becoming agents of change
Empowerment is essential for removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from accessing basic services. The change starts with them!
In order to encourage people with disabilities to become more effective change agents in their own communities, CDMD has set up various self-help groups, which are concentrated in areas where a significant number of persons with disability live. In self-help groups, people with disabilities can come together amongst peers and provide mutual support.
Self-help groups
All members are trained in communication, leadership, decision making, saving money, financial recording and reporting. As soon as a self-help group is able to generate income through savings, CDMD will provide a ‘seed-grant’. This can be used to provide new loans to the members in the group. In each group three leaders selected leaders receive additional training as chief, secretary and cashier.
Self-help groups are also linked to Community Development Committees, Disabled People Organisations, local authorities and service providers such as health centres, pagodas and schools. In this way they can approach themselves to solve their issues related to health, family and income. Field staff assist the group in management until they are independent.
