ahmedabad, Rajendra Joshi's organization SAATH has helped transform slum areas into functioning neighbourhoods and helps slums residents set up schools, install sewer lines and lobby municipal corporations for electricity, water and better roads."
Nandan Nilekani, CEO Infosys
Imagining India, 2008
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SAATH prides itself in working with the community rather than for the community. SAATH has created partnerships with community residents, the government and private sector and has thereby facilitated urban development. Each constituent has a stake in the development and as a result, takes ownership and responsibility. By leveraging strong government and private sector partnerships, SAATH is uniquely positioned to empower communities to drive their own development.
In February of 2009, SAATH celebrated it's 20th anniversary. The past two decades have proven that participatory development - allowing slum residents to have a stake in their development - improves the lives of the urban poor. With a foothold in nearly 180 cities, towns and villages in Gujarat, SAATH has faciliated basic services for to slum communities, created 15,000 livelihood opportunities, provided banking services to over 10,000 clients, and education for nearly 20,000 children. Slums in Ahmedabad are on their way to becoming equitable living environments for India's citizens irrespective of their economic and social staus.
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SAATH practices a co-investment methodology. Most of our programs require contributions from slum residents thereby promoting ownership and responsibility. Your contributions will be made alongside those made by the community. SAATH will ensure that your investment is used responsibly and in some cases recycled through our integrated programs. As the world of social and micro investments evolve, we feel that your donations can become perpetual contributions to poverty reduction.
Contribute in 4 easy steps:
- Review the programs that compel you. Read about the success stories. See how your contribution can help.
- Choose the donation(s) of your choice and pay with net banking or credit cards through the secure gateway (first time users follow registration prompts)
- Receive confirmation via e-mail complete with Section 80G tax exemption for Indian taxpayers
- Visit saathdonation.org in the future to see our new programs. If you are in Ahmedabad, please drop by and say hello!
With a contribution as small as Rs. 500, you become a facilitator of change in re-shaping the bottom of the pyramid.
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