Rural Youth in Gujarat Earning Livelihood through Skill Development and Placement Services
With a family income of a meagre Rs. 30,000 a year, it was tough for Bhavna’s family to survive the increasing demands of society.
Her siblings had to give up their studies after the 12th, because they simply couldn’t afford it. Bhavna's father - a landless, uneducated labourer. Her brother - resorting to agricultural labour, for lack of a choice. This twenty year old girl from the Juthal village of Junagadh district of Gujarat had a world of ambition, but what could she hope for in these conditions? All she needed was a breakthrough, an opportunity to step ahead.
And then one day, while attending a meeting in the village she came across Yuva Junction, a programme offering various job related vocational courses. She learned more about them and jumped at the chance to join the Yuva Junction, an initiative of the Aga Khan Rural support Programme (AKRSP). After three months of training on BPO trade from Yuva Junction’s Maliya Hatina Centre, she had overcome her shyness, developed her skills, and began working at Avidus SMPL Pvt. Ltd. She now earns a good salary, with added incentives on her work efficiency and sends money to her family to support them as well. And she thanks Yuva Junction(YJ) for helping her to achieve her dream.
“Yuva Junction played a vital role in my life. It is my mentor and guide. I am very thankful to Yuva Junction. I am more confident today, and can talk to people with ease.”
Yuva Junction is an Aga Khan Rural Support Programme initiative that gives youth in remote areas of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar the opportunity to explore their dreams through proper training and access to alternate sources of livelihood. This training has helped youth get into good organisations to channel their capabilities, provide economic support to their families, and break out of poverty in Gujarat, Yuva Junction has trained many youth and has provided meaningful employment to youth over the years.
Bhavna was first girl in her community who stepped out and started earning in the big city. Now, other parents are confident enough to send their daughters to cities for better education, and good jobs, bringing to these areas, hope and rejuvenation.
