SHILLONG, Dec 11: Grassroots, the Shillong-based NGO reaching out not just to the far-flung areas of Meghalaya but also the hills of Manipur, completed its 15th year this month.
To mark the occasion, a gathering of all stakeholders was organised on Saturday at Annsville, Upper Shillong.
Mayfereen Ryntathiang, who leads it, said it all happened over a cup of tea when ideas took shape. She and others, who believed in the vision of a rights and welfare approach for empowering indigenous societies, put in their savings and began the journey in earnest.
In due course, several development agencies, including UNDP, Association for Democratic Reforms, North East Network and a host of others that believed in the work of Grassroots, supported the NGO.
“The name Grassroots stems from the fact that the key stakeholders are grassroots indigenous people. Since it started, Grassroots has worked in developing community tourism in rural Meghalaya. With time, we also have been involved in building skills and enhancing the capacities of carpenters, encouraging indigenous techniques for construction,” Mayfereen told the gathering.
It was Grassroots that pushed for a Youth Policy in the state. It had submitted a memorandum to the government following a Youth Parliament that it organised where the youths expressed their angst over the lack of a vision and mission for the youth of the state.
“Along the journey, we met with supportive partners and built enduring relationships. Our mission is to uplift the indigenous communities and uphold their rights on and off the field and to bring impactful change through our work. In the process, we also celebrate the resilience of indigenous communities who are trying to combat climate change using their native wisdom,” Mayfereen said.
Among the NGO’s many initiatives are the integrated farming system involving 18-35 women farmers in each unit and capacity-building in entrepreneurship skills so that women can start their own enterprises. Grassroots also tries to address the issue of sexual and reproductive rights and child rights in the areas it works.
Mayfereen spoke about a 26-year-old woman in East Jaintia Hills who learnt baking and employed 6-7 people in her set-up.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grassroots worked alongside the government to set up four isolation centres and distribute dry rations to the needy. Altogether 280 women were given online training on managing COVID.
“We have reached this far because we did it together using the rights-based approach and the gender lens in all that we do. We have a dream. Our purpose is to make it come true,” Mayfereen said.
Elgiva Rynjah, the Trinamool Congress candidate from North Shillong seat; Mark Stone, Founder and CEO of Avenues; and Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, also spoke during the gathering.
