Sindhudurg district had long faced a shortage of quality health education facilities, forcing students to travel to cities like Mumbai, Pune, or Kolhapur to pursue studies in medicine and related health sciences. While the Ayurvedic Medical College in Sawantwadi and the Homoeopathic Medical College in Vengurle offered some relief, there was still a critical need for a Nursing School in the district. To address this gap, MSVS took the initiative to establish a nursing school, focusing on empowering women—who make up over half of the district's population—and providing them with educational and career opportunities.

The MSVS School of Nursing has been instrumental in addressing the shortage of trained nurses in Sindhudurg. It has created opportunities for economically disadvantaged students who otherwise couldn't afford to travel to distant cities for education. This pioneering project has not only brought nursing education to Sindhudurg but has also opened doors for many local women, enabling them to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare.

Empowering underprivileged communities with the skills they need to improve their lives and local economies is a proven approach to regional development. Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha (MSVS) understood this early, prompting the launch of the Jana Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.

In the 24 years since its inception, JSS has provided vocational training to over

• 100,000+ individuals,
• with 85% of its beneficiaries being women.

Many of these individuals have launched their own small businesses, while others have found stable employment. JSS Sindhudurg has the distinction of being the first rural Jana Shikshan Sansthan in the country.

• employable skills
• technical trades,
• fostering self-reliance
• and promoting entrepreneurship.

The courses are designed to meet the demands of the local job market, and also address broader community needs. The vocational training programs range from three to six months and are offered at a very low cost, covering different skills.

Through these programs, JSS has helped thousands of individuals enhance their skills and build confidence, making them ready to enter the workforce or start their own businesses. JSS Sindhudurg has established partnerships with various stakeholders to support its mission, including:

Recently, JSS Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri have also collaborated with corporate partners such as IFFCO Foundation, SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Company, Godrej, SNDT University,Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Godrej, Boyce, Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation, Ford Foundation, as well as ICICI foundation, to offer additional skill development programs.

These partnerships are key to the continued success and expansion of JSS's mission, creating more opportunities for people in the region and beyond.

Entrepreneurship Development Institute (S&EDI) at Koperkhairne, Navi Mumbai, where we transform lives by equipping people with employability skills. Our mission is to empower underprivileged women and men in Mumbai's shanties, giving them the tools to become self-reliant and live with dignity.

We focus on skills that are in demand and can lead to sustainable income growth. Our courses are designed for urban slum dwellers and rural youth, particularly women from marginalized backgrounds. Here's what we offer:

• Beauty and Hair Care: Learn the art of hairstyling, skincare, and beauty treatments that can lead to careers in salons or self-employment.
• Henna Body Art: Discover the intricate designs of henna and how to create stunning body art.
• Tailoring and Fashion Design: Gain skills in sewing, dressmaking, and fashion design to start your own tailoring business or work with established designers.
• Embroidery and Artificial Jewelry Making: Explore creative crafts that can be turned into profitable ventures.

We believe that learning by doing is the best way to build confidence. That's why we organize community demonstrations where our beneficiaries can practice their skills and showcase their talents. This hands-on approach helps participants refine their craft and gain the experience they need to succeed.

Our goal is to inspire our participants to take charge of their own futures. We encourage them to use their newfound skills

• to start small businesses
• create micro-enterprises
• or find employment with established companies

For many, this means achieving their most cherished dream: earning a regular income and living with dignity.

At S&EDI, we're more than just an institute. We're a community dedicated to changing lives. If you're interested in learning new skills, gaining confidence, and taking control of your future, we invite you to join us. Explore our programs, attend a community demonstration, or contact us to learn more about how you can be part of our transformative journey.