Last month, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to India to visit Trickle Up’s programs and see firsthand the impact of our work. Traveling through Kolkata and West Bengal, I met remarkable individuals whose stories underscored the power of economic empowerment and inclusion. Whether it was women transforming their lives through the mPowered Project, which provides them with smart phones for access to knowledge and resources that fuel economic opportunities, or people with disabilities (PwDs) thriving and finding economic empowerment with support from the LEAD project, the common thread was resilience, innovation, and the importance of providing the right resources to unlock potential.
Digital Tools Driving Economic Empowerment:
Using the Graduation Approach, the mPowered project embodies the transformative potential of digital inclusion. During my visit, I met several program participants who told me how this technology changed their lives
One woman proudly described how she learned advanced irrigation techniques by watching YouTube videos on her smartphone. Another discovered mushroom farming through YouTube and was so thrilled by her success that she shared the video with her entire savings group via WhatsApp, inspiring other mushroom farming entrepreneurs.
Access to digital tools isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about opportunity.
These stories are powerful examples of how mPowered blends high-tech learning with low-tech applications. The ability to access knowledge on a smartphone and apply it in resource-limited settings creates a ripple effect of innovation, opportunity, and empowerment.
Inclusion in Action – The LEAD Project:
By focusing on economic empowerment for PwDs, The Lead Project is about more than livelihoods—it’s about breaking barriers, eliminating stigma, and fostering inclusion at every level.
During my visit, I met a young woman with mobility challenges who runs a sewing business from her home. With our help, she registered for disability benefits and now plans to attend university on a full scholarship. Her determination and optimism were incredibly inspiring.
I also met a gentleman with an intellectual disability who started raising chickens as an income-generating activity with the assistance of his entire family. His mother participates in a savings group—one of the program’s critical components—while other family members manage the business’s finances and sales. Thanks to his participation in LEAD, he is no longer socially isolated and sequestered at home. Instead, he has become a vital member of the community, engaging with people on a regular basis as part of his business. Rather than being a burden to his family, he brings them opportunities and works with them to make his poultry business a success.
Seeing these remarkable success stories reaffirmed the importance of adapting our work to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve.
What struck me most about the LEAD project were the lessons it reinforced:
- Training Matters: Coaches, many of whom are PwDs themselves or have family members with disabilities, receive specialized training to work effectively with PwDs.
- Tailoring Approaches: Selecting suitable income-generating activities requires understanding each participant’s unique capabilities and circumstances.
- Addressing Stigma: Breaking down societal barriers is crucial—not only for economic inclusion but in fostering a sense of belonging.
- Engaging Families is Key: The support and involvement of family members makes a profound difference in each participant’s success.
My trip to India was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. The stories I heard and the transformations I witnessed underscore the potential that lies within every individual—potential that can be unlocked with the right tools, support, and opportunities.
I invite you to learn more about our mission to end extreme poverty and how you can support initiatives like mPowered and LEAD. Together, we can help more individuals and families rewrite their stories and build brighter futures.
