India

Photo: Thatcher Cook for Mercy Corps

Our strategy

Improve life in the country's most isolated, vulnerable regions by supporting education and entrepreneurship, and enhancing the leadership skills of women and youth.

The context

India’s northern regions are home to some of the poorest and neglected communities in the country. Health, education and income levels are among the lowest in India’s two prime tea-growing regions — Darjeeling and Assam — and in Kashmir. Both areas have long struggled with conflict and are fragmented by social and political unrest that leave the economy faltering.

Our work

Women & Gender: Support the literacy of female tea workers and improve graduation rates for their children
Agriculture & Food: Providing training and links to markets so spice farmers can make more from their crops
Health: Bringing basic medical services and education about common diseases and maternal and child health to remote tea villages
Economic opportunity: Connecting youth in Kashmir with technical training and incentives to start business ventures
Children & Youth: Fostering conflict resolution skills and community engagement among young people in Kashmir