Directory:Kherwadi Social Welfare Association

Template:Infobox Non-profit Kherwadi Social Welfare Association commonly abbreviated as KSWA is a non-profit organization in India that aims to restore Upliftment of underprivileged youth in India. The organisation was established in 1928. Yuva Parivartan offer different vocational training Programmes for the underprivileged youth.Non governmental organisations This movement was started to help the unmotivated school dropouts become economically independent by imparting livelihood skills to them.

The Kherwadi Social Welfare Association was founded in 1928 by Late Shri. B.G. Kher, the first Premier of the then Bombay Presidency. This was started with the aim of improving the living conditions of the 100 odd families who had settled in the marshes of Bandra East.

1998 saw a major strategic shift in the operations of KSWA with the arrival of Mr. Kishore Kher and Mrs. Mrinalini Kher; looking beyond their traditional mission of service to the local community in and around Bandra East. This was the time KSWA started the Yuva Parivartan movement. This movement was started to help the unmotivated school dropouts become economically independent by imparting livelihood skills to them. The movement was formally launched in the year 2003 by the then President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The main objective of Yuva Parivartan was to work with the communities to mobilize youth and provide livelihood training to enable more and more youth to be financially independent and productive in life.

PREAMBLE

Since KSWA’s Founder was an active Gandhian, the early years were focussed on Community Welfare through education, health care and income generation along with the development of Bandra East from a marsh in Mahim Creek. Establishment of roads, electricity, water supply and other amenities such as a school handed to BMC in the ‘30s and the first Leather Institute which is today’s Govt. Polytechnic of Bandra East. Late Shri. B. G. Kher and his colleagues also initiated the distribution of individual plots for the residents to amileorate their miserable living conditions now known as the “Kherwadi Scheme”. It was his desire to give the residents a clean community atmosphere with the “Parishramalaya” as its own Community Centre where women and youth would come to learn a trade and earn a living. KSWA was also fortunate to receive a grant of land in Bandra East to conduct its Livelihoods Programme under the aegis of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission

Today the Trustees, Members and the Management of KSWA continue the dream of its Founding Fathers through the “Yuva Parivartan” (YP) Project which was started at the Parishramalaya centre in 1998 and has now spread to the whole of Maharashtra with over 70 Centres and in 4 States

Skill Development particularly among deprived youth is an area of prime importance. We have set for ourselves an objective to reach out to underprivileged out-of-school youth a segment which is a massive 80% of all youth. Approximately 350 million in number who have to become productive through Vocational Training

Vision

Create opportunities for school dropouts and deprived youth to help lead productive and socially useful lives.

Mission

To give a second chance to less educated deprived youth through wage or self employment based on urban and rural livelihood training, provided in partnership with stakeholders.

HISTORY

KSWA was founded in 1928 by Late Shri. B.G. Kher, a freedom fighter, statesman and the first Premier of Bombay State. He was moved by the plight and miserable living conditions of the 100 odd tanner families who had settled in the marshes of Bandra (E) called Chamdewalla-ki-Wadi. While he was involved in the freedom struggle, leading two ministries in 1937 and 1946, interspersed with prison terms, his friends and associates continued to work in the area, later known as “Kherwadi”. The Trust was registered in 1954 and the Trustees and Executive Council have continued to follow the principles of service and commitment to help the poor and underprivileged and adhere to the high principles of simplicity, integrity and commitment set by the founder. KSWA started the ‘Yuva Parivartan’ (YP) Movement in 1998 to cater to the unmotivated school dropouts and make them economically independent through vocational training. The movement was formally launched in February 2003 by the then President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It has grown from one centre in Kherwadi, Mumbai to 74 centres in 10 districts across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chattisgarh, Bihar & Delhi. Today KSWA through the Yuva Parivartan project has empowered more than 17,000 less educated deprived youth in 2010-2011, about 70% of whom are women with vocational and entrepreneurship skills, leading to their economic independence.

The 4 pillars of Yuva Parivartan

Yuva Parivartan means transformation of youth. The YP Movement brings the unmotivated school dropouts from the underprivileged background and gives them a direction to lead economically independent lives through vocational training. The movement was set up to help these school-dropouts enrol in short term vocational training courses. The youth are motivated to learn a skill of their interest leading to income generation and economic independence by placement in small or medium enterprises. The movement works through Vocational Training, Community Engagement and Placement and Partnership with Government, NGOs and Community Based Organisations (CBOs)

• Livelihood Training

The first component – Vocational Training aims at providing training to acquire skills leading to employment. Courses offered include Electrical Wireman, Multi skill Technician, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, Motor Mechanic, Motor Driving, Tailoring & Fashion Designing, Beautician, Mehendi, Nursing, English Speaking & Life skills, Basic Computers, Retailing, Entrepreneurship, Cell phones repairs & domestic appliances repair. We offer relevant skills in rural areas under “Integrated Rural Development Programme” (IRDP)

• Community Engagement

The second component – Community Engagement aims to develop leadership among underprivileged youth & solving community problems with the help of the community members of the YP Club. KSWA facilitates the formation of the Club. The following issues are taken up: Leadership development, Community work, Sports, Culture, Recreation & Life skills. All staff members are required to actively participate in this movement.

