Prayas Institue of Economic Empowerment (PIEE)

Name: Prayas Institue of Economic Empowerment (PIEE)

Areas covered: There are 18 centers located in Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Assam and the Andoman and Nicobar Islands

Working with: Marginalized women and youth with in the age group of 15-35 years

Issues covered: In the underprivileged communities the level of unemployment is high. Young people are deprived of their right to education. Women, minorities and those living in rural areas are particularly vulnerable. They lack the skills needed to make a living for themselves and their families. As a result, they fall into a vicious cycle of unemployment, poverty and misery.

Objective: PIEE primary objective is to improve quality life of the people by creating opportunities whereby they can acquire vitally needed market driven vocational skills that, in turn, help them to improve their economic needs.

About the project in brief:In the context of generating and promoting livelihood programmes for the marginalized, Prayas Institute of Economic Empowerment (PIEE) has been visualized and created to develop vocational training programmes which can provide an opportunity for every one to have an access to a reasonable level of income for a satisfying and healthy life. As such component like Vocational Training, Life –Skill up gradation, Production, Marketing, Micro-credit, Micro financing, Job opportunities and Micro-Business Enterprises form the fiber of this institute.

There are 18 PIEE centers across India, marginalized women and youths are trained in vocational courses, giving them the skills they need to earn a livelihood. The centers provide a range of programmes, ranging from one month to a year in length. Courses focus on producing market driven goods and services. Young people are taught trades such as auto repair and electrical wiring. Computer training gives people valuable technological skills, while programmes in more traditional areas such as woodcrafts and dress making to empower women. Courses in bakery, beauty culture, hair styling and typing are also provided. After their course with PIEE is completed, every effort is made to find work placements for trainees in local businesses. Self-help groups are formed in many centers, offering micro-credit to allow women to set up their own small businesses.