SHED’s Mission is to empower the underprivileged, marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, especially women and girls, through activities promoting self reliance and dignity. SHED’s role is mainly catalytic in nature. We believe that development schemes should not create a sense of dependency. Therefore, the best that can be done is to prepare the target groups to make decisions for themselves and equip them with the necessary organizational and leadership capacities so that they can confidently determine their own future.

SHED was established in 1982 at the request of the Dharavi slum community. It now has centers in 6 different slums in Mumbai and 30 tribal areas.

As we reflect on the achievements and milestones of the past year, it fills me with immense pride and gratitude to share the progress we have made at the Society for Human and Environmental Development (S.H.E.D). Our mission to provide essential services to underserved communities has been propelled forward by the generous support of our partners, donors and volunteers. Together, we have made a tangible difference in the lives of many, and I am pleased to highlight some of our key accomplishments.

One of the most significant strides this year has been in enhancing our medical support services. We have installed state-of-the-art X-ray machines and other crucial equipment at our medical facility. This invaluable contribution has significantly bolstered our capacity to deliver top-notch medical care and diagnostic services to the community. With these new tools, we can now offer more comprehensive and timely medical interventions, ensuring better health outcomes for our patients

In addition to medical advancements, we have also made great strides in providing essential resources to those in need. This year, with the support of BJ Homes (The Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Home), we received a substantial donation of ration supplies, including rice, wheat flour, sugar and other staples. These supplies have been crucial in sustaining our mid-day meal programs at various S.H.E.D centres and have played a vital role in nutrition demonstrations for tribal women in Saphale.

Our commitment to education remains a cornerstone of our efforts. In collaboration with Inner Wheel District 314, we have undertaken the Intrinsic School Improvement Programme at Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Pargoan. This initiative focuses on upgrading the infrastructure of the school, which has been a beacon of hope for tribal children in the remote areas of Saphale for over three decades. By repairing classrooms, constructing new facilities and establishing vocational training centres, we are creating a conducive learning environment that empowers Adivasi women and children through education and skill development.

In response to a request from the Primary Health Centre, a key government health facility in Saphale which serves nearly 2,00,000 people across 95 villages, S.H.E.D, with support from Glenmark, has undertaken critical upgrades to the facility. These include repairing key infrastructure, such as the operation theatre and maternity room, and providing essential medical equipment like patient beds, walkers and wheelchairs. Additionally, we have supplied essential medicines for a year to support the tribal community.

Furthermore, our ongoing collaboration with partners like Rotary International, Zomato, and the Inner Wheel Club of Bombay Queen’s Necklace has enabled us to address critical needs in areas such as sanitation, water solutions and daily feeding programs. These initiatives have not only improved living conditions but have also fostered a sense of dignity and hope within the communities we serve.

Lastly, we were honoured to receive recognition for our efforts in the Zilla Parishad Schools in Palghar, where two of our supported schools, Shilte and Sartodi, were awarded for their excellence in the “Chief Minister My School, Beautiful School” campaign. This acknowledgment reaffirms the impact of our educational initiatives and motivates us to continue our work with renewed vigour.

As we move forward, I am confident that with your continued support, we will achieve even greater heights in our mission to serve humanity and protect the environment. On behalf of everyone at S.H.E.D, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your unwavering dedication to our cause.

Thank you for your continued support.

Both education and health are vital for any child's successful development, yet often poverty impedes access to both. Lack of proper education is still a serious issue, as is anemia, affecting people with conditions such as protein-calorie deficits and micronutrient malnutrition. Anemic children frequently struggle with concentration, experience chronic fatigue, and are more vulnerable to illnesses.

In the slums of Mumbai and in rural and tribal areas, education, health, women’s empowerment, community mobilization, and environmental awareness are the areas that SHED has concentrated on. For the past 42 years our team at SHED have dedicated themselves to collaborating with disadvantaged communities.

I am truly privileged to work with such a dynamic, determined, and hardworking team as also members of our board who selflessly give of themselves for those in need. I also want to truly thank our supporters and contributors like Roche Diagnostics, Inner Wheel Clubs and Rotary Clubs and many others, for all that they do.

Congratulations to Society for Human and Environmental Development for completing 40 years of unstinted service to humanity.

Our pranam to Begum Bilkees Latif, Founder Chairperson of SHED. Her dedication to humanity is exemplary.

Her wonderful guidance to all the people with whom she was associated helped achieve the goals that were set for them.

Rajendra Jain, Founder Chairman of Aaren, and I are eternally indebted to her for guiding us in achieving our goals for the service to the people. The bond between Begumji and Rajendra, were instrumental in creating and servicing, on no-profit and no-loss basis, 10 hoardings for SHED to augment their income for their charitable activity.