• Placement Support

The third component – Placement - Post completion of the course, the students are assisted in seeking employment in the organised sector and SMEs or guided to become self employed by the staff of each centre. Work preparedness, personality development workshops also helps the students. Placement Cell at the H.O. now guides and assists the Centre Staff.

• Industry partnership

The fourth component – Partnership with major Shareholders, Industry, NGOs, CBOs and Government to share the YP Model. These are the four pillars of YP.

YP RURAL OUTREACH

In 2008, the YP Movement formalized its Rural Programme by purchasing a building at Wada in the tribal belt of Thane District with sponsorship from the Tobaccowala family. The one storey structure of 4500 sq. ft. area has been named “Anvarali Tobaccowala Vocational Training Centre”. It is divided into two parts of 1500 sq. ft. each and a residential facility of the same size.

The Blue Star Vocational Training Centre sponsored by Blue Star Ltd. runs 14 courses for mainly tribal girls & boys, Larsen & Toubro Charitable Foundation has sponsored the masonry course.

The IRDP Programme sponsored by the Syngenta Foundation and Bombay Gowrakshak Society has 4 main objectives which we have started implementing in 25 villages of Wada Taluka through a team of agricultural graduates. We have also appointed a team of 40 Krishi Pashu Sathis (KPS) one in each village who areKSWA’s representatives and facilitators.

The main objective of IRDP is to increase rural incomes through:

• Improved agriculture practices
• Water Resource Management
• Livestock Management
• Women Empowerment through Self Help Group (SHG)

WHY SCHOOL DROPOUTS?

Over 80% of all youth in the country do not complete school. There are 400 million unskilled, unemployable youth who are a burden on the country’s resources. A majority of this large young population lives in slums or villages under socio-economic constraints that limit their thinking and creates a feeling of disempowerment to address their own future. Cast-out from the social fabric they live in penury and often fall prey to undesirable elements that lure them to a life of drugs & crime with promises of a better future.

KSWA’s focus on the less educated and dropouts came from the knowledge of the available statistical data on ‘education and dropout youth of the school system’ that only 1 out of 10 children completes school. India is one of the youngest countries in the world with 50% of its population below the age of 25 years. Out of this group only 50% enter school and only 25% complete schooling i.e. until 10th class; while 75% drop out due to various socio-economic reasons. Thus a staggering 87% of the youth do not complete school education. This is a very large group that needs to be addressed and therefore, YP focuses and offers a second chance to better lives of these less educated girls and boys from the villages, small towns & city slums of India through skills training and employment.

WHY SKILLS TRAINING AND YP’s ROLE

India has the second largest population in the world at 1.20 billion, and with the 2nd fastest growing economy which will scale to 9-9.5%. But for this growth to be participated and sustainable, we need to focus on Skills Development and reforms in Education so that 80% of our population which is struggling to stay above the poverty line – are able to share in the economic growth. In India only 2% receive formal Vocational Training while 8% get informal on the jobs training. Compare this to Korea where 93%, Germany has 72% population trained in Vocational Skills.

The National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) has projected an incremental shortage of 244 million labourers by 2022 and about 13 million on annual basis! YP saw this scenario 14 years back and decided to work for the underprivileged dropouts and less educated, forgotten by every successive Govt. from all the several Schemes it announces. Hence Skill Development is critical and relevant and mass customised training the need of the hour.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF YUVA PARIVARTAN VOCATIONAL TRAINING

• Admission to anyone who can read and write. Minimum age 15 years.
• Free enrolment inKSWA’s English Speaking and Computer Courses is provided to students of Vocational Courses.
• Industry Partner / Professional Expert who assists in updating the curriculum and helps provide practical training after completing the course.
• Our courses are “Industry Recognized” as Industry helps with the curriculum, training and placement.
• Assistance in Placement or self employment 70% students are gainfully employed byKSWA’s own Placement Cell.
• Strong emphasis on empowerment of the girl child with females accounting for 65% of enrolments.
• Minimal affordable fees.
• Life-skills, capacity building, personality development, grooming & job preparedness is now part of the curriculum.
• Counselling – try to reach out to every student from Induction till Graduation through group and individual counselling, vocational & career guidance to improve his psychological health to help him successfully cope with life’s challenges.

