Himalayan Jan Kalyan Avam Bal Vikas Samiti

Himalayan Jan Kalyan Avam Bal Vikas Samiti (HIMJAKAS) vision is an equitable world with enough opportunities for all to live in a state of well-being and peace. Our mission is to support disadvantaged and vulnerable communities augment their livelihood in an equitable, economical and sustainable manner while conserving Himalayan natural resource base. , , HIMJKAS works with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and community based organizations has adopted sustainable livelihoods approach, integrating forestry, horticulture and agriculture interventions, strengthening community institutions and improving community s access to basic services in health, education etc. , , We achieve this by, , 1. making markets work better for the poor , HIMJKAS undertakes activities that build on community based assets and resources, explicitly focus on linking women SHGs, small-scale producers and rural artisans directly to the tourist markets and CSR initiatives. , , 2. making governance work better for the poor , HIMJKAS focus on removing constraints for poor in moving out of poverty, explicitly focussing upon organizing poor to secure their rights, access entitlements and enable pro-poor policy environment. , , 3. Piloting innovations to facilitate out of box thinking and contribute to the larger debate on issues related to poverty and equity, creating new insights and replicable models that takes us closer to achieving our vision. , , Our activities include: , , Understanding Community through direct contact and use of participatory tools, community based micro-planning, use of appreciative inquiry and transformational leadership etc. , Educating and mobilizing community through use of different forms of media; traditional media like integration of folk with theatre and street plays as well as through use of modern multi media tools like IEC, community radio etc. , Empowering vulnerable groups by facilitating their organising through Self Help Groups, federation of SHGs where they learn to exercise their rights collectively. , Training and capacity building of the community members and institutions that builds on their existing capabilities and local knowledge , Undertaking research, documentation and data analysis for an informed debate and evidence based solutions to the issues and problems. , Working together with local government structures in order to improve access to and quality of basic services; liaison with decision-makers to influence local, regional and national policy environment.