St. Xaviers Non Formal Education Society - HDRC

The organisation implements initiatives to empower marginalised communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, minorities, and women, by fostering leadership and participation in governance. It conducts capacity-building programs, advocacy efforts, and networking activities across multiple districts in Gujarat. Through structured campaigns, it strengthens voluntary leadership and people’s organisations to improve self-governance and access to rights, justice, and development. The programs span over 600 villages, benefiting thousands through leadership training, issue-based campaigns, and advocacy for policies like PESA and RTE. Achievements include empowering village leaders, facilitating land applications, forming women’s advocacy groups, and promoting rural livelihood options amid COVID-19. Its work contributes to equitable village development and increased accountability of governing institutions.

The organisation works to empower marginalised urban communities in Ahmedabad by forming and strengthening slum collectives that address local challenges and demand rights. It facilitates leadership training, advocacy for housing rights, and networking with civil society groups to improve living conditions in 55 slums. Through collective efforts, it has built leadership among 225 individuals, improved access to basic services, and influenced policy changes. Media advocacy led to action on sanitation issues, while monitoring efforts enhanced public distribution and child development services. Its campaigns have helped thousands of families access housing rights, submit formal applications, and engage in urban governance reforms, contributing to stronger community participation and improved livelihoods.

The organisation supports women’s credit cooperatives by building leadership, strengthening governance, and promoting social action. It enhances financial sustainability and governance in 15 cooperatives across Gujarat while enabling women to address community issues, particularly gender justice. Activities include training, leadership development, advocacy, and financial planning. The initiative has improved transparency, documentation, and awareness of governance norms, benefiting 250 emerging leaders. Women have gained knowledge on gender-based discrimination, violence, and economic independence. The platform also advances state-level advocacy on cooperative policies. Additionally, efforts in land ownership and sustainable agriculture have resulted in legal resolutions, farmer registrations, and model agricultural practices, reinforcing women’s economic and social empowerment.

The organisation promotes child education and development by addressing migration-related disruptions and strengthening school governance. Through Learning Resource Centres and enrichment programs, it ensures children aged 6-14, especially girls, remain in school and transition successfully to secondary education. It engages stakeholders, trains school management committees, and activates adolescent girls’ groups in multiple villages. Additionally, it supports STEM education for girls in government schools by enhancing digital literacy, coding, and leadership skills. It collaborates with communities to improve school retention, parental support, and career awareness. Virtual learning strategies, including mobile libraries, were implemented during COVID-19 to ensure continued education. These efforts contribute to equitable education access and career readiness for marginalised children and girls.

The organisation supports youth from marginalised communities by providing skill development training to enhance employability and entrepreneurship. It operates centres in multiple locations and offers 240 hours of blended learning, covering English, computers, retail management, communication, life skills, and job readiness. The program mobilises youth through local networks and alumni support, providing workbooks, exposure visits, pre-placement counselling, and mentoring. It also raises awareness of gender issues and workplace rights. Over three years, it has trained 1,000 young individuals, securing employment for 710 and improving the economic status of over 500 families. Recognised for its success, it achieved a 93% placement rate in 2018 and was designated a "Model Centre" in 2019.