PROFILE OF STUDENTS

Most of the out of school youth come from deprived backgrounds where parents are working as artisans or labourers on daily wages etc. and the family income is meagre. This affects their outlook on life and they ‘live for the day’ without a plan for the future. This attitude is carried to the workplace where initial adjustments are difficult and career planning is completely missing. Getting daughters married, inflation and rising prices are overriding concerns for parents and the main reason for conflicts at home.

Some of them also come from communities/ backgrounds where parents are illiterate, steeped in traditional mind set. Hence, the need arises for an income generating activity and life skills that will lead to employment. 60-70% ofKSWA’s students come from the backward classes and SC/ST background that are in need of avenues for income generation. This is also the prime target audience for affirmative action by industry at the instance of the Government.

REPORT OF ACTIVITIES

Parishramalaya, Kherwadi KSWA strives to provide slum dwellers in the BMC ‘H’ East Ward of Bandra, Khar and Santacruz East, services in Education and Healthcare to enable intellectual and physical development while the income generation activities with vocational training is aimed at underprivileged youth. KSWA works in the following fields:

• Education: Balwadi (Nursery School) is now 80 years old and combines education, playschool with midday meal, health check-up and adult education.
• Physical Fitness: Gymnasium Taekwondo for community youth.
• Healthcare: Dental Clinic offers quality services at reasonable rates.

Cultural Events

• All important national holidays were celebrated with cultural events giving students a chance to showcase their talent and boost their confidence.
• YP Day: The launch of the YP Movement is celebrated on the 15th February every year. The highlights of the day are cultural programmes, sport activities and certificate distribution. As the YP Project is spread over a large geographical area, YP Day is celebrated at all the centres.

Advanced Courses Advanced Courses Concept was started in the year 2008 to achieve sustainability not only for the YP Movement but also to each YP Centre to cover 75% of its own expenditure through sponsorship, events and advanced vocational courses such as DTP, Tally, Web-designing, Special Fashion Designing, Advance Hair Styling, Hair Colouring, Advanced English Speaking, Retailing, Hardware etc.

YP Career Fare & Job Melas The Annual Career & Job Fairs is held once a year by Clusters of Centres. The 1st Fair was held at Bhiwandi, and later at Nashik. The staff at each Centre is now directly interacting with local industry for placements and career counselling.

YP Fund Raising All ofKSWA’s Partners continued to beKSWA’s Sponsors where they fund the running costs ofKSWA’s Centres. The Resource Mobilisation Team contacts Corporate offices, makes presentations creating awareness about the importance ofKSWA’s Skills Development Project in nation building, thus building relationship with new Partners in Service like Glenmark, Mahindra & Mahindra Taj Hospitality in Bangalore, HDFC Ltd., Toofles Foundation, Edelgive Foundation, Malkani Trust and Tata Motors, Pune.

YP Credibility YP received an upgradation of the ISO-9001:2000 to ISO-9001:2008 for the 4th Year. Recognised by Give India, United Way, NASSCOM Foundation and Credibility Alliance, a credit rating agency for the development sector.

• KSWA is an authorized Vocational Training Provider under the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Modular Employability Scheme for conducting skills development trainings.
• Awarded 35AC IT exemptions by Finance Ministry, Govt. of India to collect funds for starting Vocational Training Centres. The 35 AC Certificate is given to Projects of National Importance.
• Authorised to run Maharashtra State Govt. approved Vocational Training Courses from Directorate of Vocational Education & Training. KSWA is running Computer Courses under this accreditation.
• An authorized Training Agency of Directorate of Industries, Ministry of Industries, Govt. of Maharashtra for imparting Vocational Trainings under Special Component Plan (SCP) for urban poor youth.
• An authorized Training Agency of Dept. of Employment & Self Employment, Govt. of Maharashtra for imparting trainings on Retail Sales for Scheduled Caste Candidates.
• An authorized Training Agency of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) under Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of Maharashtra for imparting trainings on Business Skills Development for rural poor women working in Self Help Group.

