The government's economic policies, various programs, grants and the self-help group movement are all creating opportunities for rural people to undertake self-employment. However, rural poor often lack easy access to the necessary skills and technical information required to engage in economically profitable self-employment. Even when capital was available, undertaking economic activities proved challenging.
To address this gap, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) jointly established the Centre For Rural Excellence in Beltangady in 2004 with Bhoruka Charitable Trust, an organization sharing similar objectives and interests. To further prioritize human resource development, the organization expanded its training infrastructure. It established National Institute for Self-Help Groups Training in Udupi in 2011, Human Resources Training Center in Mysuru in 2014 and Mahila Jnana Vikasa Training Institute in Dharwad in 2017. This brings the total to four training centers dedicated to these initiatives.
The training establishments enable knowledge update and sharing of ideas. In order to cater to the training needs, SKDRDP established 4 training institutes with well-equipped facilities. They are
- Centre For Rural Excellence (CRE), Belthangady
2..National Institute For SHG Training( NIST),Udupi
3.Human Resource Training Centre (HRTC),Mysore.
- Mahila Jnana Vikasa Training Institute in Dharwad (JVTI), Rayapura Dharwad.
Trainings Conducted at the Training Institutions :
The training centers conduct a variety of programs, catering to different groups and needs:
- Capacity Building Training for SKDRDP Staff: Three-day capacity building training sessions are conducted for the staff of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP).
- Women Empowerment (WED) Training: Service representatives and coordinators of SKDRDP receive two to three days of Women Empowerment (WED) training.
- SKDRDP Staff Meetings/Workshops: Monthly and quarterly meetings/workshops are held for the staff of SKDRDP's regional, district, and taluk project offices.
- Customized Training Programs: Training is provided upon request to various government departments, private organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), banks, milk producers' federations, and other associations.
- Computer Training: Locals, school and college students and other interested individuals can receive computer training at a low fee and certificates are issued upon completion.
- Tailoring Training: Local students, and interested women can undertake tailoring training at a low fee.
- Spoken English Training: Spoken English training is offered to locals, school and college students, and interested individuals, focusing on daily conversation, essential vocabulary, and simple methods to follow in the English language.
- Field Visit-Based Training for NGOs: Training with field visits are conducted for staff of NGOs from within the state and from other states.
- Other Demand-Based Training: Other training programs are conducted based on specific demands.
- Specialized Training for Bank and MFI Staff: Special trainings are provided to staff of banks and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).
