MM:Professional Courses for Underprivileged girls Feb.15, 2008 | Education - News Articles

   Now, underprivileged women who want to earn and support their families but don’t have the means to learn new skills can take heart. The Sophia Centre for Women’s Studies and Development (SCWSD) has introduced certificate courses in basic computer skills, spoken English, cooking, healthcare, papercraft, needle craft and other skills for just Rs 100. This fee covers everything — tuition charges and study material.
   Scheduled to begin from February 25, these courses will be conducted only between 2 pm and 4 pm. This will enable the students to pay equal attention on the chores at home and their studies.
   Deepti Anil, programme officer, SCWSD, said, “The courses are aimed at training underprivileged girls in basic skills. We don’t accommodate more than 20 students per batch so that we can provide personal attention to each student.”
   The girls enrolling for the courses are an excited lot. Says Vani Kadam, “I left school five years ago due to financial crisis. Now, I want to earn and support my family. A course in basic computer skills and functional English will help me a lot,” she said, adding that Rs 100 is not too big a price to pay to achieve financial freedom.
   Nalini Mukesh had to let go of her dreams of a decent education after her father died a few years ago. “I wanted to be a nurse, but after my father passed away, I didn’t have the money. Now I’m opting for a course in healthcare,” she said. SOME OF THE COURSES ON OFFER

CANDLE MAKING

Starts on: Feb 25 Duration: 8 days Fees: Rs 100 (includes cost for study material) Timing: 2 pm to 4 pm

PAPER CRAFT

Starts on: Mar 7 Duration: 12 days Fees: Rs 100 (includes cost for study material) Timing: 2 pm to 4 pm

NEEDLE CRAFT

Starts on: Mar 25 Duration: 14 days Fees: Rs 100 (includes cost for study material) Timing: 2 pm to 4 pm

REPAIR OF HOME APPLIANCES

Starts on: Apr 10 Duration: 12 days Fees: Rs 100 (includes cost for study material) Timing: 2 pm to 4 pm

FUNCTIONAL ENGLISH

Starts on: Not declared Duration: 1 month Fees: Rs 100 (includes cost for study material) Timing: 2 pm to 4 pm