OPERATIONS

Yuva Parivartan emphasises that we reach out to the unemployable youth, and make them employable through Skill Training. We continue to open more Centres in remote areas and new towns. We also are in search for newer courses which will interest and attract this exclusive group of dropouts. This year is a path breaking year for YP as a project. The need to skill the youth of India is not onlyKSWA’s concern but also that ofKSWA’s partners and sponsors who realise the importance of this area of work. Yuva Parivartan has tied up with Axis Bank Ltd. to take Skill Development & Training to Vidharba & Marathawada Regions of Maharashtra which covers 19 districts and is known for the maximum suicides by farmers due to continual droughts and failure of crops. We started a main Centre in the city of Nagpur and Aurangabad, which we opened in the month of December 2010. These Model Centres will serve as Training Centres for partners in these areas where we open 66 Centres and train 68,000 students over the next five years. Besides these, new innovative models are being piloted from each Centre to cover youth in 25 kms. radius of each Centre. Year ending March 31, 2011, we had 28 Centres spread over seven districts of Maharashtra, mainly Mumbai, Pune, Raigad, Thane & Nashik and Centres in Nagpur, Aurangabad, Chandrapur and Wardha District. Our Centres in New Delhi and Patna sponsored by Nalanda Capital are successful and will help growth of more Centres in those regions. The two Centres in Bangalore continue to struggle but with new management and the Taj Hospitality Course would improve its performance along with sponsorship of HDFC Ltd. Each Centre has been encouraged to reach out in the community to start courses within their communities to encourage their participation and skill and income generation and the year saw the staff work hard to start a total of 31 Centres within the Community. We were happy to receive Sponsorship from HDFC Ltd. for the Bangalore Centre at D. G. Halli Main Road and Malkani Trust will help start the Colaba Centre in a new location. Edelgive Foundation will SponsorKSWA’s Yerawada and Tadiwala Centres, and L&T Charitable Trust is sponsoring women’s courses at 3 Centres of Bandra, Thane & Kalyan The following table lists the Yuva Parivartan Centres

Centres	District	Sponsors /Partners
Kherwadi HO	Mumbai	HSBC Bank Ltd./HDFC Bank Ltd.
Colaba	Mumbai	Malkani Foundation/Project Maitri
Wadala	Mumbai	HDFC Bank Ltd
Mankhurd	Mumbai	HSBC Bank Ltd.
Kandivali (E), Thane Dist.	Mumbai	Mahindra & Mahindra (Tractor Divn.)
Vasai	Thane	Axis Bank Foundation
Kalyan	Thane	Axis Bank, Bhartiya Vidya Probodhini
Thane City	Thane	GSK Ltd. & Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation
Wada	Thane	Blue Star Ltd. – Vocational Training Bombay Gowrakshak Trust India – Animal Husbandry Tobaccowala Foundation & Syngenta Foundation Agricultural Activities
Bhiwandi	Thane	Sir Dorabji Tata Trust & GG Dandekar Pratishthan
Khopoli	Raigad	Shroff Family Charitable Trust
Alibaug	Raigad	Vikas Trust
Zhirad	Raigad	Vikas Trust
Yerawada	Pune	Toofles Foundation
Tadiwala	Pune	Toofles Foundation
Parvati-Dandekar Bridge	Pune	Global Fund for Children (GFC)
Chakan, Nashik Dist.	Pune	Axis Bank Foundation
Panchvati Nashik City	Nashik	Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
Peth	Nashik	Glaxo Smith Kline Ltd.
Karanjali	Nashik	Glaxo Smith Kline Ltd.
Utsale	Nashik	Glaxo Smith Kline Ltd.
Roopen Agrahara	Bangalore	Round Table India
Indora Gardens opp. ITI	Nagpur	Axis Bank Ltd.
D. G. Halli Main Road	Bangalore	HDFC Bank Ltd.
Indira Nagar	Chandrapur	Axis Bank Ltd.
CIDCO No.7	Aurangabad	Axis Bank Ltd.
Bajaj Colony	Wardha	Axis Bank Ltd.
Jahangirpuri	New Delhi	Nalanda Capital
Danapur	Patna	Nalanda Capital
Prisons: Arthur Road – Mumbai Kalyan Yerawada - Pune Nashik Central Jail & Borstal School - Nashik		KSWA
Mini Out Reach Centres (MORC)	28 Centres located in Districts of Nanded, Parbhani, Beed and Latur in the Marathawada Region of Maharashtra State	Volkart Foundation

PLACEMENT

The aim of Yuva Parivartan is not only teaching skills, but also find jobs for the students. This is done at each Centre by the Centre-incharge and staff. But the power of influence of each Centre is with the local industry in a 10 kms. radius only. Hence the starting of Placement Cell at the Head Office was necessary to widenKSWA’s network. The department has in the last one year been able to tie up with many small and large companies Retail Outlets of Aditya Birla Group’s More, Big Bazaar, Cafe Coffee Day, Westside, Reliance Retail, Tata Star Bazaar, Spas and Beauty Parlours, Computer Hardware Companies, Mobile Phone Galleries, Wiremen in large Electrical Companies and Motor Mechanics in Mahindra & Mahindra.

