Local Self Sustainability Model

The local self-sustainability model emphasizes that a recovering youth substance user needs to be socially and financially viable with mutual support from the community members and by attaining a locally sustainable employment.

At beginning, this model may require some financial support (seed capital) from some external sources until it becomes financially self-reliant after several years. The potential investors are required to invest money for a noble purpose to uplift the life of a young victim of addiction. In return, the investors do not get any dividends, but they can slowly recoup their invested money after few years.

The primary goal of this model is straightforward: helping recovering substance users and their families to earn their livelihood through locally made products and door-to-door marketing. It is not a substitute for existing businesses running locally; instead, it gives customers an avenue to help recovering substance users, and their families by buying their locally made products.

Before setting up a small business for a new client, Nashamitra always seeks advice from a group of local retired professionals depending upon the nature of business. Involvement of ex-experts help to draw up a solid road map for a locally sustainable vocational program. This model ensures a transparent attitude by regularly conducting governance activities in the organisation.

This model doesn't support charity because charity is a one-way traffic. In charity, people usually give money for a noble purpose, but they cannot prevent capital exploitation by beneficiaries due to a lack of governance and transparency. The charity money usually runs out after a while and is required to find a new investor. However, a local self-sustainability model works on a check-in and check-out policy. It goes through a cycle before recouping. Therefore, a philanthropic investor can help a noble cause of youth addiction, while they can inevitably recoup their investment after few years. However, profit remains with the business and allows it to grow further, and the funds owns by the members of Nashamitra team.

The local self-sustainability model specifically targets the young substance users and children and partners of adult substance users and help them to set up some social business in the local region to meet their basic living costs. The female members of substance user's family, such as mother, wife, or daughter remain the principal decision-maker about financial matters. The female members of the family are bestowed with the financial responsibility during enrolment phase.