Why Lend-A-Hand India?
There are 36 million unemployed youth in India out of which 24 million reside in villages. If unchecked, the challenge of youth unemployment will not only affect their and their family's lives but may also prove a challenge for peace and the progress of the country. Through our program we provide the youth access to vocational training, career development, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Our goal is to help the youth realize their full potential to meet their aspirations for a better life. This is Lend-A-Hand India's approach to provide a long term solution to the challenge of poverty eradication in India.

Why is Lend-A-Hand India's program focus on youth and unemployment?
Out of 400 million youth in India, over 36 million are unemployed. Given the urban rural make up of the country, 24 million of them reside in rural India. Though the future of the Indian economy looks promising, rural India is still alienated from the upbeat economic environment and its fruits.

Over the years, several policy measures have been taken to address the challenge of unemployment amongst youth. However, despite ongoing rhetoric, the actual action has fallen far short of the requirements. The government policy measures need to be complemented by private efforts through grassroots organizations and educational institutions.

Lend-A-Hand India has therefore decided to focus its efforts towards the challenges confronting the youth through our program and projects.

How does Lend-A-Hand India work on the ground and what is its program approach?
Lend-A-Hand India develops and designs projects in collaboration with selected non-profit organizations. We share with them our technical and program expertise, and provide financial assistance to deliver time bound and result oriented projects. The well trained staffs of the non-profit organizations deliver the project interventions by working closely with local communities.

Lend-A-Hand India's program approach is to help existing and new organizations replicate proven project interventions, technologies, and programs. This approach is a conscious choice that recognizes India's population challenge and the need to reach a large number of people.

How are the partner organizations selected and projects designed?
The first important criterion is that the organization has a strong grassroots presence. Partner organizations who have an excellent track record of implementing projects at the community level, who are familiar with the geographic area, and who have the organizational as well as management capacity to take up additional projects are invited to develop the projects as a joint venture.

Based on the non-profit organization's several years of experience and the community needs, the project activities are planned, budget is prepared, the implementation schedule and outcome parameters are finalized, and then the project is launched. Project development is a collaborative effort. A review mechanism is also put in place to make mid-course corrections.

What types of project activities are conducted?
We identified five major areas of project activities are identified: aptitude testing, career counseling, sponsorship for vocational/skill training, establishing vocational training facilities wherever necessary, and mentoring. Depending on the need of project participants, a combination of the above five form the basis of project activities.

What is the geographic focus?
The current geographic focus is rural and urban Maharashtra in Western India.
We welcome participation from philanthropists and non-profit organizations to spread this activity beyond the State of Maharashtra.

What proportion of funds raised actually goes towards the projects on the ground?
Over 85% of the funds raised are utilized for the projects on the ground. Lend-A-Hand India, at this stage, depends heavily on volunteer help and therefore less than 15% of the funds raised are spent for administrative and fund raising expenses.