Project Catalyst aims to equip youth from low-income communities to work as catalysts for community development, either through working with non-governmental organizations or government-assisted projects, or by establishing their own community development organizations. The selected young men and women undergo a six-month intensive training in community development practices, fund raising, personality development, and communication skills. The training is followed by an internship.

The usefulness of this program has been proven over the years. In addition to directing the energy and enthusiasm of youth for constructive purposes, it helps them carve out a better future for themselves, their families, and the community in which they live. The project is implemented in one of the largest Dalit (untouchables) dominated slum communities in the North-East region of Mumbai city.

Lend-A-Hand India is also supporting the partner organization to review the program and institutionalize it. There is a great demand, particularly from educational and training institutions from smaller towns, for starting similar training programs there.

Partner Organization
Committee of Resource Organizations (CORO)
Project Catalyst is implemented by Committee of Resource Organizations (CORO). CORO has been working in community development, adult literacy, and women empowerment issues for the past 15 years. CORO works in one of the Dalit (untouchables) dominated slum communities in the North-East region of Mumbai. It has excellent community outreach and has promoted 300 grass root women's groups with a membership of about 30,000 women. The Government, UNESCO and UNDP have acknowledged the excellent work done by CORO.

Ms. Sujata Khandekar, found-member of CORO acts as a Project Coordinator. To learn more about CORO, please visit:

http://www.unesco.org/courier/2000_03/uk/dossier/txt15.htm; http://www.megacitiesproject.org/publications/pdf/mcp018f.pdf

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