SAATH is a non-governmental organization registered as a public charitable trust in Gujarat, India. At SAATH, we utilize market-based strategies to create inclusive societies by empowering India’s urban and rural poor. SAATH’s one-stop, integrated services reach over 100,000 slum dwellers in Ahmedabad, and many more in Gujarat and Rajasthan states of India.

In Gujarati the word saath means, “Together, Co-operation, a Collective or Support.’ Since 1989 SAATH has facilitated participatory processes that improve the quality of life for the urban and rural poor. SAATH also provides a platform for individuals, institutions and corporates to partner with Bottom-of-Pyramid communities. Together, we are creating inclusive cities.

Programs & Reach | SAATH is present in 2 states, Gujarat and Rajasthan; 17+ cities/towns, 40 villages in Gujarat; 2 districts in Gujarat and 6 districts in Rajasthan.

•  4 Urban Resource Centres reaching a population of 100,000 in slums; plans to scale to 75 URCs by 2014.

•  44 SAATH Umeed job training & placement centres, reaching 15,000 youth.

•  7 Balghars, or pre-school education centres providing nutrition and basic education to 200 children in slum areas.

•  Microfinance Institute with 6 branches catering to over 10,000 members representing over Rs. 1.1 million in savings.

•  5 Azaad Youth Groups mobilizing 120 young leaders from slum areas.

•  3 Child-Friendly Spaces educating over 100 child labourers in slum areas.

•  1 Community Video Unit reaching out to 100 slum viewers per night and providing a platform for media advocacy.

•  533 Volunteer Women in Community Health Teams, educating communities on health and hygiene issues.

•  155 Self-help groups and 1 Rural Resource Centre in rural areas.

•  1 Raw Material Bank providing fair trade opportunities to rural artisans.