Power of a Second Chance

From Adult Literacy to Skill Development and Digital Empowerment

Soroptimist International’s guiding framework rests on three pillars: to educate, to empower, and to enable. The Power of a Second Chance initiative reflects these principles in action.

Launched in 1997, the programme began as an adult literacy drive aimed at women who had missed their first opportunity for education. Our goal was to give school dropouts a second chance—one that built confidence, basic literacy, and income-generating skills.

To ensure relevance and impact, we conducted surveys among school-dropout women to understand their real needs. This evidence-based approach to leadership revealed a powerful insight: women wanted English-speaking skills, as English represented dignity, confidence, and social mobility.

In response, we designed functional conversational English modules rooted in everyday realities—speaking to teachers at parent–teacher meetings, communicating at the workplace, and expressing oneself confidently in public.

As the programme evolved, we recognised that empowerment must lead to opportunity. This led to the introduction of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) under skill development, tailored to professions such as beauticians, nursing aides, hospitality staff, and others. Learning was thus directly linked to livelihoods.

In the post-COVID era, the programme expanded further to include digital literacy. Soroptimist members and participants learned together—using smartphones, accessing Wi-Fi and mobile data, participating in WhatsApp groups and online meetings, creating secure passwords, using UPI and QR codes, making digital payments, engaging on social media, and accessing public services online.

This phase became a shared teaching–learning journey, strengthening confidence, connectivity, and independence for all involved.

From adult literacy to English for specific purposes, and onward to digital empowerment, The Power of a Second Chance continues to transform education into dignity, skills into livelihoods, and learning into lasting empowerment.

1. Awareness Session on “Financial Literacy for Women”

SIBC in association with Dr. Pillai Global Academy, New Panvel arranged a session on financial literacy for the women support staff of the school. Most of the women work as cleaning assistance in the school and are illiterate or have basic literacy skills.

In the session they were explained about the linking of financial and bank documents as well as they were given information about their PF and other important processes in the bank.

Around 40 women attended this session held on the 27th September, 2023.

This activity was done towards the fulfillment of SDG 4, 5, 6 and 10.

2. Computer Literacy and Skills Class

Computer Literacy and Skills class was held for women living in slum communities in Mumbai. A 3 week basic computer course was held where the women were taught MS Office, usage of the internet and how to avoid cyber crime.

3. English for Specific Purposes Workshop

SIBC in collaboration with Mahatma Education Society’s Pillai HOC College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Rasayani organised the ‘English for Specific Purposes Workshop’ for the Students at Pillai Skill Development Institute from 22nd February to 3rd March, 2023.

The objective of the programme is to enhance language and communication skills for the students at Pillai Skill Development Institute. Various topics of spoken language were covered in the training: Formal and Informal Greetings, Conversations, word games, and Role plays, story-tellling. Tips for grooming and effective body language were also shared. The students were given many exercises and practice sessions to improve their self-confidence.

The Valedictory function and distribution of certificates was held on 10th March, 2023 and was attended by Dr. Daphne Pillai- Founder President SIBC, Ms. Yvette Lee – PAC SIBC, Ms. Mamta Patil – Treasurer SIBC and Dr. Celina Joy – Member SIBC. The programme began with a fashion show where students dressed up representing five states namely- Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal and Maharashtra. The students confidently introduced themselves and also spoke a few sentences about the significance of the state they represented, showcasing their communication skills. It was closely followed by a fancy dress where the students dressed up as eminent women leaders and briefed about the contribution of the leaders they represented, to our country’s history, independence and women empowerment. The guest of honour, Dr. Daphne Pillai, Co-founder and Secretary, MES Group of Institutions addressed the gathering, sharing her thoughts and appreciating the efforts of the students.

SDG covered: # 4, 5

4. Adult Literacy Drive

SI Bombay Chembur initiated an Adult Literacy Drive for the lady support staff of Dr. Pillai Global Academy, New Panvel. The need assessment for the project was held on 3rd August, 2019. All of the maushis showed interest in the project which consists of literacy skills and skill development sessions. 27 marginalised women enrolled for the classes.

