Help Rural Women Gain Essential Business Skills

Mann Deshi Udyogini (Business School for Rural Women) was started in 2006 sponsored by HSBC is conducting different courses like computer literacy, financial literacy, tailoring to young girls and women’s, personality development and English speaking courses to young girls and other business oriented skills. Udyogini is not just training centre or the vocational training school but it is like the micro MBA program which gives the comprehensive training with confident building to become successful business entrepreneurs.

Story of Maya Sudhir Khade: Successful Entrepreneur and Trainer of Financial Literacy Maya says, “I was an orphan. I lost my parents at very young age 3 or 4 ages. So I always knew what is poverty? Even after my marriage. My husband is working in State transport Bus garage. My financial condition did not change due to drinking habit of my husband.

One day I decided that I will not bow down to my destiny rather I will fight for improving my condition. As other ladies of my neighbor and society were also facing problem at their home because of alcohol addiction of their father, brother, husband. So with the help of these ladies I started an antiliquor campaign in the area which was initially liquor contractors but our resilience paid of and we were successful to prescribe the Government to close all liquor shops. Then I under too tailoring courses from Mann Deshi Foundation Business School and I was able to start my own business of tailoring how I am capable to earn at least 5000 to 6000 rupees per month. I had a dream to give best of the education to my children. So I want my daughter to become a nurse and serve the humanity at same time. I want my son to join army and serve the nation. So full fill these dream need more money hence I have decided to take the support of Mann Deshi group to take adequate training from Mann Deshi Udyogini and enough capital from Mann Deshi Mahila Bank to start my business.”

If women cannot come to school then school goes to women. Business school goes to women and provides business school courses at women’s door step.. Mann deshi opened the b-school, strategy of Mann deshi is to deliver the courses and also provide the capital to women to start the business. Idea is that once a woman comes to B-school then she will get all the support to start the businesses. If women cannot afford to go to school then school goes to them. For this Mann deshi mobile business school that is b-school on wheels started. Under this school class room is set up under the tent.

“Dream Come True” - Young Girl Workshop: Under B-school Mann deshi is planning to target young girls. Many girls in India do not get opportunity to go for higher education. When she reaches adolescence, a girl’s day turns to fetching water and wood rather than learning to read and write. She takes care of family members rather than herself. And their family get them marry at an early age. This makes them vulnerable in the in-laws family. Nearly half of girls are married before they turn 20. The same number bear children while still children themselves.

Mann Deshi conducts the work shop among young girls and motivates them for the better career. Mann Deshi also provides them information about different courses and if they are interested in starting some businesses or they are interested in higher studies then Mann Deshi supports them.

Mann Deshi’s focus is to shape their dreams and want them to dream about their career and future. Through this program B-school has trained 410 girls in 2009 and targeting to reach 1000 girls in 2010-2011.

Agricultural Course: (Veterinary Camp): One of the most popular courses at Udyogini is goat rearing. In Maharashtra, goat and gold are considered the liquid assets of women. The goat-rearing course was in progress when I visited Udyogini. "We are basically taught about the vaccines to be given to the goat, as well as cure for the common ailments suffered by them. Otherwise every time a goat is unwell, we have to leave all our work and take her to a vet who is not very near," says middle-aged Jayashree Narale, who is taking the course.

In continuance of its activity related to providing veterinary services & education to the women who are engaged in goat rearing activity for their livelihood, Mann Deshi Udyogini organizes a goat camp. In these camp many women shepherds came along with their goats. They took the benefit of the camp & got their goats injected with medicines which prevent the goats from catching certain specific deceases which occur during winter only.

Besides, the women were informed about various services being provided by Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank & Mann Deshi Foundation. Business School has graduated 24248 women and young girls. All villages appreciated the Mann Deshi Foundation, for providing such services at their door step & without any cost to them.

I would like to thank you very much for all global giving donors for their regular support.