Life Skills and Vocational Training

The Hope Foundation is committed to providing sustainable solutions to the social problems stemming from poverty. Self-development is crucial to achieving this. By giving people training, skills and trades, we are giving them power - the power to take control and change their lives forever.

The Life-Skills Training Centre delivers high-quality vocational training to individuals who are unable to avail of such services elsewhere. Professionally designed training, which is tailored to suit the capabilities of the trainees, provides the young women and men with the opportunity to train and get a job placement or start a business of their own.

2023/24 Key Achievements
  • 652 trainees completed life skills courses.

  • 264 trainees went on to secure job placements or became self-employed.

  • 6 trainees from the HOPE Café completed the course and were placed in restaurants & cafes.

Training Courses

Food & Beverage
Computers
Tailoring
Hair & Beauty

The training centre was initially set up to help distressed and marginalized women. Now it’s also open to young people from HOPE projects, surrounding slum areas and through placements from other NGOs working towards female and youth empowerment. These will typically be kids who have not received formal education or with a low level of education.

Life-skills training encompasses practical approaches and hands-on learning. These skills empower trainees, build confidence and enable them to gain employment. Each training course is complimented with a certificate upon completion and work placement opportunities as a stepping stone for trainees to enter the wider workforce. This programme ensures they can earn a wage, breaking the cyclical poverty trap they were born into.

Project Aims

  • To provide skill training to underprivileged youth, especially women enabling them to earn an independent living and provide a sustainable pathway out of poverty.
  • To help adolescent boys and girls from the streets of Kolkata to receive suitable and comprehensive training, leading to a job with a reasonable salary.
  • To develop self-confidence and individual potential.