Project Status:
In Implementation
Project Location:
Sathanur, Bengaluru and Kashewadi, Pune
Project Duration:
August 2024 to August 2027
Target Group:
Children and young people / early school leavers / mothers and young women
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Gender equality (SDG 5)
- Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
- Reduced inequalities (SDG 10)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
Direct Beneficiaries:
3,360 people
In the two Indian districts, we are working with our local YOU partner to relocate so-called Nooks (hubs): open learning spaces in which people of all ages can learn independently, acquire digital and manual skills and develop sustainable income prospects. The Nooks in Sathanur and Kashewadi create safe places for encounters, creativity, innovation and education, especially for women and young people.
Project Goals
The goal of the project is to empower disadvantaged communities in Bengaluru and Pune by giving residents access to free, quality education and to create opportunities to earn their own income. Self-designed learning, repair, re- and up-cycling projects and support for business ideas and innovations strengthen local skills, reduce inequalities and enable greater social and economic participation in the long term. Another important component is that the required materials for this project are sourced from the local area, thus creating a basis for circular economy.
Activities (of the Project)
- Constructing and establishing learning spaces in Sathanur and Kashewadi
- Training and deploying local managers to accompany learning processes and organize workshops
- Introducing open learning opportunities on digital education, technology, innovation, crafts, art and problem solving
- Implementing repair and upcycling activities to promote sustainable skills
- Organizing community workshops
- Creating protected learning and exchange opportunities for women and girls
Results:
In Sathanur, the Nook was fully equipped with ten laptops and a basic set of tools and materials. 46 people took part directly, including 14 regular learners and 9 women. The first workshops on music, dance, problem solving, repair and upcycling were held and the space is now used several times a week. Interest is growing steadily and efforts to reach all target groups are active.
The Nook location was established in Kashewadi, and a first community event was implemented together with the local partners. This particularly appealed to women and initiated important discussions about female role models and perspectives. The recruitment of “managers” from the community has begun and the project is preparing for the start of regular learning operation.

