Literacy Classes

The women participating in trainings provided by SEWA Academy were both literate and illiterate, from different areas of city and villages. The illiterate women articulated the words that "We would like to study"! With this SEWA members expressed their aspiration to educate themselves. SEWA member’s enthusiasm led to initiation of Literacy Class in 1992. The members sought education, which was easy to understand and which would help them in life.

Class Details

The teachers are recruited from the community itself. Extensive teacher’s training is imparted to them focusing on thorough development of women members. Monthly meetings are held for teachers and supervisors. The classes are arranged in the area either at the teacher’s place, supervisor’s place or at area centre of SEWA. The duration of the literacy classes was 6 months, but as per the requirement the classes are arranged for 1 year. The class timings are as per the convenience of the women for 2 hours daily. The ratio of the class is 20 women per class.

Curriculum

Curriculum developed is specific to the needs of women. The celebrations are also a part of the curriculum. Days like Women’s Day, Teacher’s Day, Literacy Day, Gandhi Jayanti, etc are celebrated. Cultural programmes, exposure visits, summer camps, sports day celebration, etc form an integral part of the curriculum.

Akashganga

Akashganga is a magazine for the young girls initiated by SEWA Academy. The women attending literacy classes expressed the need for Akashganga Club for their daughters. Akashganga club is run on every Saturday for 2 hours. During these 2 hours, young girls read books, narrate stories, jokes and riddles.

Cultural Programmes

Cultural programmes are organized to present the talent of community women and girls. The women and girls, who have never been to a community hall or seen stage, participate enthusiastically. Thematic skit, folk dance Garba and Raas, adivasi dance, role play, folk music, etc are integrated in cultural programme. The cultural programme facilitates imparting important social message in subtle way.

The women and adolescent girls associated with SEWA Academy engaging in different trades expressed their desire to augment their skills, which helps them get better employment opportunities. Considering this, SEWA Academy initiated Skill Education and Communication Centre in 2008. The Centres are initiated in community areas to facilitate women to save on time and transportation cost. The centre helps women lead towards self-dependence and their proficiency improves. The vocational skills like computer, embroidery, tailoring, readymade garments stitching, bead work, electric work, beauty care, yoga, khatla work, hair brooch making, etc are imparted at the centre.

*Till June 2010