Collaboration & Networking:
The District Magistrate (DM), Birbhum and the SSDA (Shantiniketan Sriniketan Development Authority) have been most supportive & cooperative. Networking with Zilla Parishad, Panchayat authorities & Vishwa Bharati Arts & Crafts have been beneficial for accessing government resources and expertise. The SSDA has taken up the hardware and will involve masons who are being trained by WIF. The UNDP architect & consultant will be providing design inputs.

The stall set up by the tribals at the famous Poush Mela in December 2005 generated income and almost all their goods like handkerchiefblouse pieces, table cloths, scarfs, mobile covers, files were sold.

Awareness generation through womens groups’ (11 SHGs formed) meeting, youth groups meetings, adolescent girls.

Training & Skill Development in Batik, Terracotta, Carpentry and Leather craft, Horticulture and Bengali cuisine, Masonary, Health & hygiene educatio.
Upgradation include training with construction of a toilet with bath along with water supply. These trainings have been highly participatory and empowering for the tribals in Ballabpur Danga through several initial meetings and formation of a Committee that included members from the Panchayat, Women’s Groups and Youth Groups.