In This Issue

SVM’s Circular Water Economy Project Shines at WOIC | SVM at the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Conference in Manila, Philippines | SVM x Gramin Healthcare Story: A Boon for Villagers | Smart Village Movement (SVM) and OSAAT: Building School Infrastructure for Rural Communities

Dear Friends and Partners of Smart Village Movement,

As we approach the close of 2024, it’s inspiring to reflect on the transformative milestones we've achieved together. This month, SVM’s Circular Water Economy Project garnered accolades at the World Open Innovation Conference (WOIC), showcasing our commitment to sustainable solutions. At the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Conference in Manila, Philippines, we had the privilege of sharing insights on education and the future of work, reaffirming our global partnerships.

Closer to home, our partnership with Gramin Healthcare is transforming access to essential medical care for villagers, while our collaboration with OSAAT is building vital school infrastructure to empower rural communities through education.

With Giving Tuesday around the corner, we invite you to join us in driving lasting change. Your generosity fuels these impactful initiatives, and every contribution brings us closer to building smarter, self-reliant villages.

Together, let’s keep transforming rural communities, one project at a time.

Contributions to our Foundational Learning Project in partnership with Madhi Foundation and other initiatives in Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure, and Sustainability are gratefully accepted here: www.smartvillagemovement.org/donate

Warm regards,

The SVM Team

We would love to explore opportunities to collaborate and align your organization’s CSR goals with our mission. If you're interested, please reach out to our Executive Director, Anna Fitter, at anna@smartvillagemovement.org

Smart Village Movement had a remarkable presence at the World Open Innovation Conference (WOIC 2024) at UC Berkeley on Nov 6-7. Our project paper, "Circular Water Economy Models Through Emerging Tech and Open Innovation," was featured in the open innovation and sustainability segment—a proud moment for our team. This recognition reinforces our commitment to leveraging diverse, cutting-edge approaches like Open Innovation to address the critical challenges rural economies face. By focusing on sustainable solutions, we aim to make meaningful strides toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating lasting impact for communities worldwide.

Team members Tulenam Laloo, Anna Fitter, and Deepak Chandar presented the successful Water Sanitation and Circular Economy project, which was executed by our Infra and Sustainability team lead Pynshaiborlang A Marpna along with our partners Clearbot, Eco Ri, Greentech Foundation and scaled at Umiam Lake in Meghalaya. Using open innovation principles, the project brought together companies, academia, and NGOs to explore Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and develop innovative solutions to urgent challenges in rural communities. This collaborative platform enabled stakeholders to share resources and insights, fostering a unified approach to advancing water sanitation, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. Read More

Smart Village Movement (SVM) participated in the Conference on Youth Education and the Future of Work, hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines (Official) (DAP) in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) on November 12-13, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Philippines.

This engaging workshop brought together 100+ participants from 15 Asia-Pacific countries to explore strategies for preparing youth to thrive in an evolving workforce. Representing SVM, Mr. Divine Dkhar, our Education and Skills Vertical Lead, presented innovative & collaborative initiatives like:

✔️ Alternative Learning Spaces (ALS)

✔️ STEM Innovation Hubs

✔️ Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)

The event highlighted the importance of community-driven education, integrating technology like AI, and aligning skill development with future industry needs.

We’re thrilled to share our experiences from Meghalaya, India, and contribute to global discussions shaping the future of education and youth empowerment. Read More

Life took an unexpected turn for Mr. L. Paul Syndah, a 64-year-old farmer from Umlakro, New Jirang, when persistent dizziness, severe headaches, and constant weakness caused by hypertension rendered him unable to farm or support his family. Living in a remote village without access to nearby healthcare services, Mr. Syndah endured his symptoms for six months, relying on ineffective herbal remedies. The absence of affordable medical facilities made recovery seem unattainable. However, his discovery of the Gramin Health Care Clinic in New Jirang in 2022 marked a turning point. With the clinic's telemedicine services and affordable, high-quality care, Mr. Syndah received consistent treatment for his hypertension and eye complaints, enabling him to regain his health and livelihood.

Transforming Lives in Rural Meghalaya

Gramin Health Care Clinics, piloted by the Smart Village Movement & Gramin Healthcare in 2018, are now operational in 20 rural and remote locations across Meghalaya, offering digitally assisted primary care services. Read More

Smart Village Movement (SVM), dedicated to sustainable rural development, and OSAAT (One School At A Time), a nonprofit committed to enhancing school infrastructure in underserved areas, have joined hands to improve educational opportunities in Meghalaya.

Through this collaboration, the infrastructure of Lyngiong Government LP School, Nongthymmai, and Mawngap Government LP School, Mawngap, in the Mawphlang block of East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya has been successfully upgraded. These schools now feature modern, safe, and conducive learning environments for students and teachers.

This project addresses critical challenges in rural school infrastructure, including dilapidated buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate facilities. New classrooms have been constructed, and amenities such as improved sanitation and new furniture have been added. Additional incorporation of Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) through educational wall paintings features alphabets, numbers, science concepts, and cultural themes to foster academic achievement, creativity, and curiosity while promoting safety and well-being. Read More

This Giving Tuesday, join the movement to fight India’s foundational learning crisis—70% of rural children can't read at grade level. With your contributions, you can equip a child with the skills to break free from the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Your donation will help us provide essential learning materials, digital resources, and teacher training to rural schools.

Let's come together to make a difference in the lives of these deserving kids.

To Donate on GoFundMe for Foundational Literacy USD, Click Here

To Donate on Ketto for Foundational Literacy in INR, Click Here