YPISD ACTIVITIES IN 2010-2011

Reach: YPISD has increased its activities from 5 districts to 11 districts viz. Mumbai, Thane, Nanded, Parbhani, Latur, Jalna, Aurangabad, Amravati, Pune, Nashik and Beed.

No. Of Candidates: The number of trained candidates has increased from 2000 to 5800. Most of the candidates belong to the SC/ST or BPL candidates.

Placements: Most of the courses were placement linked Vocational Training Programmes. The Placement ratio is more than 75% in most of the cases.

Sponsors: YPISD has continued to work with the Government through Directorate of Industries, DRDA, MES Scheme and with Corporates like Tata Communications, Tata Capital etc. YPISD has also started working with ILFS – ETS for their Programmes for BPL which are sanctioned by the Ministry of Rural Development. In this Financial Year, YPISD has trained 732 candidates out of which 692 (90%) are being placed in different Malls.

PROFILE OF KSWA's PARTNERS/SPONSORS

HDFC Bank Ltd.

HDFC Bank Ltd. has been associated with KSWA and YP initially through the 2nd Chance Career Fair in 2005-06. In 2008-09 they renewed their relationship with us by Sponsoring the Wadala Centre in Mumbai. The staff of the Bank has supported us in the Marathon 2010 for two teams and participated in tree planting/sampling distribution to families of two villages in the Wada District where over 50 staff spend a day with the IRDP Staff in visiting families in the villages and encouraging them to develop their kitchen gardens.

The Staff of HDFC Bank has also donated Rs.37 lakh through Pay Roll Giving, which will go towards establishing 3 new Partnership Centres in towns of Gujarat, skilling over 1,600 students.

Glenmark

Their association with us began with the Career Fair in 2004, and since then, they continued to believe in the work of YP. The relationship grew with their Sponsoring ofKSWA’s teams for the Marathon, sponsoringKSWA’s “1st Skill Development Summit 2010” and then the support to a grand Centre in Nashik City in very spacious premises, with modern facilities. We acknowledge the personal interest taken by the Sr. Management and CSR Dept. in the running of the Centre.

Bombay Gowrakshak Trust

Bombay Gowrakshak Trust is one of the renowned well established Trust of Mumbai, whose main objective is to promote health and wellbeing of Cows for improved yields, better health care treatment, optimum use of bi-products to impact the overall income and bring socio-economic changes in the lives of marginalised farmers. They joined hands with us inKSWA’s Wada IRDP Project in 2009 encouraging us to look at Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management besides agriculture. We appreciate the Partnership with allKSWA’s Sponsors in this noble work.

Opening of New Centres

KSWA has opened Centres in Aurangabad, Nagpur, Chandrapur and Wardha in Maharashtra under the Axis Bank initiative. Centres in the NCR Region are in Jehangirpur in New Delhi and Danapur in Patna, are showing good progress. The Colaba Centre was restarted in a new location under the Sponsorship of Malkani Foundation (Project Maitri)

Workshops

Several Workshops were held during the year for Senior Management Group, Operations Team, Centre Incharge and Social Workers to train and build capacity in all spheres of Management.

• Marico Innovation Workshop for Management Team in August 2010. Eight NGOs attended the Workshop and YP was selected for further training and inputs by Marico Foundation.
• Orbit Shifting Innovation Workshop was conducted by Ms. Devika Devaiah of Erehwon Consulting for 15 members of YP. This was sponsored by Mr. Kishore Mariwala. The Workshop gave the team an outlet to think innovatively and big to reach the Vision and Mission of YP.
• Mr. Ravi Khote conducted exercises and a Workshop on Compassion Training for Teachers and Social Workers, the true core of YP. The Workshop helped the staff to understand themselves first and examine the core values and emotional needs of the YP Students.
• An Organisation Development Workshop was held by Mr. S. K. Palekar in September 2010.
• HR Dept conducted monthly Induction Programmes for new staff once a month and also conducted several programmes on Professional needs and behaviour and team building.
• Counselling Dept held regular Workshops in Awareness of Counselling and its role for the staff of YP.
• The Senior Management Team had a Goals Retreat on 29th & 30th January 2011 at Bhayander to outline plans up to 2014.
• Workshop on Right To Information Act 2005 held at Bandra for 250 staff and students by PCGT Trust.

