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Notre Dame Women’s Training Program
Asia & Indian Sub-Continent
Notre Dame Women’s Training Program
Project Coordinator:
Valerie Sweeney
Project Overview:
The Notre Dame Women’s Training Program (Vaniyakudy, INDIA) offers vocational training programs to young women from Vaniyakudy in nursing/healthcare, computer information technology, and early childhood education and development. India has the largest number of people living in poverty in the world. Through education, this project works to improve the lives of the young women and their families and community. Tens of thousands of adults and children profit from education in various forms. Notre Dame India Mission reaches out to countless people in India by providing them the basic skills necessary for survival. Under the direction of Sr. Priscilla Dacosta, in the school part of the Notre Dame Community College in Tamil Nadu, the women of Vaniyakudy can choose from programs in nursing/healthcare, computer information technology, and early childhood education and development, areas which are all in high demand. They can then pass on their skills so that the entire community can benefit.
Recent Accomplishments:
100% of the students who completed the Diploma in Health Assistant are employed
Number of People Directly Served by Project:
48 young women
Number of People Indirectly Served by Project:
The families and communities of the young women. With the training the women will be able to help their families financially and with leadership.
Goals for 2008:
• Starting B. Com. Correspondence course along with diplomas
• Introducing a new course ‘Building Bridges for Better Future’ in collaboration with IPM.
• Discontinuing the Teachers Training Program
IPM Funding Goal for 2008:
$5,000
Community Impact:
Rosy Brinda, who has completed her computer studies at the Training Program, dropped out of college after 3 weeks because no one at home supported her. As usual the Program met her in her home, though she did try to hide and avoid meeting them. She did this because she never thought anyone would show concern for her, understand her situation, and try to help her. Because she received a positive response from the Program she was able to complete her course without paying any fees. When final exam time came she stayed home because she couldn’t find the money to pay the fees. The Notre Dame Women's Training Program offered to advance her the money which she could pay back by working. Before completing the exam she earned a months salary and paid her exam fees proudly. It was a great accomplishment for her to support her own studies. It gave her inner confidence and awareness that she has the power within her to build a better future. Such experiences at the Training Program have given her the courage to face the problems that come along in her life.
How your donation may be put to use:
IPM funds will be used to furnish an offset developoing the Language Lab at the college. This would generate income to support the project as well as provide practical experience for the all of the students. Students will also be able to earn as they learn.