INTEGRATED AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (Skills training and employment of those affected by leprosy and disability with other marginalized) Presented by Ansari Naushad Hasan on behalf of Vizia Patta

Background The Vocational Training Programme (VTP) of The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI) provides training and job placement to 700+ young persons disadvantaged by leprosy, disability and those marginalized due to poverty each year. There are many more young persons who are not able to access institution based VTP due to family responsibilities, problems of access and choice. Community Based Vocational Training (CBVT) has been introduced to reach this unreached population. CBVT trains individuals in their own communities in locally viable trades. Teaching-learning is adapted to suit the needs of the trainees in their communities (venue, time, syllabus etc).

Study To analyze the core competencies and interfaces required to provide job training in CBVT. To understand ways CBVT could advocate for rights of the disadvantaged and address stigma and discrimination. To understand ways to enhance sustainability. Institution Base Training Community Base training

Methodology Focus group discussions with VTP principals, teaching faculty, community leaders, potential skill trainees / their families/ neighborhood clusters. Interview with stake holders, Partners, involved in community based skill development.

Potential Trainees in CBVT Findings (1/3) ………….. Core competencies and interfaces required in CBVT : Multi level stakeholders involvement is needed for community ownership, identification of location, skill gaps, mobilizing resources, implementing training, gainful wage and self-employment and addressing human right issues. Potential Trainees in CBVT Vocational Training Centers Village Leaders Community Based Organization TLMTI Hospitals Village and Block Development Office Bank and State Agencies Employers Family Members NGOs

Findings (2/3)….Advocate for the rights of disadvantaged and address stigma and discrimination Addressing stigma and access to rights through CBVT is easier as: Larger number of persons and from the same area are involved . Greater participation in organizing campaigns and advocacy programs. Visibility and goodwill with local stakeholders Ramgopal and his father were diagnosed with leprosy and spent a lot of money towards treatment. The father lost his job. Ramgopal had to discontinue his studies as family had no source of income. He enrolled for computer and mobile repairing trade under CBVT. Now employed with Electricity Board and earning 8000 INR. Today he is supporting family and doing graduation through distance education.

Findings (3/3)……Relevance & Sustainability CBVT Majority (82.5%) of the total trained under CBVT are women disadvantaged due to leprosy and disabilities compared to (30%) in VTC. The cost of training at the VTP is double as compared to training under the CBVT. Hence a larger number of candidates can benefit from the training at lesser cost. 511 young adults who could not access training at VTP due to cultural barriers and family responsibilities were trained and equipped to enhance their income and family status. Trades in community based training are more flexible and can be tailored to community demand, whereas institution based centre are more rigidly structured. Community support- venue, electricity, on the job training/employment, addressing stigma & discrimination ……………………………….Inclusion Becomes a reality

CBVT graduate Laxmi working Conclusions…. Local level stakeholders are needed and are crucial for the success of the program Community Based Vocational Training (CBVT) integrates the vulnerable and marginalized people disadvantaged due to leprosy and disability to achieve sustainable livelihood, leading to poverty reduction. CBVT is a cost effective way to provide locally viable technical & life skills training and livelihood options to disadvantaged people unable to access training at ‘Technical Institutes’. CBVT graduate Laxmi working as Mobile Technician

Thank you! The Leprosy Mission Trust India CNI Bhavan, 16 Pandit Pant Marg, New Delhi 110 001, India Phone: +91 11 43533300, Email: info@leprosymission.in