PROJECT QALA
Our upskilling workshops under Project Qala are currently taught at the Daksh x Municipal Corporation Delhi (MCD) library in Bharatnagar. The library sees a regular footfall of 200 students and adults from the neighborhood and acts as a resource for all that the people in the area seek.
These trainings include certified courses on computer literacy, handicrafts, stitching, beautician courses and entrepreneurship. Along with certificate courses, community members from the library together host melas where they put up stalls showcasing their newly acquired skills. In this manner, this project has helped people gain financial independence and instill communal harmony.
Project Qala has been a big success with several workers finding alternative means of income after attending classes. Preeti, a student at the library, recently won the first prize at a talent show. After taking our course in parlor services, she is now able to use her skills to engage in entrepreneurial activities and works as a freelance makeup artist in her community, allowing her to earn an income. Similarly, Sanjana, a domestic worker, now offers basic parlor services in addition to her domestic chores due to which she has seen an increase in her dispensable income. We also helped Bhagat Ji set up a confectionary store nearby which has helped him gain financial stability. Lastly, the library is fully managed by Anuradha Di, one of our previous beneficiaries who earns a full-time salary of Rs. 10,000 monthly through this venture. This has also helped her upskill in project management, accounting, and capacity building.
50% of the beneficiaries who received training in the library belong to socially backward castes.
