CERTIFICATE IN SHG EMPOWERMENT AND EDP ( S-SHG-EDP )

Course Syllabus: SHG Empowerment and EDP
Institute Name: Skillnet Academy
Location: Banda, India
Course Duration: 6 Weeks
Mode of Delivery: Classroom-based and Practical Sessions
Target Audience: Members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Community Leaders, and Development Workers

Course Overview:

This course is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and foster entrepreneurship through effective Enterprise Development Programs (EDP). The course blends theory with practical applications, focusing on the holistic development of SHGs, and aims to enhance participants' capacities to start, manage, and grow sustainable businesses within their communities.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of SHGs and their role in community empowerment.
2. Develop leadership and management skills for SHG members.
3. Identify and overcome challenges faced by SHGs in rural and urban areas.
4. Learn how to formulate, plan, and implement Enterprise Development Programs (EDPs).
5. Gain knowledge on financial literacy, access to finance, and marketing strategies for small enterprises.
6. Create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship development in their communities.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to SHGs and Empowerment

• Definition and Concept of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
• History and Evolution of SHGs in India
• Objectives and Functions of SHGs
• Benefits of SHGs for Economic and Social Empowerment
• Role of SHGs in Women’s Empowerment and Community Development
• Case Studies: Successful SHG Models in India

Practical Session:

• Ice-breaker activities to build group cohesion and communication

Week 2: Formation and Strengthening of SHGs

• Steps in the Formation of SHGs
• Key Characteristics of Effective SHGs
• Leadership Roles and Governance Structures
• SHG Management: Record-Keeping, Meetings, and Decision Making
• Strengthening SHG Operations: Internal and External Linkages

Practical Session:

• Simulated SHG formation and governance practices

Week 3: Introduction to Enterprise Development Programs (EDPs)

• Understanding EDPs and Their Importance
• Key Elements of EDPs: Idea Generation, Planning, and Implementation
• Identifying Business Opportunities for SHGs
• Risk Management and Business Feasibility Analysis
• Case Studies: Successful EDPs in Rural Communities

Practical Session:

• Group exercises on brainstorming business ideas for SHG empowerment

Week 4: Financial Literacy and Management for SHGs

• Basics of Financial Management: Budgeting, Savings, and Investment
• Credit and Loan Management for SHGs
• Access to Finance: Government Schemes, Microfinance, and Banks
• Financial Sustainability of SHGs
• Managing SHG Funds and Resources

Practical Session:

• Creating a simple budget for an SHG and learning to apply for loans

Week 5: Marketing and Business Growth for SHG Enterprises

• Basics of Marketing: Understanding the Market and Customers
• Developing a Marketing Plan for SHG Products
• Brand Building and Digital Marketing for Small Enterprises
• Scaling Up SHG Businesses: Challenges and Opportunities
• Networking and Collaborations for Business Growth

Practical Session:

• Developing a marketing strategy for a selected SHG business

Week 6: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability of SHGs

• Monitoring and Evaluating the Success of SHGs and EDPs
• Identifying Challenges in SHG Operations and Business Sustainability
• Strategies for Long-Term Sustainability of SHGs
• Government Policies and Schemes Supporting SHG and EDPs
• Future Directions for SHG Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development

Practical Session:

• Creating a simple monitoring and evaluation framework for SHGs

Assessment and Evaluation:

1. Assignments: Weekly assignments based on course content and practical sessions.
2. Group Project: Development of a business plan or an EDP strategy for a selected SHG.
3. Quizzes: Short quizzes to test understanding of key concepts.
4. Final Examination: A written test covering all the topics discussed in the course.

Course Materials:

• Textbook: "Self-Help Groups and Rural Development" by Dr. Ramesh Kumar
• Handouts and Reading Materials provided during each session
• Case Studies and Articles on SHG and EDP Models in India

Trainer Profile:

The course will be taught by experienced professionals with expertise in community development, entrepreneurship, and SHG management. The trainers have hands-on experience working with rural communities, SHGs, and NGOs in India.

Certification:

Participants who Successfully complete the course with 80% attendance and meet the assessment criteria will be awarded a certificate from Skillnet Academy.

This syllabus provides a comprehensive guide to learning the key skills and concepts necessary for empowering SHGs and fostering entrepreneurship. We look forward to welcoming you to this transformative course at Skillnet Academy!

SHG MEMBERS