The Adult Literacy Drive was inaugurated by Dr. Daphne Pillai on 13th September, 2019.

As a part of the Adult Literacy Classes, basic literacy skills, conversational English and Skill development classes are held for maushis of Dr. Pillai Global Academy every Saturday from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Students learning to make art articles like baskets, table mats etc.

5. Convocation Ceremony – English for Specific Purposes Project

Soroptimist International Bombay-Chembur in association with Pillai HOC College of Arts, Science & Commerce organised a Convocation Ceremony for students of Skill Development Institution on 12th March, 2019. The ceremony was for students who attended the two week ‘English for Specific Purposes‘ workshop held in the month of December, 2018.

Dr. Daphne Pillai, Founder President of SI Bombay Chembur addressed the audience and stressed on the need to develop skills to achieve success in life. The students were award certificates for the workshop. This was followed by a brief cultural program by the students. Two students delivered speech about importance of education and English. A skit was also performed in English with a social message for need to change to build a better future. Around 55 students received certificates and attended the program.

The students unanimously agreed that the workshop had helped them better their English conversational skills and also build their confidence.

6. English for Specific Purposes 2018

SI Bombay-Chembur in association with Pillai HOC College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Rasayani organised two-week long sessions on ‘English for Specific Purpose’ from 10th – 21st December, 2018 for the students of Pillai Skill Development Institute with an objective to acquaint them with the basics of functional English. The sessions covered various aspects of English language and its usage in daily life.

The inaugural session was held on the 10th December, 2018 and it was presided over by Dr. Daphne Pillai, Founder President of SI Bombay Chembur. Dr. Lata Menon, Principal of Pillai HOC College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Rasayani and active SIBC member introduced the syllabus to the students and motivated them to attend the sessions.

Each session was attended by about 100 students with great energy and eagerness to learn. Sessions were conducted by chalk and talk methods, group discussions, presentations and activities involving the students on topics such as Introduction to English, Greetings, Prepositions, Adjectives, Describing Yourself and surrounding, Story Recitation, Listening and Grooming and Body Language. The sessions generated interest and curiosity among the students and the sessions were modeled to have a direct impact on students to deal with English language in their daily lives. It served the purpose and was appreciated by the students.

7. Sneha- Personal Development and Pre-Vocational Skills Training for Underprivileged Girl Students Pursuing the Nurse Aide Programme

August – November 2018

SI BOMBAY CHEMBUR conducted Personal development workshops and pre-vocational skills training for underprivileged girl students enrolled in the Nurse Aide Programme conducted by Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA). This project was conducted in association with two educational institutions of the Pillai Group namely Pillai Institute of Management Studies and Research and Mahatma Night Degree College. This initiative of SIBC aims to train nurse-aids with a set of skills which will help them in developing their personality and attitude. The program touched upon topics like Grooming and Etiquette, Time, Anger and Stress Management, Body Language, Communication, How to prepare for an Interview and Spoken English. It was conducted over a three month period spanning September to November, 2018 at two centres of SNEHA, one at Kurla and the other at Santacruz. More than 80 participants benefited from this initiative.

Soroptimist sisters presenting certificates and gifts to the students of the SNEHA Nurse Aid Program at the Valedictory function.

8. Workshop on English for Specific Purposes, Rasayani

SIBC in association with PHCACS conducted a three week workshop on “English for Specific Purposes” for the development of soft skills and conversational English for a group of 32 school dropouts n order to enhance the opportunities for a sustainable livelihood. The students are currently pursuing skill development courses at the Skill Development Institute, Rasayani. Sessions on spoken English, conversational skills, interview spoken grammar, grooming and stress management were conducted over 18 sessions. The workshop ended with a convocation function on 14th May, 2018 where the students put up a fashion show depicting “Unity in Diversity”. This project was co-ordinated by Dr. Lata Menon and Dr. Celina Joy and supported by Soroptimist members, Dr. Daphne Pillai, Yvette Lee, Munawira Kotyad Pillai, Smita Dalvi, Susanna Cherian, Betty Sibil and Latha Venkatraman who conducted sessions for the students.

