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Nine drying ovens are being constructed for the 64 beneficiaries through which they will generate a sustainable income of Rs. 20000 each month by manufacturing dried maldive fish. The use of saw dust based ovens instead of traditional firewood ovens facilitate the use of alternate energy sources, saves a large amount of firewood from being used and inhibts the release of carbon to the environment.

The beneficiaries of the project are medium scale maldive/dried fish producers. The introduction to the eco-friendly stove inculcates good practices related to their means of living and will be continued as it is their main source of income.

The families of the 64 beneficiaries consist of (roughly) 150 school going children and school leavers. The children assist their mothers in carrying out the business venture, especially in terms of transporting saw dust, finding out fish prices from the port in the mornings and helping with packing the goods while in certain families the youth help with drying the fish as well.

The fishing villages have been sustained through patriarchy, where the woman?s role was restricted to serving the man?s needs and reproduction. Through this project the ownership of the project is given to the beneficiaries who are female, through practical training sessions. It allows the women to work at the same level as men and encourages them to earn, thereby promoting female leadership. It also facilitates equality among men and women instead of frictions. The men assist the women as required while the women become eager to contribute to the family?s income.

The project hopes to develop skills among the beneficiaries especially through training programs on managing accounts, production of flavored dried maldive fish and agriculture. It allows the beneficiaries to improve their leadership skills and manage their own accounts. Training in the manufacture of flavored dried maldive fish provides an insight to modern techniques and ideas instead of only using the traditional manufacturing process.

Through the project it is expected to reduce the amount of dried maldive fish imported while creating a market, profitable price and appreciation for local products. The NGO hopes to change existing policies through media involvement and political discussions.