Empowerment of Future Generations in Urban Slum Pockets through Health, Education and Skills Programmes

Prior to the commencement of the practice, a detailed community needs assessment was conducted by the CSR partner, wherein socio-economic issues prevalent in and around the community were assessed and understood. Based on this, various issues to be addressed on a priority basis were shortlisted, like interventions in Education, Skills training and Health.

Through a detailed process of partner identification, the most able agencies were identified for implementation of the various projects. A three-year engagement road map for the practice was identified- the focus has been to ensure that residents have better access to services. The capacity of the service providers to deliver impactful outcomes for all was strengthened.

To address the needs identified, projects were co-created with the on-ground partners with the guiding principles that capacity building, collaboration, community ownership and sustainability principles are addressed.

The specific programmes created were as follows:
• Education:
o A unique community based Beyond School programme was initiated in one location, where children have access to unique pedagogical methods, which enables improved learning on curricular concepts, beyond the four walls of their classrooms
o In a technology driven world, computer literacy program is being driven to make the children and youth within the community well-equipped with basic technology and computer skills
o Digital Empowerment programmes have also been initiated in another location, with the aim of ensuring improved rates of attainment for higher education and placement in digital-related jobs
o To address the poor quality of teachers in schools, teacher training modules are being implemented with teachers. The focus is on strengthening the ability of teachers to deliver improved teaching-learning experiences in classrooms.
o A program has been identified with Teach For India network to enhance learning experience of the students in the schools in the area

• Health:
o Issues of poor health and inadequate nutrition within the community and the low levels of accessibility to affordable health care are being addressed through the implementation of a community based healthcare model. In this children are provided with free health check-ups and access to subsidised health clinics
o The lack of adequate sanitation facilities in schools is being addressed through the renovation of toilets and implementation of Behaviour Change Communication programmes with children
o Another touch point has been the facilitation to provide prosthetics or artificial limbs, callipers and other physical aids and appliances to disabled people through health camps within the community

• Skills training:
o To address the lack of technical skills amongst youth in the area, a community skills centre was set up which, unlike other skilling centres, allowed students with lower educational qualifications to enrol with nominal course fee. Training on life-skills aspects is also a central part of the programme
o Skills training for women is also underway to aid them in setting up of micro-enterprises

A robust quarterly monitoring mechanism has been set up, wherein milestones achieved is reviewed by all partners. A Beneficiary Tracking System tool is also being developed and piloted for this practice. Additionally, a mid-year evaluation was also conducted by the consulting partner to evaluate the short to medium term outcomes achieved on ground.