9. Valedictory Programme of Adult Literacy Programme 2017-18

On 22nd February 2018, the Adult Literacy Drive Session for the year 2017-18 came to an end with a Valedictory programme. Certificates were handed over to successful participants. The students performed on this day exhibiting their skills in dance, music etc. We were happy to have SIBC the SI sisters from Israel, Ms. Aliya Kedem along with a few other prospective members to witness the programme. They extended their best wishes to all the participants and congratulated SIBC for successful completion of the ALD project.

10. Skill Development of Adult Literacy Programme 2017-18

Date: 18th January, 2018 (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Resource Person: Ms. Nasreen Khan and B. Ed. Students
Venue: Chembur Campus, Room No. 402 and Computer Lab

Today’s sessions on Skill development was taken up by Ms. Nasreen Khan who focused on ‘Waxing.’ Ms. Khan she explained the theory of the strokes to be used while waxing and the direction that these strokes have to be used. The skin on various parts of the body are different and hence the pressure applied also needs to be varied.

The students who had opted for Computer skills were aided by the B. Ed. Students who helped them to hone their skills in Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

11. Christmas Celebration of Adult Literacy Programme 2017-18

Date: 21st December, 2017 (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Venue: Chembur Campus, Ground Floor

Soroptimist Sisters and the Adult Literacy Drive participants celebrated Christmas with full gusto on the 21st December. Games such as Musical Chairs and Simon Says were arranged and the participants let their hair down and enjoyed themselves.

Everyone posed with the Christmas tree and the ALD participants also sang some Christmas carols. The celebrations ended with partaking of some snacks and sweets.

Date: 19th December, 2017 (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Resource Persons: Dr. Sunita Wadikar and Dr. Swasti Dhar
Venue: Chembur Campus, Room 401

The ALD participants practiced for the play as well as practiced the Christmas carols that they would sing for the Christmas celebrations to be held on the 21st. The carols practiced were:

• We wish you a Merry Christmas
• Jingle Bells
• Felis Navidad

Learning carols helps the participants to master pronunciation and intonation while speaking English

12. Spoken English and Practice for the Play of Adult Literacy Programme
2017-18

Date: 12th December, 2017 (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Resource Person: Dr. Swasti Dhar and B.Ed students
Venue: Chembur Campus, Room No. 401

The session was divided into two halves with the first part dedicated to vocabulary building. Since the participants were practicing for a Christmas play, the vocabulary was linked to ‘Words associated with Christmas.’ Each word is associated with a lot of images and stories and the participants learnt the importance of having a larger vocabulary.

The second session was dedicated to practicing for the Christmas play. This much-loved activity helps develop confidence and actively encourages their speaking and reading skills among the participants while it also encourages their listening skills.

The class on the 14th of December was cancelled as the participants’ requested their inability to participate due to the Marghashish festival as well as their occupation with CEHS’s annual day preparations.

13. Sponsorship for the Beautician Skill Course by the Inner Wheel Club of Chembur 2017-18

Day & Date: Thursday, 2nd November, 2017
Event Topic: SPONSORSHIP for the Beautician Skill Course by the Inner Wheel Club of Chembur
Guests: Dr. Shubhada Durve, Ms. Jyoti and Ms. Daksha from the Inner Wheel Club of Chembur

Session Update:
The International Inner Wheel Club is an international organization of women spread in 103 countries and involved in service to the underprivileged and needy. They work towards building better communities and a better world. The Inner Wheel Club of Chembur (District 314) was represented by their President Dr. Shubhada Durve and Ms. Jyoti and Ms. Daksha and together, they handed over a cheque for Rs. 10,000 (Rs. Ten Thousand only) towards the Beautician Skill Development Course started under the ALD Programme.

