History of the Organization

The establishment of the Society for Development & Training (SFD&T) in 2005 was a response to the unique challenges faced by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Jammu & Kashmir. In a region where the culture of organized civil society initiatives was underdeveloped, SFD&T emerged as a pioneering organization committed to filling critical gaps in education, livelihoods, and social welfare.

Context and Challenges in Kashmir

Historically, the NGO culture in Kashmir has been limited. The traditional societal approach to addressing needs focused on familial support and individual acts of charity, such as the payment of zakat, which provided monetary aid but did little to empower beneficiaries or promote self-reliance. Efforts to organize broader, collective movements for social development were rare, as the concept of volunteering for the greater societal good had not fully permeated Kashmiri society.

Additionally, NGOs in Kashmir faced considerable operational hurdles:

1. Societal Indifference: Years of conflict had left people wary and hesitant to support or participate in organized social efforts, fearing loss or further sacrifice.
2. Trust Deficit: New organizations were often viewed with suspicion and accused of ulterior motives, such as serving as fronts for illegal activities.
3. Bureaucratic Challenges: The process of registering an organization was cumbersome, discouraging many dedicated individuals from pursuing their plans to establish formal NGOs.

Founding Vision and Overcoming Barriers

In this challenging environment, a group of dedicated philanthropists, professionals, and social workers came together to establish SFD&T under the Societies Registration Act VI of 1998 (1941 A.D.), overcoming initial skepticism and bureaucratic obstacles. The founders believed that the development of marginalized communities was imperative for the region’s progress and were determined to build an organization that addressed the socio-economic needs of the underserved, including women, youth, and economically disadvantaged groups.

Mission and Early Focus

From its inception, SFD&T focused on key areas where governmental efforts were insufficient:

• Skill Development and Employment: Providing vocational training and technical education to empower marginalized groups for self-reliance.
• Women Empowerment: Designing programs that uplifted women and enabled them to improve their socio-economic status.
• Community Support: Bridging the gap between traditional charitable practices and organized developmental efforts by promoting collective welfare initiatives.

The organization gained legitimacy and trust by working transparently under legal auspices and collaborating with both private and government donors. SFD&T’s initial work involved grassroots-level interventions, including literacy camps, non-formal education, and training programs for marginalized communities.