Sharana’s Skill Development Initiative began in 2012 to support young people who leave school and enter low-paid or unskilled work, limiting their opportunities for better employment and income growth. What started as a small carpentry workshop for young men in Aranganur, 23 km from Pondicherry, laid the foundation for the comprehensive vocational training programme we deliver today. To remove financial barriers to training, participants received a monthly stipend of ₹2,000, a bicycle for commuting, uniforms, nutritious meals, tool kits, and job placement support upon completing the program.
As the vocational landscape has evolved, so has our approach. Today, Sharana works with accredited training institutes and aligns its programmes with the Skill India ecosystem to provide youth and women with practical, industry-relevant skills. For young people who may not pursue higher education, vocational training offers a more accessible pathway to employment, enabling them to acquire job-ready skills and begin earning sooner. By connecting participants with quality training and employment opportunities, the programme has equipped over 360 individuals with marketable skills and pathways towards sustainable livelihoods.
