SSISM: Empower dreams, ignite brighter futures

Shri Sant Singaji Educational Society (SSES) empowers rural youth, especially rural girls, in Sandalpur by providing quality education, bridging gaps, and fostering self-reliance, aiming to break poverty cycles and drive regional transformation.

History and Mission

Rural youth is a vast pool of untapped potential. Sadly, bright girls are made to sit at home, after school, due to rampant gender discrimination. Lack of awareness, prevailing social norms, etc. act as major deterrents to access of GIRLS to higher education. In a 70-km radius of Sandalpur, the number of students passing 12th Standard exceeds 8,000 annually. After that 33% (ASAR REPORT) of student dropped their education, and they do not enroll in their higher education.

Rural India is devoid of quality educational institutions and good teachers. Affluent rural youth go to nearby cities for education. Unable to cope with the medium (English) and the lifestyle, they return to their villages to join the ranks of unemployed youth, often getting into illegal activities. SSISM seeks to address this problem.

Sant Singaji Educational Society (SSES) was established in 2010, to create social and economic transformation in one of the most backward areas of the country, i.e. Sandalpur, District Dewas Madhya Pradesh (Gondwana area of Madhya Pradesh).

The institute was founded by Mr. Pranjal Dubey, who left a high-profile job as a project manager at SAP Labs in Bangalore to address the pressing issue of inadequate education facilities in his native village, Sandalpur. His mission was to uplift local youth from poverty through education.

SSES aims to be the leading rural educational organization dedicated to imparting skill-based training that empowers youth to become self-reliant, socially responsible, and employable. The society’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty and create opportunities for young people, fostering their growth as individuals and contributing to the overall development of their communities. Under this project, the organization is providing free education to 150 needy students every year. By fostering a supportive atmosphere through resources, mentorship, and community engagement, the project innovatively tackles the root cause of limited opportunities with a focus on enhancing employability, empowering individuals and contributing to the overall economic development of rural areas, making it a comprehensive and impactful initiative.

Goals and Target Population:

SSES is dedicated to transforming the lives of rural youth in the Dewas, Sehore, and Harda districts of Madhya Pradesh. Its primary focus is on providing education and skill-based training to students aged 17 to 21 who have passed their 12th-grade exams. These young individuals represent a vast, untapped pool of potential that, when harnessed, can drive significant social and economic progress in their communities.

The institution's overarching Management aims to address the specific needs of rural communities by bridging educational gaps and empowering rural youth with practical skills essential for their personal and professional growth. The institute's measurable project objectives include expanding access to quality education by enrolling 15,000 students by 2030 and transforming the area into a "Singaji Educational Village." It seeks to enhance employability through a curriculum focused on Information Technology, Management, and Biotechnology, to equip 90% of students with practical skills that align with industry demands.

Challenges Faced by Rural Youth:

Rural youth face numerous obstacles that hinder their access to higher education and employment opportunities. In the Sandalpur region alone, more than 8,000 students pass the 12th standard each year, yet the area lacks quality educational institutions and skilled teachers. After that 33% (ASAR REPORT) of student dropped their education, and they do not enroll in their higher education. Many affluent rural students who seek education in nearby cities struggle with the English medium and urban lifestyle, often returning to their villages and joining the ranks of the unemployed. This situation is compounded by gender discrimination, with many bright girls being made to stay home after school, unable to pursue further education due to societal expectations.

Without access to quality education, these youths are left vulnerable to unemployment and the lure of illegal activities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities. SSES seeks to address these challenges by providing a structured, phased approach to education and skill development that prepares students for the professional world.

Past and Current Activities:

To bring about the socio-economic transformation of rural society by imparting high-quality holistic education to rural youth, we have adopted three programs which are ITEG (Information Technology Excellence Group), BEG (Bio Excellence Group), and MEG (Management Excellence Group).

In three programs, we follow a three-level certification process where students go through various skill development and certification. In the above-mentioned process, we enhance Academic quality education about the subject, which is prescribed by the university. In practical skills training the students get the knowledge of delivering content by using practical aspects and soft skills. Technical training, here students get technical training like- developing programs, designing websites, etc. which is required for companies.

When students complete the above training modulation, we provide them with future options in 3 ways:

 Post-Graduation- we prepare students and motivate them to do their post-graduation at Azim Premji University, IIM, Chennai Business School, etc.

 EMPLOYMENT- For students who want to do a job after their graduation and be able to be financially independent we train them for IT companies and make sure they get jobs in reputed companies, such as Wipro, HSBC, TCS, CAP GEMINI.

 Entrepreneurship- A Few Students express their interest in entrepreneurship. we encourage such students to get proper training with the help of some NGOs who train the students like Udhyam Learning Foundation, Karya NGO, etc.

We have 5 IT companies working on the campus, which are:

Singaji software solution, AWNS, Finezza, Trilliant Digital, and Tofrum

Future Planned Activities

SSES is committed to expanding its impact in the coming years, with plans to enhance its educational programs and develop new initiatives that address the evolving needs of rural youth.

1. Expanding Reach and Accessibility: SSES aims to increase its outreach to more rural areas, ensuring that students who are currently unable to access quality education have the opportunity to benefit from its programs.

2. Industry Partnerships and Internship Programs: To better prepare students for the job market, SSES plans to establish partnerships with various industries, creating internship opportunities that provide hands-on experience. These collaborations will help students gain practical skills and enhance their employability.

3. Skill Development for Emerging Industries: As industries evolve, so too must the skills that SSES imparts to its students. The society is working to develop training modules in emerging fields such as digital marketing, data analysis, and renewable energy, ensuring that students are equipped with skills relevant to the current job market.

4. Entrepreneurship Development Programs: To foster self-employment and innovation, SSES plans to introduce entrepreneurship training programs that guide students in starting their businesses. This will include mentoring, access to resources, and support in developing business plans, helping students become job creators rather than job seekers.

5. Alumni Network and Mentorship: SSES is developing an alumni network to connect current students with past graduates who have successfully navigated higher education and the job market. This mentorship program will provide guidance, inspiration, and practical advice, creating a supportive community that extends beyond the classroom.