Why CREDO?

At the core of an organization's vision lies a strong commitment to socio-economic empowerment, anchored in the belief that development must be inclusive and participatory. The organization has prioritized working with communities often left out of mainstream development processes, including women, smallholder farmers, youth, and other vulnerable groups. Our holistic and strategic approach encompasses a wide range of thematic areas designed to tackle the root causes of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Youth and Women's empowerment has remained one of the flagship areas of our interventions. Recognizing that women are key drivers of social and economic change, the organization has implemented numerous programs to build their capacities, enhance their leadership, and increase their participation in decision-making, from self-help group formations and financial literacy workshops to livelihood training and gender awareness campaigns. Providing people with the right skills and opportunities is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency. As such, it has undertaken various skill development initiatives focused on market-relevant trades, traditional crafts, agro-processing, and modern technological tools. These efforts have improved household incomes and contributed to regional economic resilience and job creation.

In the agriculture sector, we have pioneered technology-driven interventions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of smallholder farming systems. Recognizing the importance of agriculture as the backbone of rural livelihoods, we promoted and adopted modern practices, improved seed varieties, organic farming techniques, and efficient water management systems.

In science education and popularization, we have proactively fostered a scientific temper among students and the general public. We successfully conducted several science exhibitions under the sponsorship of the NCSTC Division, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. These exhibitions serve as vibrant platforms for young minds to engage with science through innovative projects, experiments, and models that reflect real-world applications. The events are designed to make science accessible and relatable while nurturing creativity, inquiry, and critical thinking among school and college students. These exhibitions not only ignite curiosity among students but also provide teachers, scientists, and educators with opportunities to collaborate and contribute to science outreach. Local artisans and innovators are often invited to demonstrate indigenous knowledge systems and grassroots innovations, promoting a fusion of traditional wisdom and modern science. Further strengthening its technology-driven development model, etc. We implemented various livelihood and technology intervention training programs under the support of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) and the North Eastern Council (NEC). These programs focus on leveraging appropriate and scalable technologies to solve local problems and enhance productivity across sectors. By aligning with NECTAR's mission to bridge the technological gap in the North Eastern Region, we ensure that rural communities benefit from advancements in science and engineering in a contextually relevant manner.

Additionally, our efforts in community media and communication have been exemplary. We run a WAHONG I 90.0 MHz Community Radio initiative supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The radio platform serves as a vital communication tool for rural populations, particularly in areas with limited access to digital infrastructure. Broadcasting in local languages, the community radio addresses various topics including health awareness, women's rights, local governance, cultural preservation, agricultural best practices, and educational content. It also provides a platform for community members to voice their concerns, share success stories, and participate in public dialogue. The radio has become a trusted source of information, empowerment, and entertainment for thousands of listeners across Thoubal and neighboring districts.

In conclusion, the Centre for Rural Empowerment & Development Organization (CREDO) is a beacon of hope and progress in Manipur's development landscape. With its unwavering focus on social justice, equity, and sustainability, the organization continues transforming lives, building capacities, and inspiring communities to envision and realize a better future. Its journey exemplifies the power of grassroots action, strategic innovation, and inclusive development in shaping an economically prosperous, socially conscious, and environmentally responsible society.