Diya Foundation (Diya) is a vocational training center and sheltered workshop based in Bangalore which provides training and employment to differently abled individuals. Founded in 1999, the idea for the centre grew out of a growing need for vocational training once basic schooling is completed for such individuals.
Diya provides an easy transition from school to work, work to life goals and life security. Through training, intellectually challenged adults are taken on a journey from self-awareness to expressing their self-worth, striving towards self-organization and finally self-actualization.
At the Foundation, both pre-vocational and life-skill training programmes are imparted. While the former includes training on basic skills related to functional academics, personal-social abilities, general work orientation, interpersonal skills and group dynamics, the latter imparts skills required in managing personal finances, home maintenance, caring for personal needs, achieving self-awareness, acquiring self-confidence, occupational guidance and preparation and sheltered workshops for training in papier mache and paper products, candle making, chocolate making, computer data entry, screen printing work and gardening skills.
Diya Innovations, a 'for-profit' social enterprise, is an off-shoot of Diya Foundation and is the employment and marketing arm of the Foundation. Trainees proficient at working without ongoing supervision are recruited by Diya Innovations. Besides chalking out alternatives for intellectually challenged individuals, the organization also focuses on work alternatives for their mothers. Their project called Ekta is a self-help group that consists of the parents of mentally challenged adults, people with disabilities and women who come from a lower socio-economic background.
For turning bleak futures to a bright one, Diya deserves a Standing Ovation!
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