ANUDIP and IMERIT
Anudip Foundation for Social Welfare was created with the goal of providing English, IT, and workplace readiness skills to the peri-urban and rural poor in India through the use of Market Aligned Skills Training, or MAST. Over time, the success of MAST made clear the lack of IT jobs available in peri-urban areas for Anudip graduates. In response to this need the founders of Anudip expanded by creating iMerit, a for-profit partner organization that uses an impact sourcing model to enact social change by providing employment opportunities to previously disadvantaged individuals.
A third aspect of the framework has emerged in the form of the DREAM program, an acronym for “Developing Rural Entrepreneurs through Adoption and Mentoring.” DREAM provides another route to dignified employment by providing vocational skills training to women and helping to incubate cooperative style businesses in disadvantaged communities. Together Anudip and iMerit target peri-urban areas in multiple east Indian states, providing a comprehensive set of skill-building and employment opportunities to combat youth unemployment and contribute to the economic development of marginalized communities.
From March through November of 2014, three Global Social Benefit Fellows worked with Anudip and iMerit in Kolkata, India, conducting research on the social impact and opportunities for growth of these organizations. The fellows worked on individual projects, catering to the specific needs of each department, and together their efforts aided in the advancement of Anudip’s teaching practices and helped to increase iMerit’s presence within the impact sourcing sector.
Deliverables
Kathryn’s work consisted of conducting research and analysis pertaining to Anudip’s virtual MAST curriculum, helping to develop its intent for expansion and implementation. Monet worked with DREAM to develop introductory computer curriculum and conduct observational research at DREAM training centers. Rosella’s work for iMerit focused on conducting research in the form of interviews and surveys to assess the social impact of iMerit employment and develop a comprehensive representation of the company’s unique impact sourcing model.
vMAST Program Development // Kathryn Hackett
The “vMAST Program Development” provides an overview of Anudip’s work in developing life-skills training for the rural and urban poor and the creation of their e-learning platform, virtual MAST (vMAST) as they scale. This document also highlights the efforts made in summer of 2014 to further develop vMAST and the intended enhancements to be made in the coming year.
Narrative Description of Program and Beneficiaries // Monet Gonnerman
Center Profiles introduce three different DREAM tailoring training centers. An In-Depth Case Study tells the story of the first tailoring training center to receive a computer and begin computer classes for the women of DREAM. The Program Description tells the story of the history of DREAM: how DREAM changed over time and how the DREAM for Women program currently operates. These products can be found attached.
Integrating IT into DREAM // Monet Gonnerman
The document Integrating IT into DREAM is a final report including an executive summary, background and socio-cultural constraints surrounding DREAM’s work, a program description, and program assessment. The document also includes a list of the work produced by fellow Monet Gonnerman.
Measuring the Social Impact of iMerit // Rosella Chapman
The Impact Assessment Report examines primary data collected from iMerit centers and describes iMerit from a holistic perspective, examining the company within the spheres of impact sourcing and social enterprise while highlighting the social impact that has been achieved thus far.
Metiabruz Case Study // Rosella Chapman
One of iMerit’s most successful IT delivery centers is located in Metiabruz, a peri-urban Muslim community just outside of metropolitan Kolkata. The case study of Metiabruz examines the growth and success of the center while addressing cultural barriers to development and female empowerment.
Baruipur Case Study // Rosella Chapman
Baruipur is home to iMerit’s newest IT delivery center and is an example of how iMerit plans to scale in the coming years. The opening of the center has led to the creation of jobs in a traditionally underserved area, employing women and youth began in Anudip’s MAST training and moved into a position with iMerit employment.