India has an average age of 29 years and an annual influx of 13 million people into the workforce. However, despite this demographic advantage, the ASER survey has revealed that learning outcomes among students completing primary or secondary schooling are distressingly low. This educational deficit restricts opportunities for progression to senior secondary or higher education.

This isn’t because these children are unsuitable for education; in fact, they form a significant part of India’s workforce. They become skilled masons, car mechanics, start small businesses, and contribute significantly to India’s progress. Many of them drop out because the traditional book-based education system doesn’t resonate with them, and the prospect of schooling and exams can be daunting.

While vocational skills training could offer a short-term solution, it’s worth noting that currently, only 2 percent of India’s workforce possesses formal skills. This leaves most young people without the necessary skills, knowledge, or networks to enter the job market. Consequently, there is widespread unemployment or under-employment, even as industries struggle to fill their job vacancies.

Joy of Helping supports the Rural Entrepreneurship Program, offering hands-on training to bridge the gap between learning and employment.

This comprehensive skilling program is tailored to the specific needs and opportunities in rural areas, providing real-time learning experiences that lead to employment.

The Non-Formal Vocational Center, equipped with hostel facilities, focuses on training tribal youth who have dropped out of school. The six-month program covers various skills such as welding, electrical wiring, home appliance repairs, and two-wheeler repairs, and it’s entirely free, including boarding and lodging.

This program operates on the principle of “learning while doing” in a real-life environment, integrating rural development and education. It’s a unique initiative recognized by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

Our Partner NGOs approach to education empowers students to gain meaningful employment, start their own businesses, innovate, and successfully enter the commercial arena.