Other Happenings

• 35 students of Stanford University visited KSWA at Bandra and were introduced to the YP Project.
• 50 staff of HDFC Bank Ltd. visited Wada and Varai Villages in Thane District one ofKSWA’s adopted village. They distributed saplings and plants to 15 families and visited previous year’s donees of saplings.
• Volunteers – We at KSWA & YP are happy to receive the contributions of volunteers at HO and other Centres. We had interns from SNDT, Juhu, S.P. Jain Management Institutions, Andheri, NMIMS, Juhu, Mumbai, Flame International School, Pune and from Tata Administrative Services (TAS).
• YP was one of the five selected NGO’s of Mumbai selected by Impact International Consulting Firm from the U.K. to participate in the CSR Initiative of Thomson Reuters International. Six young future leaders were selected from the U.K., U.S.A., Thailand, Phillipines and India to carry out and complete a project for us – Upgrade the Website and use IT Technology for Marketing & PR of the work of YP to raise funds and build partnerships.

The Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP)

The Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) is an initiative of KSWA which has a Pilot Project among 25 villages of Wada Taluka of Thane Dist. And seeks to increase farm incomes among subsistence level Marginal Farmers and Tribals to enable them to live a life of dignity and reduce the migration of youth to urban areas. The project is 2 years old and on successful completion after 3 more years, will be spread to other priority areas. Currently, the Project team comprises of 4+1 Agriculture Assistants + Incharge, 2+1 Livestock Assistants + 1 Veterinary Doctor, 25 Krishi Pashu Sathis (KPS) one in each of 25 project villages and a Project Consultant- Dr. Khanwilkar, a retired Director of Agriculture Extension Services Kokan Krishi Vidyapeth. The Project has currently been functioning throughKSWA’s “Anwarali Tobaccowala Vocation Training Centre” in Wada Town.

The IRDP has 4 main pillars, 2 of which are functional and 2 others will start in the near future. The common objective is to increase farm incomes among Marginal Farmers and improve their standard of living.

In Progress:

1. Improved Agricultural Techniques; 2nd Crop on residual moisture; Cash crops, Horticulture; Fodder Grasses; Social Forestry.

1. Livestock Management; Improved feed & fodder; Improve milk yields; Artificial insemination to improve breeds; Disease prevention & control; Related activities like Goat & Fish Farming.

To start soon:

1. Water Resource Management; Rain Water Harvesting; Farm Ponds; Bunds and small check dams on streams & rivulets.
2. Self-help Groups and Cooperatives to start small farm related businesses; Cold Storages for milk/Agri Produce & Marketing.
3. Alternate Sources of Energy Solar Lighting; Gobar Gas, etc.

After 2 years of operation, a need has been felt to start a Model Farm-cum-Training and Demonstration Centre, activity which had hither to been dispersed over several farms in 25 Project Villages. This would enable a larger number of farmers to converge in one farm rather than replicate such training in many places with a limited budget. Accordingly, we have recently purchased a 2 1/2 acre (1 hectare) farm in Village Sonale near Wada Town and plan to develop a Model Farm and build a Training-cum-Demonstration Centre for activities described above.

Project of Syngenta Foundation & YP

Project aimed at improvement in farm income and creating Livelihoods security of small farmers to be implemented in 30 villages of Wada Block in Thane District.

Main Objective:

• a) Minimising risks and vulnerability in Rice & vegetables.
• b) Use of technology to increase production in existing cropping system.
• c) Promote crop diversity by introducing new high yielding, pest resistant varieties of improved seeds and crop protection products.
• d) Provide knowledge and appropriate technology of Rice, Black Gram, Toor and Vegetable cultivation to farmers.
• e) Arrange Technical Training for farmers at Block, village or Cluster level.
• f) Demonstrate use of seed treatment and chemical weed control.
• g) Conduct Paddy Seed Replacement Program.
• h) Crop protection measures.
• i) Crop protection measures.
• j) Paddy Seed Multiplication Program.

Projects Completed

• a) Training for Male farmers – Beneficiaries 110.
• Training for Women Farmers – Beneficiaries 81.
• Subjects covered vegetable and fruit cultivation.
• b) Supply of water lifting facility to group of farmers Beneficiaries – 6 in Ambat Pada. This group will cultivate vegetables in a 2 acre plot.
• c) Opening of an Agro Information Centre at Moj Village will benefit 70 villages.
• d) Construction of a Polyhouse at Shillotar Village on a farmer’s plot. Mr. Ramesh Patil will grow vegetable seedlings for the benefit of his village.
• e) Construction of a Vermi Compost Plant at Shillotar Village to help villagers use organic instead of chemical fertilisers.
• f) Five Farmer’s Rally were held benefitting 500 farmers plus exposure visits organised to Vangaon in Dahanu for Chillies, Vegetables and Jasmine, Mogra cultivation. Visit of farmers to the Agri Exhibition in Pune was also organised.

