Through collaborative, community-led programs, Shanta Village Partners empowers villages to create sustainable change across every aspect of life—from health and education to economic opportunity. Here are just a few.
Equal participation and leadership by women are essential to building healthier communities and creating sustainable change.
HOME GARDENING
Practical training in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, financial independence, and nutrition.
HEALTH
Village Nurse Midwife services, maternal health, infant care, and health education.
SAVINGS CIRCLES
Fosters economic empowerment and is a vehicle for teaching financial literacy and small business skills. These often spawn business start-ups. Women’s discussion groups Create a safe “third space” for women to gather and discuss issues of particular relevance to their lives. Ex. female reproductive health, child nutrition, and hygiene/sanitation.
We work with villages to improve learning environments, increase access to schools, and foster a love for learning.
PRESCHOOLS
Support early learning and development for 3-5-year-olds. Allow both parents to work outside the home, greatly increasing family income.
PRIMARY & MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Newly constructed schools with concrete floors replace dark bamboo or clay structures, bringing light and a better learning environment.
ENGLISH SUMMER SCHOOL
Middle school students build language skills through accessible, village-based classes. LIBRARIES Inspire reading by providing books in English and local languages; introduce primary students to the idea of daily reading time.
Shanta’s health training programs strengthen local capacity to deliver quality care.Village Nurse-Midwives (VNMs): Selected and trained by their own communities, VNMs provide essential maternal, newborn, and general healthcare services.
Village Health Educators (VHEs): These trained women lead workshops on family planning, nutrition, safe childbirth, and infant care—empowering families with knowledge for healthie
Our programs help villagers increase income and grow funds for community development.
COMMUNITY BANK (CB)
With matching funds of up to $2000, the CB is managed by the villagers and lends money at affordable interest rates, keeping accumulated interest within the village for reinvestment in future development projects.
PIG FARMS
Each project begins with ten families, providing them with sows to start or grow a business, often tripling their income. Those families then repay the loan by “paying it forward,” helping other families start a pig breeding business. High Margin Alternative Crops Trains and empowers families to cultivate and market coffee, black ginger, tea, etc., through cooperatives, increasing access to larger markets.
Shanta trains villagers in participatory leadership to foster trust and program sustainability.
VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT TEAM (VDT)
Trained teams manage village development in collaboration with Shanta staff.
MONTHLY DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS
Regular meetings provide mentorship, address needs, plan, and evaluate programs. These meetings also allow project officers to do gap training in areas where villagers are not satisfied with their performance.
SKILL-BUILDING WORKSHOPS
Multi-day sessions on participatory leadership, project management, and conflict resolution.
Infrastructure projects enhance partnership credibility and bring meaningful changes for the entire communities. They also provide the perfect classroom for developing and honing project management skills.
CLEAR WATER SYSTEMS
Provide uncontaminated water near homes, saving time and improving health.
ROADS & BRIDGES
Better roads facilitate emergency transport and access to markets, schools, and healthcare.
TEACHER HOUSING
Offers housing for teachers to ensure children have access to education year-round, even in the rainy season. Better housing also attracts high quality teachers.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION
Safe and modern school buildings enhance outcomes by attracting more students and increasing the village’s ability to retain talented teachers.
