Case Study: Spoorthy Community Kitchen Enterprise

Led by Reshma Banu, the Spoorthy Community Kitchen began with financial support and training from CherYsh and Roviralta. Women were equipped with skills in food product preparation, hygiene, and marketing, initially focusing on pickles and spice powders. Today, Spoorthy has evolved into a thriving enterprise, catering to both government and private institutions. Additionally, the women supply spice mix packages and condiments to local organizations like Akshaya Patra and EID Parry kitchens. In 2023, the women showcased their packaged spice mixes, chutneys, and pickles at the Haliyal Utsav, a regional food fair, gaining recognition for their quality products. They are now proficient in sourcing raw materials, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring consistency in production.

Karakushala Kendras: Crafting a Community in Haliyal

Women in Haliyal possess various handicraft skills, such as embroidery and crochet. To share these abilities, the “Karakushala Kendra” was established in Mundwad in 2019, allowing them to create woollen shawls. Additional centers are being planned in other villages. The women in Haliyal have several skills which includes specialised hand embroidery, crochet and quilting among several other handicrafts. Many of these skills are handed down from elders while some are acquired by women during their life’s journey. The need for a space where women can come together became critical. They needed a place to put their skills to use and share techniques with each other. A “cherysh Karakushala Kendra (Handicraft Centre) was inaugurated in Mundwad village in August 2019. Twenty two women work as a group in this village. They make woollen shawls and stoles using the “Khilla technique.” This technique involves a wooden board and nails to make beautiful pieces of fabric in myriad colours. The women have registered their group as SHG and the operations of the enterprise are carried out under its ambit. Another Karakushala Kendra was started in the village of Jogankoppa where women make tapestries using crochet technique. Efforts are in progress to open more “Karakushala Kendras” in the villages of Haliyal.

Training Women for Sugar Cane Entrepreneurship in Haliyal

The Mundwad sugar cane bud nursery initiates agro-allied livelihood groups in Haliyal, empowering women through income-generating opportunities in sugarcane cultivation. Supported by EID Parry Ltd., training has enabled local women to successfully sell saplings and explore further business ventures. The sugar cane bud nursery in Mundwad is the first step towards setting up agro-allied livelihood groups in Haliyal. Haliyal is part of the sugarcane cultivation belt. It offers a bright opportunity for women. They can earn regular income from growing and selling sugarcane buds. This entrepreneurship was developed in partnership with EID Parry Ltd. which is a major sugarcane industrial house in Haliyal. Three women from Mundwad made the idea a reality. They came forth to take training in sugar cane bud cultivation. This training came from the center run by EID Parry at Nellikkuppam in Tamil Nadu. The first group was formed by five women from Haliyal. They are supported with training, seed funding and expert advice from cherysh and EID Parry. The business is progressing successfully as the group has started selling the saplings at a profit. More such opportunities are being explored in the villages of Haliyal.

Transforming Lives: Women Educators in Education

The cherysh Shiksha learning program trains local women to become Learning Facilitators. Mr. James D’Souza, a high school teacher from Haliyal, selects and trains these young, qualified women. The cherysh saadhan learning program has a fantastic initiative to develop local Learning Facilitators. They select and train young, qualified women from the community to become Shikshas’ educators. Mr. James D’Souza, a high school teacher from Haliyal, coordinates the training program.  He brings his teaching experience from the local high school. He also has an impressive command of functional English from his studies at the Regional Institute of Language. Every week, they have training classes with lots of activities, songs, and plays.  Many trainers have worked hard over the years. They provided hundreds of hours of coaching. With the support of the program, 37 young women from Haliyal have become confident educators. They now have regular incomes.