For the current academic year 2017-18, the ALD programme has been divided into two modules. The first Module (which takes place on Tuesdays) focuses on Spoken and Communicative English and the second Module (which takes place on Thursdays) focuses on the skills of Beautician course and Computer Knowledge.

Ms. Nasreen Khan and Ms. Aparna Kadwe are the two beauticians who impart beautician skills to 25 of our ALD students. For this session, the skill imparted was on saree draping.

14. Basic English Learners of Adult Literacy Programme 2017-18

In a parallel session, the students of PCER, Chembur helped the ALD students which Basic English needs with learning the alphabets in English. This was followed by a story reading session where the three students were familiarised with the sound of English words. This session was coordinated by Dr. Swasti Dhar.

Students of PCER, Chembur teach English alphabets to the ALD Basic English group

15. Situation Based Learning of Adult Literacy Programme 2017-18

Date: 10th October, 2017 (3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Resource Person: Dr. Sunita Jain and B.Ed. students
Venue: Chembur Campus, Room No. 401

The topic was carried out in role play methodology. Students chose different situations like parent teacher’s meeting, visiting a gynecologist and visiting a retail shop. The teacher and the B.Ed students initiated the discussion which was then followed up by the ALD participants. Lot of emphasis was given on basic etiquettes and how to communicate effectively in different scenarios. New word and sentences were written on the board to reinforce learning. B.Ed. students also put in lot of efforts to create a consciousness of simple healthy living and high thinking.

This encouraged the ALD participants also to take up new situation and enact effectively. These activities helped each one to shed away their stage fear and evolve as a confident personality.

16. Nouns – What are Nouns? / Types of Nouns of Adult Literacy Programme 2017-18

Day & Date: Thursday, 7th September, 2017
Topic: NOUNS – What are nouns?/ Types of nouns (Proper, Common, Abstract, Collective)
Resource Person(s): Dr. Swasti Dhar

Objectives of the Session:

• To introduce the participants to the meaning of Nouns and the types of nouns
• To ensure that students can identify, classify and give own examples of nouns

Session Update: The session started with the prayer ‘We shall overcome’ after which the participants took a break as they had to pick up their children at 4. All the participant (16) opted for the higher level English learning. The session started with a game of ‘Name-Place-Animal-Things’ which was linked to the meaning of Nouns.

The four types of nouns (Proper/ Common/ Abstract & Collective) nouns were introduced and each participant had to identify and classify them. This was done through worksheets.

Finally, as speaking practice, each participant had to frame one complete sentence using two or more nouns. They also had to name the nouns as well as identify them.

Any other information:

• The number of participants were very less. They were asked to inform their friends that all should participate from next week.
• There was a discussion about whether words like cricket, football, rose, lotus etc were proper or common nouns. It was clarified that these words were also common nouns.
• The participants want the classes from 4:00 – 5:30 pm instead of 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

17. Session 2 of Adult Literacy Programme 2017-18

Session 2 on the 8th August, 2017 (Tuesday)

In the second session of the ALD, the learner profile was carried out in details. All the students were asked to write out their name, contact details, address and their educational qualifications along with attaching a passport sized photograph.

This helped us to categorise our students into 3 groups

• Education below 10th std – These include those who have had no education or have had some form of schooling.
• Education level of SSC or HSC – They include those ALD students who have either completed their 10th or the 12th Board exams.
• College level education – These include those students who have studied or completed their undergraduation.

Most of the students, whatever be their qualification, were not able to speak in English and their main aim in joining the ALD was to improve their spoken English.

The result was as follows:

Skill Development Modules
The ALD students were asked to choose between learning Computer Skills or the Basic Beautician course so that we may plan how to provide them with skills which will be beneficial for them.

