Sarboday Sangha

Sarboday Sangha actively promotes quality childhood education, aiming to empower children for economic productivity, alternative livelihoods, and contributions to democratic societies. Its six-pronged approach includes equity, contextualization, child-friendly teaching, sustainability, a balanced approach, and learning outcomes. Operating since 1991, Sarboday Shishu Shiksha Mandir focuses on joyful learning for rural and economically disadvantaged children, fostering a mix of social backgrounds. A children's park and educational tours enhance learning experiences. The Creche cum Day Care Centre supports working mothers, promoting holistic child development. Sarboday Public Academy, offering primary teacher training, aims to empower rural students. The Kishori Bahini addresses child rights, combating early marriage and abuse through awareness programmes in gram panchayats.

The health education and promotion initiative in the Contai sub-division, Purba Medinipur, aims to enhance the understanding of general and reproductive health among village men and women. Focused on dispelling myths, discouraging unhygienic practices, and fostering positive health attitudes, the programme collaborates with state health services. Activities include outpatient care, general health awareness meetings, and camps, aiming to reduce maternal and child morbidities. Services encompass general medicine, gynaecology, and antenatal/postnatal care. The organisation actively facilitates community access to health schemes and builds strong links with service providers.

Operating in the coastal zone of the Bay of Bengal, Sarboday focuses on uplifting the fishing community, collaborating with NETFISH (Network for Fish Quality Management & Sustainable Fishing). Aiming to enhance technology and quality management in fishing and fish processing, the organisation conducts training programmes on fish quality management, emphasizing onboard practices, personal hygiene, and proper handling of marine products. Awareness programmes extend to various stakeholders, including fishermen, auctioneers, and fish handling workers, fostering hygienic practices and quality awareness. School children and community events further contribute to marine conservation and sustainable fishing education.

Sarboday Sangha focuses on women's empowerment through education, awareness, literacy, and training. The organisation emphasizes that empowering women involves enabling them to make life-defining decisions, access financial services, and contribute to their families. Introducing the concept of Self Help Groups (SHGs), encourages women to address daily challenges through small savings, fostering economic freedom and collective decision-making. The project aims to enhance the quality of life for the poorest families, providing resources and strengthening women's cooperatives for collective empowerment. Activities include forming new SHGs and capacity building, encompassing aspects like opening bank accounts, internal lending, livelihood income, and entrepreneurship development.

Sarboday Polytechnic Academy serves as a training centre, providing cost-effective technical education to the community with a focus on empowering disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, particularly youth and women. The centre aims to promote a just and humane society by imparting relevant skills. Activities include awareness meetings, market-driven vocational training, courses in marketing and micro-finance, and specialized programs such as DTP, CITA, electrician training, and tailoring. Notably, 50 trainees have completed Fabric and Batik Printing, empowering them economically, while 70 youths excel in Basic Computer Courses.