Training Sessions Enhance Learning Facilitators’ Skills

This academic year kicked off with training sessions for Learning Facilitators, thanks to The Meghshala Foundation. They focused on using the Meghshala App and teaching techniques, helping educators create a better learning environment for students in Haliyal. To start the academic year, several training sessions were conducted. Our Learning Facilitators attended these sessions, which were held in partnership with The Meghshala Foundation. Meghshala designs the digital learning modules that are taught in the Shikshas with the use of tablets. A few training sessions were held over the summer. They focused on the use of the Meghshala App and the accompanying study modules. Our learning facilitators are use the app on tablets they are provided with tablets to teach in the Shikshas. These training covered the different elements in the digital modules. They also explained how the learning facilitators can use them in Shikshas. In June, a two day training session was held and was conducted by Mr. Manjunath Hemapur of Meghshala. This training was more focused on teaching techniques outside of the app. It equipped our Learning Facilitators with more active tools to encourage learning in their Shikshas. They were taught a handful of group activities as a part of this. Some topics were covered to make the learning facilitators understand that each child learns at a different pace. It is important for the children to question and make mistakes to really learn. Our learning facilitators learned a lot about their role in creating a positive learning environment for their students. They understood how their behavior and seriousness are reflected in their students. These leanings will make the learning facilitators more efficient. Our Shikshas will also become more efficient in imparting learning. This improvement will enhance the quality of education available to the children in Haliyal.

KLE Tech University Students Transforming Villages Through RITE

Rural Innovation Through Education (RITE) is a collaborative volunteer initiative with KLE Tech University, where engineering students engage with children in Haliyal villages, with over sixty college students participating so far. Rural Innovation Through Education (RITE) is a volunteer programme, implemented in collaboration with KLE Tech University, Hubli. Engineering students from the University engage with the children in the villages of Haliyal through the programme. More than sixty college students have participated in the RITE programme so far.

Exploring Livelihood Strategies in Rural India

Exploring Livelihood Strategies in Rural India Last month, I assisted cherysh Trust’s educational projects in Haliyal, gaining insights into project management and community needs. The experience highlighted the importance of inclusive environments, challenges like unreliable electricity, and the determination of local women in sustainable development efforts. Hi, I’m Samantha Kennedy, an intern from the University of Ottawa. Last month, I visited Haliyal. I had the pleasure of lending a hand with cherysh Trust’s learning and livelihood projects in rural communities. It was an eye-opening experience. I gained valuable insights into project management through training, inspections, and a pilot evaluation project. The Meghshala training really motivated the learning facilitators to take their roles seriously and appreciate the importance of their work. It was great to see the young mothers being accommodated. They were allowed to bring their children along, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for collaboration and empowerment. We conducted a pilot project to assess the impact of after-school learning programs on students. Pilot projects are a great way to find potential issues and build a successful program. We also visited villages to watch how Shiksha runs and uses cherysh’s learning tools. Tablets are a fantastic way to expose children to innovative learning. Nonetheless, the unreliable electricity can make it difficult to update and charge them. I had never experienced this challenge before. It really opened my eyes to how it affects access to education. I also had the chance to meet and interview the women group that cultivates sugarcane buds. Nurseries, a successful livelihood project run by cherysh, provided firsthand insights. I learned about its successes, challenges, and future prospects from the women who are directly affected. This understanding is crucial for creating a program that meets the needs of the community and promotes sustainable development. My extended stay really gave me a deeper understanding of how the program is being implemented. I talked to the community members. I identified areas where we could offer support. I also observed the challenges they’re facing. Despite the difficulties, the women’s determination to build a better life was truly inspiring. The warm hospitality and kindness of the community really showcased their beauty. Being in a different environment really broadened my perspective on international development. My visit to Haliyal was an absolute pleasure, and I’m so grateful for the support that made it possible.

