Mussoorie Gramin Vikas Samiti (MGVS)

Mussoorie , India

The "Mussoorie Gramin Vikas Samiti" (MGVS), (or in English, the Mussoorie Village Development Committee) is the name given to the Christian Retreat and Study Centre's action-outreach programme. Since 1981 there has been a comprehensive, integrated, community development program in the Himalayan villages. MGVS emphasis has been on motivation and awareness arousal, helping people to understand their own problems and help find their own solutions.

There have been a number of significant achievements: spring-fed, gravity-flow pipelines now serve all 14 settlements. Two primary schools have been opened. Thirty children are in the MGVS Donk school. In our appropriate technology activities we have built seven latrines under our sanitation program and four rainwater harvesting tanks.

Special emphasis is given to empowerment of rural women as we encourage them to become self sufficient and lead a healthy lifestyle. In May 1988, MGVS started a comprehensive, community health project. Eight village women have been trained as health workers. Weekly clinics and an immunization program are held at six centres. The women have organized societies which address problems of alcoholism, widows' needs and income generation. The Centre assists with training in sewing, knitting, spinning, wool processing and beadwork. MGVS is also involved in agriculture and animal husbandry training programs which emphasize marketable vegetables and the use of fodder crops. Training sessions are mostly conducted during night meetings. Women are encouraged to plant and manage nurseries to supplement income. A major accomplishment has been a marked increase in the self confidence of the people.

PC(USA) Mission Co-Worker, Robert Alter, was the coordinator of the Mussoorie Gramin Vikas Samiti since its inception until his retirement. He continues to act as consultant. Ms. Rachel Rao, was the Coordinator from August 1994 until July 1997. Rajiv Massey was appointed by the Executive Committee of the Christian Retreat and Study Center, Rajpur, as MGVS Coordinator in November of 1997.

MGVS is assisted by PC(USA) Extra Commitment Opportunities Acct. #862400.