Bandhan Konnagar

The Bandhan Education Programme (BEP) addresses illiteracy and financial burdens in rural areas by offering underprivileged children aged 4 to 6+ an innovative, cost-effective education model. Set up in rural regions, the Bandhan Education Centres focus on non-formal primary education, with complimentary school kits and an emphasis on classroom learning, attendance, and extracurricular activities. This initiative empowers economically constrained families, especially girls, by nurturing reading, writing, numerical, and cultural skills. Additionally, the Bandhan Academy establishes low-cost formal schools that provide holistic development, including academics and extracurriculars, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4, promoting inclusive quality education for all.

The Bandhan Financial Literacy Programme addresses the issue of inadequate financial inclusion, particularly in India where 11% of adults lack bank accounts, and many existing accounts are inactive. With the goal of empowering rural communities, this initiative promotes financial literacy and inclusion, targeting disadvantaged women. By imparting financial awareness and confidence, the programme equips participants to manage their finances responsibly, make informed buying decisions, distinguish between productive and consumptive use of money, and interact effectively with banks. Aligned with Reserve Bank of India guidelines, the programme covers money management, debt control, savings, negotiations, and banking services, yielding positive outcomes such as improved financial decision-making, enhanced access to financial products, and increased confidence among beneficiaries.

The Bandhan Health Programme (BHP) focuses on enhancing health awareness among underprivileged families, prioritizing maternal and child health, hygiene, and sanitation. This initiative trains village women as Swasthya Sahayika (SS) health volunteers to provide education and support through health forums, household visits, and the distribution of health kits. BHP addresses crucial health concerns, including safe motherhood, nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and water purification. Collaborating with government initiatives, the programme achieves remarkable outcomes such as high institutional deliveries (91%), antenatal care completion (92%), and child immunization rates (96%), surpassing national and state-level statistics. BHP's impact aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6, striving to ensure healthy lives and accessible water management for all.

The Targeting the Hardcore Poor (THP) Programme by the organisation addresses extreme poverty prevalent among a significant population in India, who lack sustainable incomes for basic needs. Through grants and assets, the programme empowers impoverished women, selected via Participatory Rural Appraisal, providing them with training, assets, financial literacy, and counselling. These women transform their lives, developing enterprise skills, escaping extreme poverty, and integrating into mainstream society. The approach is comprehensive, including mentoring, consumption stipends, financial education, and awareness of social issues, enhancing overall confidence and preventing relapse into poverty. The THP Programme's success is evidenced by improved livelihoods, rescued from destitution, as highlighted by Nobel laureate evaluations. This innovative initiative aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 1, aiming to end all forms of poverty worldwide.

The Employing the Unemployed Programme targets India's unemployment challenge by establishing Bandhan Skill Development Centres (BSDCs) that offer vocational training to unemployed youth across various domains. After completing the skill development courses, participants have the option to explore entrepreneurship or secure positions in reputable companies. These centres provide comprehensive industry-relevant training, combining classroom sessions and practical experience. The organisation's skilled trainers facilitate courses, interact with industries, arrange on-the-job training, and monitor trainee progress. Popular sectors like Hospitality, Retail, Electronics, and IT are emphasized, with at least 80% of trained youth successfully placed in brands such as Tech Mahindra, Samsung, HDFC Finance, and others. The programme aligns with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Sector Skill Council (SSC) standards, fostering a skilled workforce and bridging the unemployment gap.