Bombay Gowrakshak Trust & YP

Bombay Gowrakshak Trust (BGT) has been supporting KSWA & YP since last 2 years on Animal Care. In Wada more than 90% of the population belong to the Tribal community, of these 92% have at least one animal – the Cow. But it was found, 60% of these produce only 0.5 to 1 litre of milk per day. This low milk yield needed urgent intervention. Most have local variety of Cow and no special fodder, or water arrangements. InKSWA’s survey over 76% farmers showed willingness to start Dairy Operations.

Main Objective

• a) To improve milk yields in the 25 villages of Wada from an average of 4 litres to 6 litres per day.
• b) Increase % of cows verses buffaloes. We are conducting a pilot in 5 villages near Vaitarna and then cover the remaining 20 villages.

Activities Conducted

• a) Motivated farmers to grow feed fodder.
• b) Improvement in health of animals through regular Health & Vaccination Camps for cattle.
• c) Optimum use of bi-products of animals.
• d) Set up Women Self Help Groups to support activities and meet objectives.

CERTIFICATIONS

We are certified by Give India, Credibility Alliance and have an ISO 9001:2008. We also have the FCRA, 80 G. and 35AC Certifications of the Govt. of India.

SUCCESS STORIES

Suchita Lad (19) Course – English Speaking Centre - Kherwadi – Bandra

Staying in a small locality in Kherwadi, Suchita Lad was a 19 year old student with a soft nature and willingness to do something in life. She came to know about the various courses in Yuva Parivartan fromKSWA’s social worker, she thought of getting enrolled as she always wanted to speak English and wanted to work somewhere. Being keenly interested to learn new words every day, she paid more attention to pronunciation and accents and always participated in all the activities of the class, she would be the first one to raise questions and answer when asked. She tried interacting with the volunteer from America; she was one of the many students who always understood American English. She tried to speak with the volunteer in English, this built her confidence and she started working hard helped her fellow students to make sentences in English, read English newspaper and was a favourite amongst the class. Suchita says “Today after all the hard work and dedication, I am able to support my family as I have been offered a job by YP in a garment industry. She picked up a job with a Garment Company atKSWA’s Career Fair and is drawing Rs.5000/- p.m. I will be pushing off from here someday to start my own garment shop. I would really like to thank YP for all the opportunities they provided to me”.

Sundeep Bhikal Bhawr (20) Qualification – HSC Course - Carpentry Centre - Wada

I was shy and nervous in the beginning; my teachers motivated me to talk. This boosted my confidence and slowly but steadily i started learning new words, pronunciation and accents, i tried making sentences of the most frequently used words in English.

We all would try at least 10 new words everyday and try to read one small passage from the newspaper every day for the last 15 min of the class. Now I am an extrovert, can converse with a big crowd, can do a small discussion in English.

After I finished my 12th std. I took up the job of a servant to support my family financially. My friend advised me to join Yuva Parivartan as it was helping him too; they offered a building construction course. I always wanted to be a carpenter because I believed they did sufficient work and earned a very good income. Today after passing out of Yuva Parivartan I am a demonstrator for the course and am being paid a salary of Rs.3000.

I am very thankful to Yuva Parivartan as today I am a proud citizen giving all my work and life back to society. I am proud to be with Yuva Parivartan and also to be a successful individual.

Mary Cardoz (21) Qualification 9th Std. Course - Adv. Beautician Centre - Vasai How was life before & after the Course?

Before joining Yuva Parivartan as a student, she was working in Eureka Forbes as a field worker. She was not happy with the work and long working hours. One day she came home early because of health problems and coincidentallyKSWA’s Vasai ORC Team had gone in that area for Mobilization. KSWA’s staff member met her and invited her to Vasai ORC to see the work process. After a counselling session & discussion about all courses she took admission for “Adv. Beautician Course”. In three months period we saw positive changes for herself. After completion of the course and on job training she got a job in a beauty parlour at Santacruz. She was earning Rs.5000/- p.m. as a salary. On 1st Jan. 2011 she shifted to Vikroli and on 1st April, 2011 she started her own parlour at Vikroli. When she came to invite us for the program her words were “Aaj Yuva Parivartana mule maze sukhi divas chalu zale”. Today she is self-employed. Has her own Beauty Parlour “Ankur Beauty Parlour” and currently earns minimum Rs.12,000/- per month.

Vasanti Manohar Parab (26) Qualification - 8th Std. Course - Nursing Centre - Vasai

How was life before & after the Course?

