What is a Self-Help Group?

A self-help group is small, autonomous, non-political group of people living in the same vicinity of near each other and sharing common concerns, who come together voluntarily to work for their mutual personal, social and economic development. All members participate directly and fully in all group functions.

A self-help group could be any association that is formed on principals of self-help. Thus a pagoda committee, an association of people formed to undertake specific tasks, the traditional solidarity groups, and etc.; are a few example of self-help SHGs. They are usually formed on their own, and function based on certain norms developed by themselves. They are essentially formed and driven by felt needs within the committees, or can be fully bodied groups like the Tontines groups. These self-help groups can be small or can be very large.

The following links provide an in-depth look at the concept of the 'Self-Help' approach and how CVD has adapted this practice in their work.

Table of Contents

Section I: Concept of Self-Help Groups

Section II. Organizing Self-Help Groups

Section III. Documentation and Meeting Procedure of SHG