SPYM: Enhancing Human Dignity

The Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM) is an Indian organization dedicated to reaching out to the most disadvantaged sections of society

The Dianova network having incorporated three new associate members recently, we will be publishing a series of articles to present these organizations whose operations are located in India, Pakistan and Kenya.

About India

SPYM: helping children in India

With 1.2 billion people and the world’s fourth-largest economy, India’s recent growth and development has been one of the most significant achievements of our times. Life expectancy has more than doubled, literacy rates have quadrupled, health conditions have improved, and a sizeable middle class has emerged.

Nevertheless, there remains much to be done.  400 million people in India still live in poverty and, although health indicators have improved in recent years, maternal and child mortality rates remain worryingly high. Moreover, at present, an overwhelming 40 percent (217 million) of the world’s malnourished children are in India. When it comes to education, less than 10 percent of the working-age population has completed a secondary education, and too many secondary graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market. Inequity in all dimensions, including region, caste and gender is a serious concern.[1]

SPYMWhen it comes to substance abuse, the situation in India is also troubling. It is estimated that over 3 million people are dependent on opiates, cannabis and Indian-produced pharmaceutical drugs, while substance use among women and children is an increasing cause of concern. Despite the scale of the problem, comprehensive policy is lacking and many substance abusers do not receive proper treatment services due to their costs and a lack of available resources.  Lastly, India has the third-highest number of people living with HIV in the world. [2]

SPYM: be your own light

SPYM was founded in 1986 and has since been dedicated to reaching out to the most disadvantaged sections of Indian society, with a strong focus on community mobilization, health care and socio-economic development. Over the years, the organization has expanded all over the country and provides the following services:

  • Addiction treatment, prevention and rehabilitation
  • Homeless assistance programme
  • Empowerment programmes for those most vulnerable (rural women, beggars, juveniles in conflict with law)
  • Education and training programmes
  • Research projects and surveys

SPYM counts with about 750 employees and over 250 volunteers. This strong and vast workforce has allowed the organization to serve between 75,000 and 80,000 people in 2015.

The organization is highly recognized at the national and international level. It has been granted with the most prestigious awards for its outstanding work in the field of alcohol and drug prevention and HIV/AIDS.

Dianova’s relation with SPYM dates back a long time. We are delighted that SPYM is now an associate member of the Dianova network and await for a closer and fruitful cooperation.  Welcome to SPYM!

Become an associate member of the Dianova network

[1] Worled Bank: India country profile

[2]  Information from: Alcoholrehab