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.

Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha (MSVS) has embarked on an innovative journey to empower underprivileged youth from the fishing community by providing vocational training in water sports. Recognizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, MSVS launched the Sindhuputra Project to offer market-linked training that opens new doors for employment and income generation.

To ensure high-quality training and certification, MSVS partnered with the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Panjim Goa. NIWS is the only authority in India authorized to issue licenses to water sports operators, making it an ideal partner for this unique project.

The Sindhuputra Project has trained more than 200+ young individuals (Male and Female both) from the local fishing community in two key areas of water sports:

1. Power Boat Handling: Participants learned to operate power boats safely and efficiently, acquiring the skills required for water transportation and recreational activities.

2. Life-Saving Techniques: The training included essential life-saving skills, such as water rescue methods and first aid, ensuring participants are equipped to handle emergencies in water-based environments.

The Sindhuputra Project helps create awareness among the fishing community about new career opportunities beyond traditional fishing practices. With the water sports industry playing an increasingly pivotal role in coastal economies, MSVS aimed to provide these young trainees with valuable skills that can lead to stable employment.

By completing the training, these individuals become eligible for

• water sports and recreational settings,
• including boat tours,
• beach resorts,
• and adventure sports centers.

Through the Sindhuputra Project, MSVS is not only promoting vocational training but also contributing to the economic development of the region. The skills acquired by these trainees can have a ripple effect, encouraging others in the community to explore similar opportunities.

Additionally, by partnering with NIWS, MSVS ensures that participants receive recognized certification, enhancing their employability.

If you're interested in learning more about the Sindhuputra Project or wish to explore opportunities for collaboration, MSVS invites you to get in touch. Let's work together to create a brighter future for the fishing community through water sports training.

Vriddhi Project: Empowering Women, Transforming Textiles

Vriddhi Project, a pioneering initiative by Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha (MSVS) that combines skill development, environmental sustainability, and women's empowerment. Our goal is to address the issue of textile waste in the Western Ghats while creating meaningful opportunities for women in these regions. Here's how we're making it happen.

The Western Ghats are renowned for their rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, but they also face environmental challenges, including industrial waste. Textile waste from the fashion and tailoring industries is a significant concern. Through the Vriddhi Project, we're turning this problem into an opportunity by training women to upcycle discarded textiles into functional and creative handcrafted products.

Our training programs focus on equipping women with the skills they need to succeed in the world of upcycling and tailoring. Participants learn how to transform textile scraps into beautiful and functional items such as bags, accessories, home decor, and more. This not only helps reduce waste but also creates a source of income for the women involved.

The Vriddhi Project goes beyond upcycling skills. We believe in empowering women with financial literacy to manage their earnings effectively and plan for a secure future. Participants also receive training in the basics of digital marketing, allowing them to promote and sell their products online. They learn how to use smartphones and laptops to connect with customers, manage social media accounts, and even set up online stores.

We understand that empowerment is about more than just skills. It's about creating a supportive community where women can share knowledge, collaborate, and grow together. The Vriddhi Project offers a platform for women to connect, exchange ideas, and build a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

If you're passionate about sustainability, women's empowerment, and reducing textile waste, we invite you to join the Vriddhi Project. Whether you're interested in our training programs, supporting our mission, or purchasing our handcrafted products, there's a place for you in our community.

Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha (MSVS) identified a need for improved computer literacy in schools across the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts in Maharashtra. This realization led to the development of a comprehensive project proposal aimed at strengthening computer labs in schools and training teachers to deliver the government's computer curriculum to students in the 8th, 9th, and 10th grades.

With the support of the Ford Foundation, USA, MSVS launched the "Computer Literacy Project," a three-and-a-half-year initiative to bring technology and digital skills to 22 schools across Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Although the campaign officially began in April 2002, it reached full momentum in September 2002, and ran through to 31st October 2005.

