Ten delegates from the All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia – SDG (APPGM–SDG) undertook a two-day exposure visit to ASSEFA projects to understand its grassroots development initiatives.
On the first day, the delegates were given a comprehensive overview of ASSEFA, tracing its origin from the Bhoodan Movement to its evolution into a multi-dimensional development organization. The presentation highlighted ASSEFA’s holistic approach to rural development, focusing on the empowerment of poor and vulnerable communities, especially women.
The delegation visited a model school at Manithottam in the Uthiramerur area, where they observed how ASSEFA’s education initiatives are transforming the lives of children from disadvantaged families by providing access to quality education and value-based learning.
They also visited the ASSEFA community RO water plant serving around 13 villages in and around Puliyur, witnessing how the initiative addresses safe drinking water challenges in rural areas.
Further, the delegates interacted with the officials of Sarvodaya Mutual Benefits Trust at Chithamur and Achirupakkam. They learned how these institutions facilitate access to credit for thousands of women and provide various non-financial services, including wage loss compensation for pregnant women, life loss compensation, mass marriages, health camps, water and sanitation support, and livelihood development programs.
Finally, the delegation visited the collaborative intervention between ASSEFA and Akshayakalpa Organic, where they observed initiatives aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods through sustainable dairying and agricultural programs.
The visit provided the delegates with valuable insights into community-driven development models and sustainable approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level.
