PSDI’s Commitment to the Poor
Partners in Sustainable Development is committed to uplifting the ultra poor through a partnership which empowers them to devise creative ways to solve the problems that keep them from financial security and independence. The model builds on a holistic model that recognizes that the truly poor face so many obstacles to their economic recovery, that only a comprehensive program offers them an opportunity for economic recovery.

The Model
PSDI is focused on the very poorest families as defined by the amount of food that is available to them per day. Most begin the program in a state of partial starvation - on one meal a day. First steps are to see that the family has their basic needs of shelter, pure drinking water and food met. A social worker then works with the family to recognize all of their needs and prioritize them. Together they work out a family plan for independence that involves every member of the family. Children go to school, elderly, infirm or housebound mothers are trained in skills that can result in income earned at home; growing vegetables, caring for roadside trees, raising silk worms or poultry, etc. Others may choose to rear livestock or create a family business. Some families work together to create a small industry. Whatever their economic plan they are trained in the skills they need to be successful.

Empowerment
Often these endeavors require start up funding. This is available through micro lending programs that are carefully monitored. Women form groups that work with a social worker to learn about money management, assets and the importance of saving.  The group creates its own bank that votes on loan disbursement, insures the loans and requires weekly payments and savings. Each woman has a passbook in which all of her payments and deposits are recorded each week. Initial loans are very small and once repaid the woman can apply for a larger loan. As she builds her credit she is also learning about how she can increase her assets (income). Rarely is a loan in default.

Most families graduate as financially and socially independent within a ten year cycle.