The biggest burdens of the families are the huge debts which cripple all family life up to the verge of suicide. Some of our school children have lost their fathers because of unmanageable debts and killing interest rates of up to 25% per month. In the circles of our school children debts are the rule of the day. The wages of this society level are too low to meet the minimum of a living standard even in a family where no one wastes the money on alcohol. In the face of 80 % of our children's fathers drinking and on top in a mega city like Bangalore where Global Players have led to an explosion of prices, the misery of our children's families is unspeakable. Additionally factors like a serious disease with hospitalisation, marriages, natural calamities and any other unforeseen expenses may aggravate the situation to an unbearable level. The poor population becomes poorer by the day.

To counteract this devastating condition, we formed Credit Societies according to the model of Nobel Laureate for Peace 2006, Muhammad Yunus. A group of 20 women meets at regular intervals and pays a certain amount into a common fund. This money can be borrowed against a minimal interest rate and can be used to repay the huge debts which have accumulated. Like this the chance is given to all members of the group one by one so that the debts are diminished or even eradicated gradually. Under the guidance of Shishu Mandir 10 such groups were formed. Not only did the women manage to get rid of their oppressing debts, but also did the bond of a common goal bind them together to form a community of solidarity. They started standing together for each other in struggles with their husbands or their relatives or elsewhere. The women improved their self-image and self-confidence considerably so that some of them managed to open a small business with sarees or a wayside canteen for snacks. These Credit Societies also helped in improving the financial situation to pay for the children's school fees.

The Credit Societies have proved extremely beneficial. They contributed to the reduction of oppressing debts and they brought about a noticeable increase in the self-confidence of the women. They led to self employment schemes and improved the financial situation on the whole.

December 2010