The campaign targeted three talukas (blocks) in the Ratnagiri district and one taluka in the Sindhudurg district, providing each of the 22 selected schools with two computers and a printer. Additionally, each school was assigned an instructor responsible for teaching computer skills to the students and guiding them through the curriculum. The instructors received specialized training, including an introduction to computer basics, curriculum training, and lessons on integrating internet usage into their teaching methods.

To ensure smooth operation and longevity of the equipment, each school received electricity stabilizers for consistent power supply. Separate telephone lines were also installed to provide internet connectivity, enabling students to access online resources and expand their learning.

The campaign encompassed 22 schools in total, distributed across Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, with the following breakdown:

• Sangameshwar Taluka: Lok Vidhyalay, Adarsh Madhyamik Vidhyalay, Madhyamik Shramshala, and Madhyamik Vidhyamandir.
• Lanja Taluka: RS Berde Vidhyalaya, Shriram Vidhyalay, and VV Athalye Vidhyamandir.
• Rajapur Taluka: Shri Kaleswar Vidhyalay, US Parulekar Madhyamik Vidhyalay, Utkarsh Vidhyalay, Late SN Desai Topiwale Vidhyalay, BL Sathe Madhyamik Vidhyalay, Shri Mahakali English School, and Arjun Madhyamik Vidhyalay.

Devgad Taluka: Madhyamik Vidhyalay, Shri Bhagawati Highschool, SB Rane High School, AK Kelkar Highschool, Mahatma Gandhi Vidhyalay, Madhyamik Vidhyalay Phanasgaon, Panchkroshi Madhyamik Vidhyalay, and Korle Dhalavali Madhyamik Vidhyalay.

Through the "Computer Literacy Project," MSVS successfully introduced technology and digital skills to students in these rural areas, providing them with opportunities for future growth and helping bridge the digital divide. The project's impact continues to resonate as the trained teachers and students apply their newfound skills to improve education and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.

In the scenic villages of Sindhudurg district, a digital revolution was brewing as Manav Sadhan Vikas Sanstha (MSVS) launched two landmark projects: Dyanada and Vicharganga. These initiatives were designed to promote computer literacy among rural children and introduce them to the internet, regardless of their background. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated these projects in April 2002, shortly before becoming the President of India.

As part of the Grameen Gyan Abhiyan (Rural Knowledge Movement), MSVS established Minimally Invasive Education (MIE) kiosks in five villages in Sindhudurg, namely Banda, Deobagh, Shirgaon, Kalse, and Talawade. These communities, primarily engaged in agriculture and fishing, needed access to technology. Out of 42 MIE kiosks set up nationwide, 10 were in Sindhudurg, highlighting the district's significance in the project.

• Computer Literacy: Basic computer skills for rural children, enhancing their education and future opportunities.
• Community Services: Access to land records, birth and death certificates, health and educational information, and agricultural data.
• Government Schemes: Information about Central and State Government programs to support underprivileged rural dwellers.
• Connectivity: Some kiosks offered internet access, while others provided offline educational content.

• ICICI Ltd.'s Social Initiatives Group: Provided funding to support the project.
• NIIT's Centre for Research and Cognitive Systems: Supplied hardware and software support for the kiosks.
• MSVS: Acquired space and telephone connections, ensuring the kiosks' stability and accessibility.
• Community Involvement: Local communities supervised and maintained the kiosks, encouraging a sense of ownership.

• Improved Computer Skills: Local children quickly became adept at using computers, even without formal classes.
• Reduced Teaching Time: Teachers reported a reduction in teaching time as students had already gained basic knowledge from the kiosks.
• Increased Enthusiasm: Children were more eager to learn about computers and technology.

The Dyanada and Vicharganga projects have successfully bridged the digital divide in Sindhudurg, providing rural communities with essential technology and information.

By involving the local community and focusing on practical applications, MSVS has created a model for how technology can transform education and empower rural populations.

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.