Vinayaka Nagar, a mixed community lying on a canal bund, is a part of Ramannapet Panchayat, Vetapalem Mandal of Bapatla District in Andhra Pradesh. It consists of 92 families and a population of 320. Before the intervention of the FFVDP program by GPF, there were high rates of school dropouts, low rates of school attendance, child marriages, child labor, gender discrimination, no livable houses, domestic violence, and a high number of alcoholics. Under its FFVDP – Mission Topic – Education, GPF started a Remedial Centre / After School Study Centre in this village by renting a house. A teacher is employed at the center, and slowly children started attending the center and improving their academic and general knowledge. Nutritious snacks are provided to attract the children to the remedial center. Play material and study material are also provided to the children. But as the house owners are not cooperative, GPF appealed to the Foundation to provide School Sheds under educational Infrastructure, for which the Foundation accepted, and a remedial school shed was established with all the facilities, including latrine, space for play, light & water facilities, knowledge-giving charts of science, social studies, mathematics, etc., play material like badminton, playing rings, skipping ropes, indoor games, etc. Now, 34 children from various standards are benefiting from this initiative. There is no dropout rate, decreased social evils like child marriages and child labor, and children are scoring good marks in their subjects. Digital Education and a village children's library are also helping the children, and their knowledge has improved to a great extent.

Journey of an Empowered Woman

This is Shaik Karimoon resident of Vinayaka Nagar, Ramannapet Panchayat and Vetapalem Mandal of Bapatla District of Andhra Pradesh. She is a widow having two daughters, with her hard labor she fostered her daughters, got married them and for their marriage she borrowed Rs. 5,50,000/- on 60% interest per annum and she is in a mental struggle that how to discharge the loan. At this Juncture GPF started FFVDP activities. Karimoon is a tailor but not getting sufficient income to lead the family and repay the debts, as her earnings are 400/- to 700/- per day. Karimoon became a member of FDG and GPF enlightened the FDG members on various better ways of living life. VDC recommended the case of Karimoon and GPF provided another tailoring machine with motor which changed her life. Her business improved as she learnt modern models. Now she is earning Rs. 1000/- to 1200/- per day and discharged Rs. 5,50,000/- and relieved from debts burden. GPF under Professional / Vocational courses to Youth (Educational Support) entrusted her to train young women of nearby villages. Under her membership 30 young women became tailors and getting earnings. Now she is explaining her empowerment and improved financial status to other families enlightening them to be sustainable in all walks of life. She is now VDC member and standing as a role model to others. Due to her improved communication skills, a National party made her District Minority Leader of their Party.

Change of life through Livelihood Support

This is Eega Manikya Rao resident of Vinayaka Nagar, Ramannapet Panchayat and Vetapalem Mandal of Bapatla District of Andhra Pradesh. He has 3 children and fishing is their profession. As they have no financial capacity to purchase fishing nets. They used to work under others and their earnings were Rs. 300/- per day. Under livelihood support to enhance the financial capacities of families, GPF provided them Fishing nets. They became owners of their nets and their income increased and now they are earning Rs. 600/- per day. This income generation activity lead them to get sustainable income.

This is Duddu Swaroopa. Her family resides at Santhosh Nagar H/O Kavurivaripalem of Chirala Mandal. They used to live by attending coolie works which is seasonal and used to earn Rs. 500/- to 600/- per day which is not sufficient to meet their daily necessities. They could not provide their children good education. At the recommendation of the VDC, GPF – UWLF provided her financial support to start a petty shop. First it was started with eatables for children. Then, with that income she strengthened it with provisions and cool drinks. Now her income is Rs. 700/- to 800/- per day. There is change in their lives through motivation caused by GPF. Now they are getting sustainable income. They could be able to provide education to their children by joining them in a good private school.

Success of Livelihood Support

This is Mandapati Sireesha, resident of Santhosh Nagar, Kavurivaripalem of Chirala Mandal. Before the intervention of GPF into their village, sireesha used to be a home maker and her husbands’ income is main source for maintaining their family but not sufficient to meet the necessities of the family. That agri coolie works stand for only 6 months. She is a member of FDG initiated by GPF and women are enlightened on various aspects of life. Sireehsa shared her difficulties with her FDG and VDC. At the recommendation of the VDC, GPF – UWLF helped her to buy a buffalo. By rearing it she could earn income by selling the milk given by the buffalo. That buffalo gave birth to 2 Calves. Now she is earning Rs.250/- to 350/- per day by selling the milk. She could be able to get her children to study in good schools with the encouragement provided; she is attending Adult Literacy program run by GPF as part of Educational development activities in the village.

Success Story of a Youth Leader

I am Duddu Yesupadam aged 25, studied 10th class and stopped the education due to family problems. I learned Tailoring but not taken it as a serious profession. After intervention of GPF into the village they formed VDC, FDG, and Youth & Children clubs. They encouraged me to be a part of Youth activities under” Linsi Youth Club”. Attracted by their development works, motivational steps I became active and participated in various community works and acting as a leader of our Youth club, GPF motivated all villagers to increase their income, savings, debt decrease, Family Financial Management by adopting additional income generating activities. GPF – UWLF supported me with financial help under Livelihood Support with which I rented a shop, set up my tailoring unit. In addition to that I started cloth selling as well as cool drinks selling business in the same premises. Now I am earning Rs. 700/- to 900/- per day. My self-confidence increased and motivating our village youth to learn Professional / Vocational courses, earn income or go for higher studies and develop themselves.