Madhura Kulkarni

HR Manager @Lend A Hand India

Pune, IN

Started in 2008, Lend A Hand India is an NGO working at the crossroads of education by providing vocational education to High School students. Lend A Hand India’s stems out of the long standing observation that much of the current school curriculum does not equip students with relevant employment or livelihood related skills. The commonly used rote method of learning impacts comprehension, analytical skills and active engagement of students. Thus, there is disconnect between what one learns in school and what is required in real life.The Multi Skill Foundation Course (MSFC) of Lend A Hand India integrates work and life-skills training into the existing secondary school curriculum. The MSFC which is a vocational course provides students with hands-on training in electrical wiring, welding, carpentry, plumbing and gardening. It ensures that students develop problem-solving skills, teamwork and entrepreneurial skills. The program enables students to build multi-vocational and life skills in their formative years, through the existing school curriculum. It supplements existing mathematics and science theories taught in school through practical projects. The program aims to: • Foster entrepreneurship within students through livelihood-based projects.• Help students make informed career choices by introducing them to multiple trades and occupations first-hand.• Reduce gender stereotyping by enabling girls to learn and acquire skills traditionally reserved for boys and vice-versa.The curriculum is recognized as National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Level 1 and 2 with assessment and certification by NSDC. The programme is presently operational in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Goa.

University of Pune

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)