3. Collaborating partner: Navajyoti Training CenterMahila ko Haat has collaborated with Navajyoti Training Center in Baluwatar, Kathmandu to provide women’s training because its own funds alone are insufficient to finance six months of training by Mohila ko Haat alone for participants. Navajyoti’s residential training of the women recommended by Mahila ko Haat helps participants develop their personalities, teaches them about social mobilization, provides business skills, and educates them about human rights, gender equality, art and management of savings and credit programs.
Since its establishment in 1988, Navajyoti Training Center has been involved in many social activities. This organization is funded by Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. It has three branches in Nepal – in Dharan, Kathmandu and Surkhet. The Center organizes various training in the field of education, health and skills development, as well as literacy classes for destitute women. It conducts similar classes for mentally challenged people and has its own Mental Rehabilitation Center.
Navajyoti started the Women Leadership Program in 1992 with the objective of providing six months of training to empower women deprived of education and opportunities in order to make them agents of social change. The participants are taught about social mobilization, adult literacy, children and women’s rights, girls trafficking, untouchability, gender equity, family planning and safe motherhood and learn such skills as setting up savings and credit groups, tailoring, coloring and growing herbs. They are also taught street dramas, songs and poems to use for raising people’s awareness about issues.
The Center has trained 280 participants to date, most of them from remote areas. The organization does not select the participants itself but relies on various organizations and distinguished people to recommend women who have been deprived of the basic necessities of life. While other centers select only the best candidates for training, Navajyoti is dedicated to working with the weakest in order to assist them to improve their lives.
The participants referred to Navajyoti Training Center by Mahila ko Haat are as follows:
2002:1
2003:3
2004:5
2005:10
2006:7
Total: 26