The/Nudge End Ultra Poverty (EUP) program hosted a two-day field visit for a group of our Founding Supporters, ecosystem partners and members of the media on May 5th and 6th, 2023 to Jharkhand, the first state where the End Ultra Poverty (EUP) program was implemented. During this visit, we covered blocks and villages in the most poverty-ridden districts of Lohardaga, Gumla, and Latehar.

The two-day visit was a carefully planned itinerary that allowed our founding supporters, ecosystem partners, and potential donors to witness the implementation of the program across the villages. Each supporter and partner was escorted by a CDO (Cluster Development Officer), who also made travel and on-ground arrangements. They visited different blocks and villages, covering a total of 250 kilometers.

On the first day, the visitors organized into groups of four visited different villages. They had the chance to meet didis who were in different stages of the graduation program. The groups visited their houses, and the didis and their households welcomed them with open arms. They shared their stories - the challenges they have faced, the successes they have achieved, and the impact that the program has had on their lives.

During lunchtime, everyone gathered around in a barren land beneath a tree's shade and shared their experiences while having lunch. This was a very communal experience, and it helped the participants bond with each other and with the didis.

In the evening, the guests received a detailed debriefing about the program from Atul and John. The session was held in a tribal restaurant that served traditional tribal Jharkhand food and had also arranged for Jharkhand tribal dance performances. The aura of the place was very special and provided a unique and memorable experience.

During the debriefing session, the founding supporters and partners were able to ask questions and understand the technical nuances of the program in depth. Each participant also shared the stories of the didis they had met during the visit. These stories were very inspiring, and they helped to solidify the impact that the program is having on the lives of the didis.

The next day was all about community immersion, understanding the dynamics within which the program has been designed and how the journey of the didis through the various stages of graduation. The participants were able to witness first-hand the livestock rearing (goats and poultry) and the kitchen gardens that the didis are maintaining.

The didis proudly exhibited their work and assets that they have built during the program's duration. Their confidence was evident in their keen conversations with the visitors- didis who started with absolutely nothing were now looking forward to a better and sustainable future through the productive assets and the confidence they had created. Some of them were planning to open up a shop, and the others were happy that they were producing more than they could consume.

The field visit was a very successful event. It helped our founding supporters, ecosystem partners, and potential donors to gain a better understanding of the program and to see the impact that it is having on the lives of the didis. We look forward to continuing to work with them to empower women and girls in Jharkhand and the opportunity to host more supporters of The/Nudge in more such field trips.