Alternative education - self-help groups and income generation programs
Alternative Education
The organization is committed to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children through gender-sensitive, child-centric alternative education programs across marginalized regions of West Bengal, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. These initiatives aim to address key challenges such as limited parental support, unaffordable remedial coaching, and high dropout rates after primary school. Central to the program are efforts to restore childhood for neglected children by ensuring access to quality education, vocational training, healthcare, nutrition, and emotional well-being.
The objectives include protecting vulnerable, marginalized, street-connected, and neglected children, youth, and women from exploitation and abuse through social, economic, and legal interventions. The organization also provides meaningful and high-quality transitional rehabilitation in both institutional and community-based centers, supported by education, nutrition, psychological care, life-skills training, and economic empowerment. Inclusive education is promoted to create learning environments comparable to mainstream schools, enabling children to develop the skills and confidence needed to compete in the modern world.
A strong emphasis is placed on mainstreaming students from non-formal learning centers into formal education systems. Recreational and library facilities are developed to support holistic growth, while programs for the correction and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and neglected children are actively pursued. The organization further integrates vocational and job-oriented training into its education programs to empower children, adolescents, and marginalized communities toward sustainable livelihoods. Support is also extended to communities affected by natural or human-made disasters, ensuring child protection, access to essential services, and psychosocial care. Additionally, comprehensive child maintenance support—such as mid-day meals, clothing, footwear, counseling, and protection activities—is provided. These initiatives are strengthened through collaboration with communities and civil society, including the formation of SHGs, mothers’ forums, and other community-based organizations.
Self-Help Groups (SHG) Formation
Self-help groups have become one of India’s most impactful microfinance and community development models. Recognizing the transformative potential of SHGs in generating sustainable livelihoods, the organization has established more than 3,000 SHGs across its operational areas. Each member receives structured training to enhance their capacity in financial management, group operations, and income-generating activities. Dedicated field workers support and monitor the groups throughout the year, helping them identify opportunities, improve their financial stability, and enhance their overall economic resilience. Through these continued efforts, SHGs have emerged as powerful tools for women’s empowerment, community mobilization, and grassroots economic development.