The result was as follows:

Self-introduction
Each student was asked to come in front of the class and introduce themselves and name their talents. The focus was on teaching the following structure:

1. Good afternoon. My name is __________.
2. I have _____ children, _______ son(s) and ________ daughters(s).
3. I like __________ and _________ .
4. Thank you.

Recitation of a Prayer
The session ended with all the students reciting The Lord’s Prayer. The habit of recitation will ensure that the students not only learn a prayer but get used to speaking in English.

18. International Women’s Day – Chembur

Members of Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March 2017, with the students of the Adult Literacy Drive 2016-17. It was a proud moment when the “Certificates of Achievement” were distributed to twenty seven women who were trained in spoken and functional English and basic beautician skills.

Classes were conducted by SIBC members twice a week every month from August 2016 to February 2017. The modules were based on the need assessment done in the month of July 2016. The target population of this project was women from the surrounding areas who have either missed out on their first chance of learning or those who did not know or did not have the courage to speak in English. Sister Antoinette Araujo, Former Principal of Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science and currently the Director of the College was the Chief Guest for the graduation ceremony.

The programme was attended by the SIBC members as well as the family and children of the Adult Literacy Drive students. Each of the students spoke on how the programme has helped them develop their English skills and confidence.​

19. Adult Literacy Programme 2016-17

SIBC organised a fellowship meet for the participants of the “Adult Literacy Drive” at an Adventure Learning Camp on 18th March, 2017. The young ladies enthusiastically participated in the adventure activities of rappelling, rock climbing and dunk tank. They actively participated in the various games organised.They also enjoyed themselves at the rain dance after which sumptuous food was served to them. All in all it was a day that helped the students to renew their friendship and bonding with each other. The event was coordinated by SIBC members Preeti Pawar and Yvette Lee.

Sessions

Session conducted by Ms. Mamta Patil

Session conducted by Ms. Mamta Patil

Session conducted by Ms. Namrata Saxena

Session conducted by Ms. Namrata Saxena

Session conducted by Ms. Yvette Lee

Session conducted by Ms. Yvette Lee

Grammar and Motivational Sessions conducted by Mrs. Seeta Desai. The ladies enjoyed the session and applauded for the same.

Grammar and Motivational Sessions conducted by Mrs. Seeta Desai. The ladies enjoyed the session and applauded for the same.

Grammar and Motivational Sessions conducted by Mrs. Seeta Desai. The ladies enjoyed the session and applauded for the same.

Grammar and Motivational Sessions conducted by Mrs. Seeta Desai. The ladies enjoyed the session and applauded for the same.

Session conducted by Ms. Annamma Paul

Session conducted by Ms. Annamma Paul

Session conducted by Preeti Pawar on formation of simple sentences

Session conducted by Preeti Pawar on formation of simple sentences

Session conducted by Mamta Patil on Conversations while giving and asking for advice.

Students of the Adult Literacy Drive celebrated Christmas by performing a Play called “Have you Seen Christmas”. They also sang Christmas carols and danced on many songs. The students truly enjoyed performing to a huge audience. Their performance was highly appreciated by the audience and members of SIBC.

Christmas Celebration
Students of the Adult Literacy Drive celebrated Christmas by performing a Play called “Have you Seen Christmas”. They also sang Christmas carols and danced on many songs. The students truly enjoyed performing to a huge audience. Their performance was highly appreciated by the audience and members of SIBC.

Preparation for skit for Christmas

Diwali Party

Week 14

Week 14

Week 14

Street play on social awareness

Street play on social awareness

Week 2 to 13

Week 2 - 1st to 6th August , 2016
Session 2 was conducted by Soroptimist Namrata Saxena and topics of Conversational English, Greetings and Phonetics were covered.

