Greetings Everyone –

Share and Care has approximately 400 Women's Groups in and around Katchur, a small village in Thiravallur District in north Tamil Nadu. The 'downtown' area, Uttukottai, is home to two spectacularly successful ventures created by women’s groups, one of which I will write about here. First, some background:

The government of Tamil Nadu will lend money to women’s groups who prove over time that they are able to handle it. First they are tested for 6 months to determine if they can save a little bit each month, keep accurate records, and come together in what they would like to do with their loan. Their first loan is 25,000 rupees (roughly US$580). With this they must create an income-generating project that will help them and their families to be more financially independent. The group repays only 15,000 rupees, as their subsidy is 10,000. At this point they are entitled to receive a loan of 3 lakhs, 300,000 rupees (almost US$7,000). With this they can create a much more substantial income-generating project.

So far 10 of the groups sponsored by Share and Care have received this sizeable loan. One of the projects is Hotel Sri Annapoorani, a busy restaurant in the middle of downtown Uttukottai. The place is run entirely by the women of Barathiyar Women's Group.

15 February: We climbed the steps to the first-story eatery, and as we walked in three men were enjoying their mid-day meal served on a huge banana leaf. Lalitha, the president of the group greeted us, and we sat down and talked about how it came into existence, how it functions, and what their future plans are.

Barathiyar Women's Group of twelve women from a nearby village was born three years ago. Successful with their first loan, they applied for and received their second one. A dream come true, they have put heart and soul into creating the restaurant, and it opened in December, 2005. All the women participate in the running of Hotel Sri Annapoorani, which is in operation from 5:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. They have two shifts, and do literally everything themselves. They cook for the breakfast crowd that pours out of the buses stopping at their steps, they buy food, cook for lunch, and create “tiffins” for dinner – a take-out type of meal that allows people to eat at home.

Lalitha and Mahalaxmi, the two women who were there when we visited, were clearly very happy. One of them had her young son with her, and both women were actively engaged in the preparation and serving of the food, and the business of running the hotel. They are becoming known around the village for their tasty food and cleanliness; as a result they are beginning to get a lot of catering business. They also charge less than most, which makes it easy to eat there without feeling a financial pinch.

The women are planning to expand so that they have a patio area and roof-top terrace as well as the room inside. This venture, along with the love and support given by Share and Care, has already changed these women’s lives dramatically. One can only imagine the possibilities that lie ahead as the hotel gains in popularity and prestige.

In the photo of the women, the first Mahalaxmi is the coordinator for the women's groups. She was especially helpful and brought us around, answering questions, and filling in gaps.

Take care everyone,

From Chennai,
Ellen