SAATH uses a training module especially designed for 20 young women coming from economically weaker backgrounds, from the slums of Gujarat. The training program provides skills and knowledge for Bed Site Patient Assistants (BSPA). Through this course, these young women can get entry level jobs as assistants in small clinics, hospices and sometimes with elderly care and patient care in homes. This course also offers Basic Communicative English, Basic Computers and Life skills
It is difficult for a woman to take up a job that her family approves of. Very few women get the support they need to go out and look for job. Fewer women, feel empowered enough to stand against & take up a job. The reason could be distance, in-laws, cultural boundaries, insecurity and safety concerns of the women. These obstacles that seem unsurmountable for a young woman. The biggest is to convince them to come for a skill training out of the house. But once that is done,half the battle is won
This course is a program that is acceptable by families, because the role is of a caretaker, nurturer. The project is first step for young girls to come out of their home, meet other young women and learn things It is an opportunity for girls to take a job The project helps to place the participants in jobs & provides a certificate. The jobs that they get are part-time in small clinics, hospitals, near their homes, which suit their requirements. There are women who get placed in private hospital
The women become role models for others in their communities and families and become ambassadors of the training program. After doing these courses, some women choose to do a long-term course to become nurses.