Week 3 - 8th to 12th August, 2016 - Skill Development
During Week three, skill development sessions (Beauticuan's Course) were conducted for the students. The sessions were co-ordinated and conducted by a professional beautician along with Yvette Lee, Preeeti Pawar and Sheetal Wadikar

Week 3 - 8th to 12th August, 2016 - Skill Development
During Week three, skill development sessions (Beauticuan's Course) were conducted for the students. The sessions were co-ordinated and conducted by a professional beautician along with Yvette Lee, Preeeti Pawar and Sheetal Wadikar

Week 3 - 8th to 12th August, 2016 - Skill Development
During Week three, skill development sessions (Beauticuan's Course) were conducted for the students. The sessions were co-ordinated and conducted by a professional beautician along with Yvette Lee, Preeeti Pawar and Sheetal Wadikar

Week 3 - 8th to 12th August, 2016 - Skill Development
During Week three, skill development sessions (Beauticuan's Course) were conducted for the students. The sessions were co-ordinated and conducted by a professional beautician along with Yvette Lee, Preeeti Pawar and Sheetal Wadikar

Week 4
The next session was conducted on phonic sounds (CH, SH, TH) and pocket size dictionaries were distributed to all the participants. The sessions were conducted by Soroptimist members Munawira Kotyad Pillai and Preeti Pawar.

Week 4
The next session was conducted on phonic sounds (CH, SH, TH) and pocket size dictionaries were distributed to all the participants. The sessions were conducted by Soroptimist members Munawira Kotyad Pillai and Preeti Pawar.

Week 5 - 1st September, 2016
The session was conducted by Dr. Reni and Dr. Sunita Jain on Likes and Dislikes, Describing people and things, Vocabulary - Places in the city.

Week 5 - 1st September, 2016
The session was conducted by Dr. Reni and Dr. Sunita Jain on Likes and Dislikes, Describing people and things, Vocabulary - Places in the city.

Week 6
The session was conducted by Ms. Yvette Lee on Use of Prepositions. A revision of all the conversations taught was done.

Week 6
The session was conducted by Ms. Yvette Lee on Use of Prepositions. A revision of all the conversations taught was done.

Week 7
The session was conducted by Ms. Munawira Pillai on I am ..... and I am good at .....

Week 7
The session was conducted by Ms. Munawira Pillai on I am ..... and I am good at .....

Week 8
The 2nd session of the Beautician course was conducted by Ms. Murshida Kotyad on Day and Night make-up.

Week 8
The 2nd session of the Beautician course was conducted by Ms. Murshida Kotyad on Day and Night make-up.

Week 9
The session was conducted by Ms. Mamta Patil on the use of this, that, these and those.

Week 9
The session was conducted by Ms. Mamta Patil on the use of this, that, these and those.

Week 10

Week 10

Week 11

Week 11

Week 12

Week 12

Week 13

Week 13

Week 1 – 25 to 30th July, 2016

Literacy is very important for the socio-economic progress and empowerment for women. To spread this message and build awareness, SIBC launched its flagship project, Adult Literacy Programme, on Wednesday, the 27th of July, 2016. The beneficiaries of the Adult Literacy Programme are illiterate and semi- literate women who belong to the poorer sections of society from the nearby localities of Chembur and Govandi. A need assessment survey was conducted and based on the feedback received, the members of SIBC have sketched out a detailed plan for literacy classes for the period August 2016 to March 2017. Around 120 women attended the session at the Chembur Campus. The sessions will cover Conversational English, Basic Literacy (reading, writing and math) and Skill Development Programmes. The sessions will be held on every Tuesday and Thursday. Soroptimist members Dr. Daphne Pillai, Celina Joy, Preeti Pawar, Yvette Lee, Parveen Arif, Annamma Paul and Reni Francis were present.

20. Sneha Santacruz Project 2016-17

Dr. Betty Sibil and Dr. Celina Joy, members of SIBC, conducted six sessions of the Personal Development Workshop for underprivileged girls at the SNEHA (Society for Nutrition and Health Action) as a part of community service. This project was conducted for the months of August, September and October 2016.

