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    • Methodist President honoured by 'untouchables'
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Methodist President honoured by 'untouchables'

Rev. Graham Carter, President of the Methodist Conference, made a pre-Christmas visit to India this month to see how an MRDF project is helping to empower Dalit ('untouchable') women.

He received a warm welcome, accompanied by drummers and gifts of garlands, when he met women's groups who have received training and small-scale loans.  This project provides much-needed opportunities for Dalits who still face much discrimination, particularly in rural India. 

Sivamma, who is featured on this year's MRDF advent calendar, is just one of those who have been helped by this project.  She explained to the President how being part of a Self Help Group has increased her self confidence.  She has received a low-interest loan to develop a small business selling firewood and in addition, to take advantage of the Christmas rush, is now selling saris in her village.  Sivamma has also been chosen as the village's 'development representative' who passes on the knowledge that she has received to her neighbours.  Other women have invested their loans differently - in setting up a vegetable stall, buying a goat or planting some seeds, but all have used the money to increase their independence and build for the future.

Project Co-ordinator Mr Raj spoke of the funding received from MRDF as 'seed money': once planted, it bears fruit and provides the 'seed' for more planting.  Sivamma and over 800 women like her, have borne fruit for themselves and their communities - and are now planting seeds to help others.

Find out more about MRDF's Christmas appeal for Dalits in India