Vocational Skill-Training   Empowering the youth and disabled people with the skills to build a future.

As part of its efforts to promote sustainable community development, READ offers a variety of skill-training programs to youth (especially girls who dropped out of school due to financial reasons) and disabled people. The following training programs are currently offered Tailoring & basket-weaving In the past year, 65 students received training (in two batches, each of 6 months) and received a training certificate. The teacher is a physically disabled woman who is now able to make a living. Typewriting During the past year, 5 students successfully received this training. READ's typewriting center is recognized by the government. Twice a year the trainees are sent to the government examination. Currently 10 students are preparing for this exam. Computer-training During the past year, 30 students received computer training, and an additional 30 women self-help group members received some computer training through the NABARD program. Book-binding This unit started recently, and 3 students with disability (hearing impairment or mental retardation) are currently receiving the training from a physically disabled female teacher. Activities include note-book production, book-binding, spiral-binding. We hope that in the future this unit can produce more school note-books also for local sales. Greeting card production This is a training plus production program. The greeting cards are produced by the girls and women to provide them with personal income and to support the many ongoing programs of READ. The cards are being marketed in the USA, Belgium and Australia by the network of volunteers of Sahaya International Inc., to raise funds for our activities. There are more than 200 different designs.   In this current year 18 students received training. Of these 18 women, 10 are making cards at home while 8 come regularly to RCRC to produce cards. In addition, 25 Self-Help Group members received a two-week training through the NABARD program.