SELF-HELP GROUPS: ITS COMPONENTS, EXAMPLES AND IMPORTANCE
Self-help groups are small informal groups of homogeneous people who help each other solve their problems. Self-help groups brings about mutual support for people with common concerns and problems to obtain information, address issues, take control and provide solutions to their shared concerns. Most Self-help groups (SHGs) are voluntary and nonprofit groups which is open to people of similar need, problems and interest.
Who helps to form Self-help groups (SHGs):
A reasonably educated and well known person in the community can initially help people to form group. Such person is called an Animator or Facilitator. The facilitator enlightens people on the importance of forming groups. He or she assists in organising programs and meetings till the group picks a group leader and further guides the leader and group members.
Which agencies can help the Animator/Facilitator in organising the group?
A facilitator cannot handle and organise the group alone as he/she would need fundings, trainings, reading materials, guidance etc. the following agencies can be of help:
* Government’s development ministry
* Banks
* Non-governmental organisations
- Community/village head and authorities.