CherYsh Skilling & Entrepreneur Program

Women empowerment is one of the cornerstone principles at CherYsh. Some pivotal programs under this principle are the “CherYsh Skilling Program” and the “CherYsh Entrepreneur Program.” These programs empower women and help them escape agricultural bondage and debt cycles, enabling them to sustain their families and support their children’s education through CherYsh’s after-school learning programs. These efforts uplift communities by improving living standards and promoting financial independence. With a strong presence across 50+ villages, CherYsh continues to foster economic resilience by empowering rural women, nurturing their potential, and ensuring long-term sustainability for their ventures. CherYsh is addressing the challenges faced by rural women in Haliyal district, including limited work opportunities, underutilized skills, and barriers to market access. An example is quilt making, while a valuable skill, is labour-intensive and often unsustainable due to insufficient demand. To tackle these issues, CherYsh has launched an Entrepreneurship Development Program aimed at empowering women to build sustainable businesses. The program includes training in business development, financial literacy, project writing, and marketing strategies. Partnerships with organizations like KLE Tech University, Selco and the Deshpande Foundation provide mentorship and support to help women establish and manage sustainable enterprises. Additionally, the program offers financial literacy training, scheme orientation, and market linkages, indirectly benefiting over 200 women. Key Initiatives for Women’s Livelihoods Rural Teaching A Flagship Program: Learning Facilitators & Technology Educators: CherYsh has developed one of the most recognized Learning Facilitator (LF) & Master Trainer programs in rural India, partnering with esteemed institutions to ensure excellence in training. Key collaborators include: Transformational young women that aspire to be confident educators from Haliyal’s rural communities are selected for a rigorous 12-month LF program. The curriculum focuses on pedagogy, technology, and subject expertise in English, Math, and Computing. Weekly coaching sessions ensure participants develop into capable educators with regular incomes. Innovative Training Approach This flagship program not only empowers women with teaching skills but also transforms them into independent, confident contributors to their families and communities.

CherYsh Entrepreneur Program

Women empowerment is one of the cornerstone principles at CherYsh. Another pivotal program under this principle is the “CherYsh Entrepreneur Program.” CherYsh’s primary objective is to identify and develop the skills and potential of rural women, enabling them to engage in home-based industries and entrepreneurial endeavours. Through this program, economic empowerment is fostered, thereby elevating the standard of living for families and contributing to the continued education of their children. Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) CherYsh has established a robust grassroots presence in over 50 villages within Haliyal Taluk, launching the Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP) to empower rural women entrepreneurs. This initiative provides comprehensive training in business development, financial literacy, project writing, and marketing strategies. In response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and regional floods, the program supports women who are eager to contribute financially but lack the resources or guidance to establish businesses. Through collaborative partnerships with esteemed organizations such as KLE Tech University, Selco, and the Deshpande Foundation, CherYsh empowers women to establish resilient enterprises. Participants are provided with two years of uninterrupted mentorship and support, ensuring their success. Furthermore, financial literacy training and market linkage assistance indirectly benefit over 1000 women, contributing to a broader community impact. Retail Food Products: Empowering Women Through Community Kitchens Launched in 2013 in collaboration with the Roviralta Foundation, the CherYsh Community Kitchen Program has surpassed our initial expectations over the past decade. This program has fostered new partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Taj Hotels, Akshaya Patra, EID Parrys, Murugappa Group, Selco Foundation, and Buzz Women India. The program empowers rural women to utilize their culinary expertise through home-based enterprises, thereby generating income and enabling them to support their families and ensure their children’s education. Participants from Haliyal received comprehensive training in food hygiene, business management, and finance through classroom programs facilitated by Buzz Women India. Additionally, they gained practical insights through visits to the Taj Gateway Hotel Kitchen and the Akshaya Patra community kitchen. These visits provided them with exposure to best practices in large-scale cooking, packaging, and hygiene. In collaboration with EID Parrys and Murugappa Group, the program secured daily food supply orders for cafeteria workers. Over the past decade, this initiative has significantly transformed the lives of hundreds of women, providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities within the Haliyal region. The Community Kitchen Program remains dedicated to empowering rural women, transforming their acquired skills into viable and sustainable livelihoods. This initiative fosters independence, financial stability, and ensures the continued education of their children. Program Objectives Program Highlights CherYsh partnered with the Center for Entrepreneurship Development of Karnataka (CEDOK) to provide entrepreneurship training to over 100 women from rural Haliyal. Through this program, participants acquired essential skills in business development, project writing, marketing, and financial management, equipping them with the knowledge and abilities to establish and manage their own enterprises successfully. What People Say “As the Education Coordinator at the Block Education Office, I’ve collaborated with CherYsh for seven years. When CherYsh sought English training for their Learning Facilitators, we partnered to launch the Learning Facilitator Training Program. This initiative addressed the education gap and provided valuable employment opportunities for young women in the region.” James Dsouza, Education Co-ordinator, BEO, Haliyal “CherYsh, a non-governmental organization, has collaborated with Deshpande Pvt. Industrial Training Institute to promote education and skill development. Their partnership has been successful in empowering women in Haliyal district, leading to increased household income and improved education standards in their villages.” Mr. Prakash Prabhu, Chief officer, Deshpande Trust “I’ve been a Learning Facilitator with Shiksha for six years. After completing my 12th standard, my family didn’t support my dream of continuing education, so I married. Joining CherYsh was a life-changing opportunity. I’m grateful for the chance to share knowledge and positively impact the children’s education. When I’m with my students, I’m fully immersed in their learning.” Mangala Mirash, Learning facilitator of the Shiksha program, Sathnalli village

