The GSRD Foundation supports the project since 2013. The current project is in direct partnership with Lend-A-Hand India and started in 2017.

The main objective of project Swadheen, is to erase the gap between what one learns at school versus what is required in real life. Therefore, LAHI’s programme integrates job and life skills training in existing school curricula to make high school education more practical and relevant. The multi-skill vocational education programme complements the existing school curriculum and helps the students learn and comprehend better. It provides them with hands-on experience in subjects such as electrical wiring, welding, agriculture, animal husbandry, energy, environment, and home and health science. The trainers are local trade practitioners (carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc.) who teach their trade at high schools for one day a week over four years.

Lend-A-Hand India aims to reach 5000 young boys and girls (14-18 years old) from urban and rural secondary schools across eight states in India with Maharashtra as major footprint. The long-term objective of the project is to make sure that the programme is adopted by the Central and State Government and becomes part of the nationwide school curriculum.

Lend-A-Hand India
Lend-A-Hand India’s mission is to make a difference in the lives of the poor through self-help. By partnering with grassroots non-profit organisations, community groups and local governments, we create better access to education, vocational training, career development, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Its goal is to help the poor realize their full potential to meet their aspirations for a better life. Read more about Lend-A-Hand India