Shilpa Gram: A project for training and job placement of youths from Dantewada

Since April 1st, 2011 TF has started a skill training and job placement project for the youth of Dantewada. The project is a residential one for both illiterate and semi literate youth. Every year 150 young adults will get training and job placement from this project. The project focuses on 4 trades according to the local demand. This is a much needed project as the majority of the inhabitants of the district, the tribal people, are either fighting for the insurgent groups or they are jobless, living in poor conditions at the relief camps. There is a lack of economic activity, on the other hand, traditional economic activities of the tribal people is severely affected due to the same insurgency related problems. As a result, hundreds of youth – mostly illiterate or semi literate, without any income earning skills are living an extremely poor life.

The project is being run on a pilot basis with 50 young persons, at a time and a total of 150 youth in a year. So, courses of 4 months duration will be run for a batch of 50 youth adults. The project has options for training in four trades: a) Building construction related skills (with a  focus on plumbing), b) Electrical, c) Modern Wood Curving and d) Service. A full-fledged project will be developed o the basis of the experience of Pilot Phase.

The first batch has been started on 1st April, 2011 with 25 trainees under the electrical course and 25 trainees in the plumbing course.

Shilpa Gram complex has residential facilities, classrooms and workshop for practicals

The project is supported by Zila Panchayat Dantewada under Integrated Development Action Plan for LWE Districts

A theory class - we are yet to equip it properly but that did not hamper the spirit of the trainers and trainees.

A practical class for training under electrical course.

A practical class for training under plumbing course.

Maximum emphasis has been given on internship in live projects. The trainees and trainers have taken up plumbing and electrical works in different buildings.

The trainees are very enthusiastic regarding their internship. They not only learn the deeper nuances of the trade but equip themselves with experience to get greater value in the job market.

Big live projects make them more confident. The job they do is free of cost but they learn a lot.

Internship under electrical course.

The youths participate in regular sports activities.

This place will be used for workshops for practical classes after necessary modifications.

You are welcome to Shilpa Gram