Vasanti lost her parents when she was a child. Her uncle (at Sangli District) took care of her, up to her marriage age. After marriage she came to Vasai. Unfortunately, her husband left her after 2 months of marriage and received no support from her uncle. Then she started working as domestic worker, earning Rs.800/- p.m. and as she didn’t have a place to live so she stayed in a cow’s shed. One day she met her friend while coming from work. Her friend isKSWA’s ex-student named Sandhya. Vasanti told her the problems which she was facing. Sandhya told her about Yuva Parivartan and how they improved her social life. Vasanti got ready to do a “Nursing Course” as per her interest. but she didn’t have place to live. After thinking and discussion with the Nursing Facilitator, the Facilitator gave place and domestic work in her own Bungalow. Vasanti joined the Nursing Course. She completed 4 months theory in classroom and after that she went for hospital training for 6 months. She got Rs.2,500/- as stipend during the hospital training. After completing her Hospital training, she got placement in Aditya Nursing Home at Vasai. Presently she is getting Rs.4000/- p.m. In April 2011, she took a place on rent and is living happily. Her aims & aspirations/future plans: To be a good Nurse and help needy people like her.

Bhavana Omprakash Thapa(24) Qualification - 10th Std. – Single Course – Tailoring & Beautician Centre - Yerawada Pune

Bhavana is physically handicap (Mute & Deaf). She completed her 10th std. education from a special school.

Since she was unable to continue her education she helped her mother with the household work. But she wants to continue her education and gain knowledge to become economically independent.

She heard about Yuva Parivartan & enquired about the courses and after her parents permission she got herself admission in to the tailoring course and after that in to the beautician course. The YP instructor takes special care of Bhavna & she successfully completed both courses. Now she is working in beauty parlour at Pune taking 3500/- salary. She is now economically independent.

Ashadevi Javaharlal Jadhav - 29 years. Qualification - 5th Std. Course - Fashion Designing Centre - Chakan Pune

She is married and lives with her husband and 5 yr. Old daughter. Her husband is working as a labour in steel company. He earns Rs.4000 per month. In this salary Ashadevi was handling all home expenses like monthly rent, light bills & others only. She was confused about how can manage all these expenses with only her husbands salary. In this situation her neighbours informed her about Yuva Parivartan’s activities. She decided to join Yuva Parivartan & start her own business. She joined Fashion Designing Course. In the duration of this course she was the best student in the whole ORC. She has successfully completed her course & started her own business at her home. She has started her business in her home taking orders in the neighbourhood & other local areas. She earns a monthly income of Rs.3500. She gets orders for stitching skirts for Ramdev Ladies Tailor, Chakan. Her aim, aspirations and future plans is to start her own shop at Chakan.

Ashish Arun Raut(20) Qualification - HSC Course - Wireman Centre - Zirad

I come from a middle class family of four members. On hearing about Yuva Parivartan I came to Yuva Parivartan and they gave me a chance to change my life. I was trained as a Wireman and am today employed as an Electrician with Arun Electricals Workshop at Chondi, earning a salary of Rs.5000 p.m. Yuva Parivartan has changed my life.

Mahesh Prakash Dongare – 20 Years Qualification – 10th Std. Course: Motor Mechanic Centre – Kandivali

Mahesh Prakash Dongare (20) Qualification – 10th Std. Course: Motor Mechanic Centre – Kandivali

We are a family of five, my father is a casual labour and my mother works at a housemaid.KSWA’s monthly income is Rs.6000/-.

Though I was talented, but received no respect from family or neighbours and they all felt I was good-for-nothing since all I did was waste my time playing cricket and fooling along with my friends and was of no help to my family whatsoever.

Then I heard about Yuva Parivartan. I approached them to learn more about YP and the courses they conducted and found one to my liking. I admitted myself and completed a Motor Mechanic’s Course this was a turning point in my life How my life changed – After completing the course I was fortunate to secure a job with Mahindra Tractors at Kandivali (E), today earning a Salary of Rs.8000/- p.m. and am an asset to my family and today I am living a respectful life and have learned that to get respect, you have to be economically stable and this is what I got from Yuva Parivartan.

Now my aim is to work towards building a career in the Mechanical Field, complete my education be successful in fulfilling my biggest dream of owning a garage in Damu Nagar.

Sai Prasad (20) Qualification – 12th Std Course: Air-conditioning / Refrigeration

Completed his 12th from a village in Ratnagiri, Dist. Of Kokan area and moved to Mumbai for further studies. His mother a housemaid in the city had financed his education in the village while living with his grandmother. In Mumbai, he decided he did not want to study but learn a trade and start earning to be on his own feet. He was introduced to Yuva Parivartan and chose the AC/Refrigeration Course which he completed in 2009. Today he works for Shakti Associates in Goregaon, earning Rs.8,000/- p.m. and now ready to work in the Middle East for better prospects.

Nandu Pawar(21) Course: Data Entry Centre: Colaba

Works with the youth Fitness Club, Churchgate as a Data Entry Operator for the last one year at a salary of Rs.7,500/- p.m.

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