The Village Uplift Programme (VUP) is a two-year integrated development programme designed to create and build self-reliant communities that bring about an integrated development in villages. Hand in Hand India partners with local stakeholders, including the Panchayat heads, villagers and other government and non-governmental organisations in implementing development initiatives.

Illiteracy, poor sanitation, environmental degradation, difficulty in accessing healthcare services and potable water, unemployment and lack of awareness on citizens’ rights continue to impede the progress of villages in India. A holistic approach, therefore, is needed to help rural communities overcome the socio-economic challenges that they face on a day-to-day basis.

COMMUNITY-CENTRIC APPROACH
Rural development programmes have often failed when local stakeholders are excluded from the developmental process. A community-based approach is, therefore, a social imperative to achieve success and sustainability through the VUP.

Towards ensuring active community participation, Hand in Hand India facilitates the forming of a Village Development Committee (VDC). The VDC consists of 15-20 volunteers from the village who work towards the successful implementation of the Programme interventions.