Skill Development Initiatives – Iskilla & Surrounding Villages
Iskilla and neighbouring villages, Ramannapet Mandal, Telangana
2021 – Ongoing
Background
Empowerment begins with opportunity — and opportunity comes through skills. During a need analysis survey conducted in 2021, Sumadhura Foundation identified a crucial gap in employable skills among women and youth in Iskilla and nearby villages. Most residents were either unemployed or underemployed, lacking access to skill-based training that could lead to sustainable livelihoods.
Understanding the importance of skill development in transforming rural lives, Sumadhura Foundation launched a dedicated Skill Development Initiative in collaboration with Hands in Hands India. The program was designed to equip local women and youth with practical skills, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance digital and financial literacy — enabling them to stand on their own feet with confidence and dignity.
Project Overview
Sewing Machine Operator (SMO) Training:
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2 batches trained, covering 40 women.
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The SMO center continues to operate with 12 active members, collectively earning ₹30,000 per month, with per capita income ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,500.
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2 women were inspired to start their own enterprises — an apparel store and a beauty parlour.
Aari Embroidery Course
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14 women trained in traditional Aari embroidery techniques, promoting self-employment opportunities.
Basic Computer Training:
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29 women trained in computer literacy and digital tools for employability.
Tally Course
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6 women completed Tally training for accounting and business support roles.
YouTuber Training Course
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15 youth trained in video creation, editing, and online content strategies.
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8 trained students successfully launched their own YouTube channels as a source of income and creative expression.
Self-Help Group (SHG) Empowerment:
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10 new SHGs formed with resolutions and sustainability plans.
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160 SHG members trained in Financial Literacy and 117 women trained in Digital Literacy.
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34 women underwent Business Development & Livelihood Training.
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113 SHG members were successfully enrolled in government schemes for further support.
Impact Highlights
Over 400+ beneficiaries empowered across multiple skill domains.
Women-led income generation through sustainable microenterprises and home-based production.
Rural youth gained confidence and self-reliance through digital and creative skills.
Rural youth gained confidence and self-reliance through digital and creative skills.
Strengthened the local entrepreneurship ecosystem through training, mentorship, and exposure.
SDG Goals
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Promoting inclusive and equitable skill-based learning.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
Empowering women through livelihood opportunities and self-reliance.
SDG 8 – – Decent Work and Economic Growth
Creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
SDG 17 – Reduced Inequalities
Enabling rural communities to bridge the urban-rural employment gap.
Outcome
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The Skill Development Initiative in Iskilla and nearby villages has become a model of rural empowerment, igniting confidence, creativity, and financial independence among women and youth. What began as a local training effort has evolved into a sustainable skill ecosystem, where participants not only earn but also inspire others in their community to grow.
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Through this program, Sumadhura Foundation continues to reaffirm its belief — that true development is not just in building structures, but in building people.
