Intervention(s)
The interventions are:
1. Enterprise Development Training
Prior to receiving enterprise development training, the finally selected beneficiaries select their enterprise of choice. In order to help the beneficiaries make a suitable selection, programme staff also discuss a number of issues with them including potential income and expenditure from the enterprise, advantages and disadvantages associated with managing the enterprise, loan repayment details (e.g. repayment rate, approximate size of installment, grace period), and other supporting services. Once the enterprise is decided, the beneficiaries are provided with specific enterprise development training. The training duration is three days, and the sessions are organized separately for members of Groups 2 and 3, with no more than 25 beneficiaries in each batch. Later, during the programme cycle, the beneficiaries receive another seven days of subject specific training.
2. Asset Transfer
Upon receiving the enterprise development training, Group 2 beneficiaries receive the assets from the programme (i.e. purchased by the programme staff). Depending on the types and amounts of assets provided, 30%-50% of the asset values (at the time of transfer) are recovered from the beneficiaries. Hence, in a sense Group 2 receives interest-free loans plus grants. Total values of the assets provided to group 2 members ranges from BDT 12,000 to BDT 18,000, and are expected to repay 50% of the final value. Group 3 beneficiaries are provided with conditional cash for purchasing the assets themselves. They repay 80% of the cash provided. The assets are transferred within a month of the training, unless the situation restricts it (in which case, the delayed transfer of asset has to be approved by the Head Office with an explanation for the delay).
3. Hands-on training through group and home visits
The beneficiaries are also provided with hands-on training bi-weekly throughout the programme duration (about two years), through group meetings and one-to-one home visits.
4. Savings Matching
Each beneficiary has a savings account opened with the programme. The programme staff encourage them to develop the habit of savings.
In case of emergencies or for increasing asset, beneficiaries can withdraw their savings (as well as the amount provided by the programme as matched savings) as per their needs with the Regional Manager’s approval.
5. Healthcare
The programme will continue providing the health care facility to TUP beneficiaries and their household members. For severe morbidity, BRAC provides with financial assistance, and for mild illness, the patients are referred to nearby health centers.
6. Community Mobilization
Community resource is mobilized through forming a committee called village social solidarity committee.