Skill Development of Tribals

Overview

Tribal communities in remote interior areas depend mainly on forest resources for their livelihood.

Their needs are different from those of general unemployed youth.

Unlike urban or semi-urban youth, tribal youth cannot be trained using standard technical programs.

They need a specially designed skill-development approach that: Respects their lifestyle and cultural beliefs; Considers social norms and traditions; Works within the limitations of their local environment.

To support tribal youth, Navdrushti has set up a Skill Development Center at: Daberi Ashram School; Jawhar Taluka, Palghar District, Maharashtra.

The center focuses on: Traditional and modern vocational skills; Training based on education level and local capacity; Skills aligned with current economic trends and market demand.

The goal is to help tribal youth: Gain employment opportunities; Start their own small businesses.

Objectives

Enhance employability of tribal youth by providing vocational skills that match local job opportunities and market needs.

Promote self-employment by training youth in trades that enable them to start small businesses within or near their villages.

Support school dropouts and young women by giving them accessible skill-based training without requiring long-distance travel.

Preserve and strengthen traditional skills while integrating modern techniques to create sustainable income sources.

Implementation

Community-Centric Skill Center Setup:

A Skill Development Center has been established at Daberi Ashram School.
The location ensures easy access for tribal youth in Jawhar taluka.
The center is designed specifically for tribal communities.
Training programs respect and reflect: Local culture and traditions; Social practices and community values; Environmental and geographical realities.
The approach ensures learning is practical, relevant, and sustainable for tribal youth.

Vocational Training Programs:

The Skill Development Center offers structured vocational training.
Training programs include: Tailoring, Carpentry, Electrician work, Plumbing, Welding.
Courses are selected based on: Local employment opportunities; Demand for skills in Palghar district and nearby areas; Self-employment and small business potential.
The goal is to help youth gain practical skills for jobs or self-employment.

Targeted Support for Local Youth:

The program focuses on local tribal youth in the community.
Priority is given to: Unemployed youth; School dropouts; Girls and young women.
Training helps participants build skills close to their homes.
The program promotes: Local employment opportunities; Self-reliance and confidence.
Youth are supported to: Secure jobs; Start small-scale businesses and livelihood activities.