After the demise of Rajendra in 1992, Begumji and SHED helped me in setting up vocational training classes at Geeta Nagar, a slum in South Mumbai, where more than 300 girls benefited . Later, this activity was shifted to Jogeshwari slums, in a Centre of SHED.

Thereafter, Begumji was instrumental to take me on the Board of SHED even though I was not trained for any such activity. Under her and all at SHED I learnt everything and whatever little I know today. In 2010, to coincide with Rajendra’s 80th birthday and Aaren Advertising’s 50 years of existence, Begumji helped me set up “Shri Rajendra Jain Centre for Empowerment of Women”.

SHED has always been caring and has helped us immensely throughout. This is just to let you know that I cherish the special bond that I have with you all.

SHED has always been caring and has helped us immensely throughout. This is just to let you know that I cherish the special bond that I have with you all. Thanks to Mr. Davar, Mr. Asad Latif, Mr. Tawde, Alka, Shamal, Indu Palekar, Hemant Gadke, Shrikant Shedekar, Deepa and all other personnel at SHED.

Jivah Jiveshu – Live and Let Live.

Always wishing the best to all of you in every way, and I wish that our bond will continue all the way.

I am delighted to reach out to you today as we reflect on the progress we’ve made and look forward to the exciting journey ahead. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. At S.H.E.D, our mission to empower the underprivileged and vulnerable, especially women and the girl child, remains at the heart of everything we do. We have achieved remarkable milestones over the last three decades, engaging with marginalised communities, including children, youth, women and their families.

S.H.E.D has impacted the lives of more than 2 million individuals through its various programs and interventions.

These accomplishments are a testament to the power of our collective efforts and the impact we can create when we work together. One of our recent highlights is our mission to impart holistic growth and education to the children in Dharavi, through our school and community outreach programme. This success not only demonstrates the effectiveness of our programs but also underscores the difference your contributions make in the lives of those we serve.

Under its flagship program, S.H.E.D. implemented a targeted approach to ensure the enrollment, retention, and development of children in schools. This program has reached over 2,000 children, with a focus on education, health, and nutrition. To date, S.H.E.D. has provided 20,599 meals, organized medical camps, and distributed educational materials to students at its primary school in Dharavi, and continues to offer support.

Looking ahead, we are energised by both the opportunities and challenges that await us. Our upcoming initiatives include work in the tribal belt of Saphale, in Palghar district. Currently, we are working with Zilla Parishad schools to improve education quality and infrastructure for the children there. We also have medical centre and provide vocational training for more than 95 villages and clusters in Saphale and Palghar district. We believe these initiatives will further our mission and enhance our ability to offer better infrastructure, quality education, health and skill-based trainings to the over 2 lakh population in Palghar district. In urban centres like Dharavi, we are focusing on education and skilling that will support more than 10,000 households across all four of our urban centres as well as our school in Dharavi.

However, we know that these ambitions can only be realised with your continued help. As we move forward, we invite you to continue your support and motivation for the vulnerable. Your engagement is crucial in helping us reach our goals and make a meaningful difference in the community. Together, we are not just making strides, we are transforming lives and creating a better future. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Your support is the cornerstone of our success, and I am deeply grateful for each one of you.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK OF THE ORGANISATION

Society for Human & Environmental Development (SHED) was formed in October 1982 at Raj Bhavan, Bombay by Begum Bilkees Latif, wife of the then Governor of Maharashtra, as President. The Society is working for the slum dwellers in Mumbai and its surrounding areas for the last 35 yrs with its six different centres located in the slums of Dharavi, Jogeshwari, Mahakali and Sagbaug (in Andheri) and Kalina and for the rural and tribal community since 1988 at Virathan Village in Saphale, Thane District

The Prime objective of Society is promoting the welfare and improving the living conditions of those living in urban slums and tribal area by helping in providing basic amenities, health and family welfare clinics, arranging medical check–ups, nutritional programmes for children and expectant mothers, recreational and educational facilities for children and grown–ups, and training in skills by establishing vocational and technical Institutions and training centres, Counselling Centre for harassed women, Day Care Centre for Grannies. The Society also promotes Gandhian national and moral values, environmental and personal cleanliness and hygiene among slum dwellers, villagers and tribals.

YEARS OF WORK IN THE PROJECT LOCALITY

43 years in Mumbai slums

38 years in Rural Area

Board Members:

Begum-BilkeesLatifFounder, SHED

Maneck Davar President, SHED

Asad-K.-Latif Vice President, SHED

Urmila Jain Executive Committee

S.K. Agarawal Hon.Treasurer

Prakash Kundalia Executive Committee

S.K. Agarawal Paulomi Dhawan

Shubhlaxmi Chhapwale Executive Committee

Rajendra Tawde Chief Executive Officer