The poor in India are forced to finance their credit needs by borrowing from moneylenders at enormous interest rates increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. Banks won’t even consider giving them a loan.

They are forced to give their land, jewelry, bicycle, goat, or any other assets that they have as collateral. And if they have no assets, sometimes moneylenders take a son or daughter as a slave.

Self-Help Groups have been created to end this vicious cycle and help people with their immediate needs, by keeping them away from moneylenders, and providing long-term answers to short-term financial needs.

As an extension of Dayspring’s work in India, we have partnered with a sister organization and our Dalit Education Centers. DEC managers were given formal Economic Development training and then challenged to start 10 or more Self-Help Groups in 2006. These groups have been incredibly successful.