Manjari Foundation

Manjari Foundation strives to address education challenges in India, particularly in Rajasthan, where female literacy rates are notably low. It recognizes the need for quality infrastructure, facilities, and teacher training in rural areas, as well as increased community involvement. Its approach includes reintegrating dropout girls into education, establishing learning labs for access to quality resources, and upgrading school facilities. The Second Chance Education programme targets women and girls who missed out on education, facilitating access to higher education and support. Learning labs aim to improve learning outcomes in the community, while infrastructure development focuses on creating child-friendly schools with quality facilities.

The organisation empowers marginalized women by building self-sustaining institutions. Its model includes Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Federations, addressing various aspects like financial literacy, inclusion, livelihoods, education, health, and governance. Over 89,203 unbanked women have been integrated into the financial system through 6,277 SHGs, 741 VOs, and 23 Federations, disbursing INR 30 Crore (4 Million USD) in credit. This has boosted women's self-esteem, reduced financial distress, and increased their agency in family decisions.

Its programme pillars encompass mobilization, capacity building, and service access. A digital approach, including specialized software and tablets for SHG Sakhis, enhances transparency, data accuracy, and digital literacy among rural women. This initiative promotes flexibility, accessibility, and transparency in SHG operations, fostering positive change in marginalized communities.

Manjari Foundation empowers underprivileged rural families, primarily women, to achieve self-sufficiency through livelihood programmes, aiming for an annual income of INR 1.25 to 1.5 lac. It addresses poverty, hunger, and malnutrition prevalent among small rural farmers, driven by factors like population growth and limited land holdings. Its strategic approach includes promoting agriculture, livestock, and micro-enterprises, providing knowledge, infrastructure, and market access. It also emphasizes sustainable practices, producer organisations, and climate-resilient agriculture. Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) focuses on efficient water use and climate adaptation. Renewable energy initiatives involve solar power for irrigation and lighting.

Manjari Foundation trains women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as 'Jan Sakhis' in 100 villages to bridge healthcare gaps. These Jan Sakhis conduct surveys, health camps, and connect communities with doctors using telemedicine tablets. It played a vital role during COVID-19, checking symptoms and assisting with isolation. The programme focuses on nutrition, maternal health, preventive care, and hygiene education, reducing disease incidence, and supporting isolation centres. Jan Sakhis also facilitate post-COVID recovery, vaccination, and telemedicine for last-mile health delivery, improving rural healthcare access and outcomes.

Manjari Foundation's Udaan Project, in partnership with various organisations, addresses adolescent reproductive health in Rajasthan. They focus on improving knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to sexual and reproductive health among adolescents. Comprehensive sexual education is advocated to empower youths with accurate information about their rights. In parallel, the Manjari Foundation enhances youth employability, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, providing them with training, career counselling, and job placement opportunities. Its holistic curriculum covers topics such as gender-based violence, nutrition, non-communicable diseases, mental health, substance misuse, effective communication, and life skills development, fostering confident and responsible young citizens.