Problem

The current education system has hardly any relevance to the lives and work of the self-employed and their families. SEWA members work for education that leads to empowerment of people and helps establish a link with employment. The members also work for education, which is qualitative, that strengthens their work and livelihood. This gives members better access to information and knowledge base.

The Gift

Your gift will provide material and teachers tools for a class. More than 90% of SEWA’s members are illiterate. Through SEWA, they receive training and learn how to use their skills to gain an income and organize for change in their communities. Your gift will promote life education for members of SEWA and their families. Puriben Aahir is a skilled artisan, but had never used her embroidery skills for economic activity. Instead, she was forced to migrate in search of work and livelihood. Puriben and a few other artisans became members of SEWA in 1998, determined to organize and struggle for change. Today, Puriben and more than 35,000 artisans have a strong organization. The local team of grassroots leaders now manages the Artisan Support program, through which more than 4000 artisans get sustained work and income. Puriben is now determined to be an educated professional manager.