Not a charity.
Not a relief.
A force turning the tables on poverty.
We are a not-for-profit public charitable trust, working hand in hand with communities to tackle poverty by creating jobs and building lasting systems of change.
Our approach is integrated and community-led. Every programme is rooted in local needs, driven by awareness, and shaped through collective participation.
We bring together government, communities, and civil society in a partnership that works on the ground.
From our early beginnings in Kancheepuram to our work across India today, spanning women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, environment, and job creation, we don’t tackle poverty in silos. We connect the dots.
Surpassing our goal across regions
Created over 10 million jobs in 2 decades
How it started
We began our work in the year 2002, in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, often called the silk city of India. Behind the looms, we found nimble fingers of children from families that had no permanent income, working tirelessly as bonded labourers to produce intricate weaves.
In the early days, we ran evening schools for these children. Our initial focus was on bringing them out of the labour force. To keep the children in school and empower lives, we extended our vision.
2002 - 2004
Genesis
Genesis
Dr. Kalpana Sankar & Dr. Percy Barnevik (co-founders) rescue bonded child labourers in Kancheepuram. They realise the need for a multidimensional approach for poverty alleviation and the child labour elimination and education programme is launched.
Expansion
Expansion
First SHGs are formed. Crisp bakery, our first micro-enterprise, is born. Skill development, Healthcare, Sustainable waste management, Natural resource management and Village uplift programme launched during later years.
Impact
Impact
Our model is replicated in Afghanistan, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Cambodia and Myanmar.
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Milestone
Milestone
Our first milestone is reached with the creation of 1.3 million jobs.
Institution
Institution
Hand in Hand Academy for Social Entrepreneurship is inaugurated.
Scale
Scale
10 million jobs created. Presence across 8 countries including 20 states and 2 union territories in India.
Towards a future full of dignity, hope, and choice
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