LIVELIHOOD PROJECT:

:

WATER FOR FOOD IN THE COSATAL AREAS OF SUNDERBANS


The Livelihood Project entitled 'Water for food' has ensured water availability for agricultural production and has provided alternative means of livelihood for the poor to get various income opportunities.

The main objectives of the project are following:

Key features of the Project:

  • Under this project, 130 extremely poor people are selected from 12 villages through 'Participatory Poverty Assessment'.
  • Construction of Farmers resource and service centre for demonstration of different organic method and spread information to the local farmers.
  • One selling point has been constructed in Gobindakati Gram Panchayat for direct selling of agricultural product for our beneficiaries.
  • One water harvesting structure has been completed through which water supplied inside the agricultural fields to improve the quality of the soil and enrich the cultivation of rice.
  • Formation of 5 farmers group and 7 Self Help Groups (SHG) in the 12 villages.
  • Conducted training programme on SHG and cluster management, domestic breeding, organic method for vegetable cultivation, natural resource management etc.
  • Financial credited to the 130 beneficiaries through their individual savings bank account for improving their quality of life.

Major Achievements of the Project.....

  • 130 extreme poor participants identified from 8 villages
  • 12 Self-help groups formed with 130 participants, individual and SHG accounts opened
  • One water harvesting structure has been constructed
  • Capacity building of farmers on improved technique of rice cultivation, followed by distribution of seeds & fertilizers.
  • Construction of Farmers Information and Service Centre in Sridharkati under Gobindakati Gram Panchayat.
  • Construction of celling point for easy access to the market of for our beneficiaries.
  • Construction of 5 farm pon model technology to reduce salinity of the soil and increased agriculture and aquaculture production.

ACID Team Partner with Healthcare Workers for Adolescent Health Awareness

On 9 March 2026, the ACID team alongside ANMs, GNMs, ICDS representatives, and Anganwadi health workers conducted a comprehensive awareness session on reproductive health and menstruation for adolescent boys and girls.

The event created a safe, interactive space where over 70 students freely asked questions and clarified doubts without hesitation. Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, healthcare workers and teachers provided vital guidance on physical and emotional development. The session successfully debunked deep-rooted myths and reduced the stigma surrounding menstruation, significantly boosting the students' confidence, awareness, and attitudes toward personal well-being.

Complementing these awareness efforts, ACID also distributes sanitary napkins to adolescent girls on a quarterly basis to ensure sustained menstrual hygiene support.

Sowing the Seeds of Health: ACID Establishes Homestead Nutrition Gardens in the Sundarbans

To combat malnutrition and enhance dietary health among sponsored children and their families, ACID has established homestead nutrition gardens across the intervention zone of Sundarbans. Recognizing that fresh produce is financially out of reach for many vulnerable households, the organization distributes seasonal vegetable seeds three times a year. This is paired with hands-on training in sustainable cultivation, empowering families to grow their own nutrient-rich food and diversify their daily meals.

To complement this health initiative and foster climate resilience, ACID also distributes fruit saplings to expand the green cover in this ecologically sensitive region. This dual-purpose strategy successfully restores local ecological balance while securing long-term access to fresh, homegrown fruit for growing children and their communities.

Child Cabinet Prevents Child Marriage and secures Girls’ Education in Hingalganj

A 15-year-old Class X student in a remote Hingalganj village faced an arranged marriage to an older man due to poverty. Terrified of losing her dream to become a teacher, she confided in her fellow Child Cabinet members. The youth leaders alerted their teacher facilitators and visited the parents, explaining the health risks, school dropout consequences, and legal penalties of child marriage. When the parents resisted due to financial hardships, the Child Cabinet brought in local leaders and ACID staff for a structured counselling session. The intervention succeeded, the parents called off the wedding and pledged support through graduation. This year, the proactive safety net built by the Child Cabinet, ACID staff and teachers successfully prevented seven underage marriages, proving the power of youth led advocacy.

Empowering Educators: ACID Hosts Dynamic Workshop on Modern Teaching Methodologies

To foster innovation in the classroom, ACID conducted a professional development program, “Empowering Teachers Through New-Age Pedagogy,” during November–December 2025. The training equipped educators with modern, student centric approaches, including the 5E Model, Competency-Based Learning (CBL), Experiential-Based Learning (EBL), and Inquiry Based Learning (IBL). Through hands-on demonstrations, collaborative simulations, and practical classroom applications, teachers gained experience in designing engaging lesson plans that promote active learning, critical thinking, and skill development. Moving beyond traditional lecture-based instruction, the program encouraged educators to create dynamic learning environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful student engagement. By integrating these progressive pedagogical practices, ACID and participating teachers have taken a significant step toward building future-ready classrooms and enhancing learning outcomes for every student.

A Journey of Connection: Patha-Bhavana Youth Lead Cultural Exchange and Support Drive

On 15 March 2026, the Seva Vibhaga of Patha Bhavana School, Visva-Bharati, organized an enriching Village Visit Program for 65 senior students, facilitated by the Andrewspalli Centre for Integrated Development (ACID). The exposure visit enabled students to engage with tribal communities, fostering cultural understanding and meaningful social connections. The day featured a vibrant cultural exchange showcasing local tribal traditions, music, Rabindra Sangeet and Nritya, creating a shared space of learning and mutual respect. In a meaningful gesture of solidarity, Patha-Bhavana’s Seva Vibhaga distributed essential school supplies - including durable school bags, water bottles, and sitting mat to the children attending the ACID run Learning Centre in Binodpur tribal village. This thoughtful contribution directly supports the young learners in their daily educational journey, leaving a lasting impact on the village.

Celebration of Children’s Day

On 14 November 2025, the Andrewspalli Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) celebrated Children’s Day by organising a vibrant children's cultural event. The event took place on the premises of the ACID Learning Centre in Binodpur, a tribal village located within the Bolpur-Sriniketan Community Development Block. Designed to celebrate childhood and promote holistic development, this initiative provided an invaluable platform for children from historically marginalised sections of society. In an area where access to creative expression and personal development opportunities is traditionally limited, this event served as a vital space for self-expression. Aligning with the spirit of children's rights, the celebration underscored the importance of ensuring the comprehensive growth of every child. The program aimed to give young participants a stage to showcase their unique talents through various cultural activities. Beyond individual artistic expression, the event was structured to promote inclusiveness, foster social awareness, and encourage collective efforts toward community development. By bringing the community together, this collaborative gathering successfully strengthened local partnerships, laying a solid foundation for future developmental initiatives in the region.

Contact Us


Andrewspalli (west), santiniketan,
Birbhum, West Bengal, India
PIN: 731 235
Email: acid.mgnt@gmail.com,
Website: www.acidwb.org
Mobile: +91 9475684020

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For Donation from India :
Andrewspalli Centre for Integrated Development
A/C No.-41401705422, State Bank of India
IFSC : SBIN0012391, Sriniketan Branch,
Birbhum, West Bengal, 731236

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