At Shanta Foundation, selecting a new village for partnership is more than just a checklist; it’s a thoughtful, community-first process grounded in trust, listening, and respect.
Each year between August and November, our regional teams set out to identify new village partners. These are some of the most underserved and poorest communities, where the desire for change is strong, and the potential for transformation is real.
The process begins with conversations. Our Township Coordinators meet with local leaders, village tract heads, monks, and other community members. We also connect with organizations that have previously worked in the area, gathering insights and stories that numbers alone can’t tell.
We start by visiting at least six villages, narrowing our focus with each visit. There is a detailed assessment, but also during these visits, we don’t just ask questions; we walk with people. Our teams meet with households, speak with women, youth, and community groups, and gather an honest picture of daily life: water sources, access to healthcare, school attendance, livelihoods, and local leadership.
Our second and third visits go deeper. We look not only at need but also at unity, how villagers work together, solve challenges, and envision their future. These visits also give us a chance to hear directly from residents, often in their own words, about their hopes and readiness for partnership.
By December, the team submits comprehensive data, photos, and reflections. Then, together with local leaders and our management team, we make the final selection for the next partner villages.
This careful, hands-on approach ensures we build long-term partnerships with communities that are ready and eager to lead their own development. And it’s how we uphold our commitment to sustainable, locally driven change, village by village.