According to a 2003 UN Habitat report, one-third of Kolkata lives in slums. One of the localities housing the urban poor of the capital is Nonadanga, a resettlement colony spread over a 2.4 hectare plot in east Kolkata. The area has a population of 13,000 of which youth population is 2000, most of whom work as house helps, rickshaw pullers and daily wage workers due to their limited skills.
Understanding the lack of opportunities for growth and development of the youth in this community, this project provides quality job-oriented training for the young population in Nonadanga slums. This programme trains the urban underprivileged adolescent youth in English Proficiency, Basic Computer Education and Soft Skills to create a pool of young and independent people who cater for skilled manpower in the fast emerging services and retail sectors.
Exposure Visits and Alumni Meets are also organized for the students to facilitate direct interaction with ex-students and employers’ representatives that further helps them in understanding the path ahead. The placement cell of this project has linked with corporates for organizing internships and exposure visits for the students and offering placements for all.
Smile Foundation has partnered with City Level Programme of Action for Street and Working Children (CLPOA) to implement the STeP project.