The Arambam Self-Employment Center, to be established by the Vikalchethana Entrepreneurship and Leadership Foundation across the seven taluks of Gadag district, aims to support differently-abled individuals in pursuing livelihood opportunities. These initiatives will include tailoring training, dairy farming, candle-making, saffron cultivation, honey farming, and more.
Many persons with disabilities face significant barriers due to a lack of access to essential information and resources, limiting their development and causing feelings of lost potential. To bridge this gap, the Deal Foundation has appointed Livelihood Officers in every taluk to work closely with individuals with disabilities. These officers collect data on disabled persons in each area and raise awareness about the support and resources provided by the foundation. They also help form self-help groups (SHGs) and conduct training programs to empower individuals for self-employment.
One such dedicated officer, Renuka Kallalli from Mundaragi taluk, has facilitated self-employment for numerous disabled individuals. A notable success story is that of Dawal Saab Khatib, who has greatly benefited from these efforts.
Dawal Saab Khatib’s Journey to Self-Reliance
Dawal Saab Khatib was born with physical disabilities in Kalakeri village, Mundaragi taluk, to parents Zafar Job and Mabubi, who struggled with poverty and worked as laborers. Despite these challenges, Renuka Kallalli, the Lovely Wood Officer, made regular visits to every village in Mundaragi, informing disabled individuals about the facilities available through the Deal Foundation.
During a visit to Kalakeri village, Renuka met Dawal Saab and introduced him to the various programs offered by the foundation. Inspired by her guidance, Dawal Saab decided to form a self-help group that included other disabled individuals in the community.
Training and Business Development
With the support of the Deal Foundation, Renuka provided the group members with bookkeeping and financial leadership training, equipping them with the skills needed for self-employment. Recognizing an opportunity to improve his financial circumstances, Dawal Saab decided to start a business.
The Deal Foundation soon established a Safe Cooperative Society for Disabled Persons at the taluk level, aimed at providing better credit facilities for individuals with disabilities. Seeing this as a chance to transform his life, Dawal Saab applied for a loan through the cooperative society, with Renuka’s assistance. After submitting the necessary documents, he received a loan of 10,000 rupees, which he used to start sheep and goat farming. In addition, his family launched a bangle business from home, further improving their financial situation.
Becoming a Role Model for the Differently-Abled
Dawal Saab is determined not to let his disability define his limitations. He is now a role model for many in the disabled community. He actively supports the Safe Cooperative Society by attending monthly board meetings, where he helps raise awareness about the society’s benefits for disabled persons in Mundaragi taluk. The society has become a model for other taluks, successfully increasing membership and offering loan facilities that enable disabled individuals to pursue employment and entrepreneurship.
Impact and Recognition
As a result of his efforts and the support he received, Dawal Saab has significantly improved his financial situation and is now a source of inspiration for his family and others. He credits his success to the Deal Foundation, saying, “Renuka showed me the way when my family was struggling with poverty and uncertainty. The Deal Foundation established a cooperative society offering low-interest loans for people like me. It has been a guiding light for individuals with disabilities, helping us build better lives.”
Dawal Saab is confident that with continued support, more individuals with disabilities will gain recognition and demonstrate their capabilities.
The Ongoing Work of the Deal Foundation
Through initiatives like the Arambam Self-Employment Center, the Deal Foundation continues to support the self-reliance of disabled individuals, providing the resources and training necessary to improve their quality of life. Many people with disabilities are often denied such opportunities, but the foundation aims to unlock their potential and prove that they are as capable as anyone else.
For further information about this story or to inquire about the Deal Foundation’s programs, please contact info@deal-foundation.com or visit our website at www.deal-foundation.com.