Since 1991, SEWA Academy has served as the focal point for all of
SEWA’s capacity building efforts. SEWA Academy functions as our member’s
"university". It provides most of our members their first introduction to a
formal learning environment.
Our decision to launch a
distinct capacity building center was spurred by a number of inter-related needs and
ideas. At the most basic level, SEWA Academy provided essential coordination and
consolidation of our programs. Over the years, SEWA’s training programs had grown
extensively as has internal staff capacity. However, these efforts had not been
systematized and lacked a consistent approach, vision and skills. By bringing these
efforts together we were able to both refine and expand the capacity building program.
Most importantly, a cadre of trained organizers has been established under SEWA
Academy’s direction, greatly expanding the range and reach of our programmes.
SEWA Academy also was
created to fill the increasing need to develop general, capacity building programs that
cut across all the requirements. Although SEWA’s training programs were extensive,
they previously were only specific to a certain program or activity. As the organization
expanded, it no longer became possible to educate all members about the vision and purpose
of SEWA through its organizing efforts as it once had.
Additionally, through the
expansion the membership became more diverse, making it necessary to bring members
together -- across geography, caste, trade barriers – to share ideas and learn from
each other. SEWA Academy has developed into a crucial "homeplace" where all SEWA
members are welcome as equals and sisters, fostering a sense of solidarity and the common
purpose.
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