Case Study: Demakka’s Roti Revolution!

A homemaker with a passion for baking and sharing rotis embarked on an inspiring journey with CherYsh, which transformed her life and her kitchen. Let us delve into her remarkable story. Demakka, a devoted homemaker and mother of three, changed her life through entrepreneurship with the support of CherYsh and Roviralta, an organization dedicated to uplifting people’s lives. This case study showcases Demakka’s journey from a small-scale roti seller to a thriving businesswoman, with CherYsh, the Selco Foundation, and the Roviralta Foundation playing a crucial role in her success. Before starting her entrepreneurial venture, Demakka sold rotis to her neighbours to help support her family. A few years ago, CherYsh, in partnership with the Roviralta Foundation, built Community Kitchens in Haliyal. The goal was to teach village women about food hygiene, reduce the use of wood and coal for cooking, and help them develop skills in commercial food production. Partners like Taj Gateway and Akshaya Patra provided training in Hubli, and these kitchens became the foundation for entrepreneurial food product ideas. CherYsh recognized Demakka’s potential and, in collaboration with the Selco Foundation, provided her with a solar-powered roti-making machine and essential training. Eager to build her own business, Demakka seized the opportunity. With CherYsh’s guidance, she learned how to efficiently operate the solar-powered machine. This not only boosted her production but also reduced her reliance on conventional energy sources something that Cherysh and Roviralta aimed for since 2013. When the challenges of COVID-19 arose, Demakka didn’t give up. Instead, she and her family used this adversity as an opportunity for growth. Today, she is producing rotis not only for her neighbourhood but also for nearby towns and villages. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Demakka’s resilience, along with the sustainability of her business model, helped her overcome obstacles. Her family joined her in the venture, contributing to its growth. A standout feature of Demakka’s success story is the solar-powered roti-making machine. This reflects both environmental consciousness and innovative solutions from CherYsh that empower individuals through livelihood programs. Demakka’s approach is also noteworthy; she never turns away a customer, even if they only need a few rotis. For her, it’s not just about making money, but about feeding people. Her commitment to providing food, no matter the order size, underscores the ethical foundation of her business. She values customer well-being over profit, highlighting the importance of ethics in entrepreneurship. But Demakka’s ambitions don’t stop here. She dreams of expanding her business even further, hoping to acquire flour mill equipment; not just for her family, but to benefit her entire community. With some training and a great deal of enthusiasm, Demakka transitioned from a home cook to a roti-making star. Her journey from homemaker to successful entrepreneur is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of livelihood programs. Demakka’s story is not just about rotis; it’s about turning everyday things into something extraordinary. Thanks to CherYsh and a solar-powered machine, her kitchen became a business hub, and Demakka proves that with the right support, anyone can make a big difference. CherYsh’s strategic collaboration with Roviralta, the Selco Foundation and emphasis on sustainable business practices have not only empowered Demakka but have also set an inspiring example for women entrepreneurs. Demakka’s story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential within every individual when given the right opportunities and support. Let’s celebrate Demakka’s Roti Revolution and the incredible possibilities that emerge when we work together to make a difference!