This Personal Development Programme was conducted for the students enrolled for the Nurse Aide Programme at SNEHA Centre at Santacruz. The modules covered were on Spoken English Skills, Grooming and Etiquette, Time and Stress Management, How to write a CV, How to prepare for an interview and How to study. The program was well received by all participants.

21. Adult Literacy Drive
Personal Development Workshop for Sneha’s Nurse-Aide Students

Dr. Padma Rangan and Dr. Lata Krishnan conducted Personal Development Workshop under the project Adult Literacy Drive where they delivered sessions in the Personal Development Workshop for the students enrolled in SNEHA’S Nurse Aide Program. SNEHA (Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action.) The aim of SNEHA is to work for women and girls and to ensure Healthy Women and Children for a Healthy Urban World.

Sessions were conducted on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month during the month’s of August, September and October 2016 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Govandi centre. (Below the Mankhurd flyover) Ms. Ujwala Bapat was the Progeram Coordinator.

The following modules were taught:

• Spoken English Skills- Communication (1 hour at the beginning of every module)
• How to study (Module II)
• Grooming & Etiquette (Module III)
• Time & Stress Management (Module IV)
• How to write a CV (Module V)
• How to prepare for an interview (Module VI)
• Revision and Practical sessions (Module VII)

Twenty-five students participated in workshop organized at the Govandi Centre. Each student was given a 100 pages long book, a ball pen and a Hindi to English dictionary. The course content for the Personal Development workshop was designed by Dr. Lata Krishnan and delivered to the students by Dr. Padma Rangan and Dr. Lata Krishnan using various methods of teaching such as dramatization, role play, games, group discussions, presentations and worksheet writing.

Teaching and empowering young girls and enabling them with skills to become good Nurse-aides was a gratifying experiences for Dr. Padma Rangan and Dr. Lata Krishnan. The SNEHA center appreciated this contribution with a ‘thank you card.’

22. Soft Skill Development and Empowerment Program

SIBC conducted a module for development of soft skills and conversational English for a group of 28 girl school dropouts for over a fortnight in September 2015 to enhance the opportunities for a sustainable livelihood for these girls. Sessions on spoken English, numeracy, conversational skills, business promotion, grooming and etiquette were conducted over ten sessions. A session on sexual and reproductive health was also conducted to educate them on the importance of hygiene and preventive care measures. The module ended with a farewell function wherein each girl was presented with a formal set of clothing and a hygiene kit. Soroptimists Dr. Daphne Pillai, Dr. Celina Joy, Ms. Yvette Lee and Ms. Namrata Saxena were part of this initiative.

23. Adult Literacy Drive Project

Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur (SIBC) launched its project “Adult Literacy Drive” on 30th August, 2013 at Mahatma Education Society’s Chembur Campus to mark “Literacy Day” which is celebrated all over the world on 8th September.

The session was attended by 70 women participants. The beneficiaries of the Adult Literacy Drive are women who belong to the poorer sections of society and work as domestic help in the nearby localities of Chembur, Govandi and Mankhurd. The modules are specifically designed to meet their education needs by including a mix of functional literacy skills, numerical skills and job oriented skills that will empower them to increase their earnings and upgrade their standard of living. Classes will be held on two days of the week for about two hours each in the evenings as per the convenience of the participants.

24. Skill Development Programs 2003-04

Skill Development for marginalised women. Women were taught to make soft toys.

25. Skill Development Programs 2002-03

Skill Development Programs for marginalised women conducted, which included Soft Toy making, Chalk making, Diya making and others.

26. Adult Literacy Drive 1999

27. Adult Literacy Drive 1998

The SIBC Club started the ‘Adult Literacy Drive’ for those women who missed out on the first chance in education. These women who had school going kids realised that there was something lacking in their lives and enrolled for the program. At the end of the program, they were given certificates of completion.

All those who completed the program benefitted from interacting with Soroptimist members who gave a boost to their low morale.

Skill development programs were also given to them alongside with the literacy drive and this gave the participants an opportunity to gain skills and utilise them for financial empowerment.