India is the world’s largest democracy, increasingly known for its role in the global marketplace.  In spite of great opportunities experienced by some, a quarter of India’s one billion people live below the poverty line.  The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is increasing and economic opportunities for the average Indian can be difficult to come by.

Offering Opportunity
World Relief has been partnering with local organizations in India since 1982.  Operation Mobilization and SoFMEDA have been offering small loans and financial services to Indian communities in six northern states.  As individuals from hundred of cultural and ethnic groups take out small loans and gain access to financial and business services, they expand and build successful small businesses.  Now managed almost entirely by Indian staff, each able to speak a unique language, World Relief offers the technical support needed to expand the programs and ensure long-term progress. 

Rebuilding
Since the December 2005 tsunami, World Relief has worked with Discipleship Center in the devastated Kanyakumari village in South India.  Rebuilding 180 homes, World Relief and the Discipleship Center are offering families the opportunity to begin to rebuild their lives. 

Through the Discipleship Center, World Relief has offered hope to slum communities in Kalyanpuri since 2001.  Focusing on preparing students for school, building healthy families, and offering economic opportunities, the program is sustained by the work of the local church.

Compassionate Response
Scaling up our response to AIDS in India, where million are known to be infected with the disease, World Relief is mobilizing the local church to offer prevention messages, care for those affected, orphan support, and economic strengthening opportunities.  As the capacity of the local church is built to respond to the crisis, they will extend compassionate care to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in their community.