VIDYA - SOUTH BANGALORE

The overwhelming response, the never say die attitude of the women,  their immense thirst to learn got us thinking of a dedicated space and center of learning in South Bangalore.  In the summer of 2016 a dedicated women’s centre, harboured in the quiet and serene Shantiniketan layout off Bannerghatta road became the hub of operations and the BHAGINI WOMEN’S PROGRAM.

The new facility set up in the friendly and nurturing neighborhood attracted many women from the marginalized communities of Arekere,  Hulimavu,  Billekahalli, Gottigere etc and provided them a perfect learning environment.  The relocation, establishing a community outreach program from scratch was indeed a Himalayan  task but the benefits were multifold and we found ourselves being able to offer  more training options, workshops, outdoor learning, and other professional training opportunities and Empower our women beneficiaries with Entrepreneurial skills for income generation. VIDYAs MARGAM INITIATIVE is testimony to this. 

The high quality training and impact on the community attracted more supporters.  In 2019 the SHAKTI LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM was established at the Weaver’s Colony community. The uniquely designed program included intensive training in all the above mentioned skills and also included training in cooking. 

The continuous improvement in our offerings and the dedication of our facility has helped us get a strong foot hold in the communities. The life skills and the mentoring efforts by dedicated faculty has seen rippling effects in the lives of our beneficiaries, their families and communities at large. 

The establishment of a community Self Help Group and the participation of our students in community development activities during the pandemic have proven that Empowering a Women is the surest way to an Empowered Nation.  We have been able to change lives of nearly 4000 direct beneficiaries in these 6 years.  We look forward in growing our roots and sharing our learning and experiences with many more.