Training

Training of UNVs
The first batch of UNVs were trained at the Narangarh Building Center by experts form HUDCO, ORHDC, Habitat Technology Group, CARE etc. This batch of UNVs included planners, architects and engineers. Many, among them were not sensitive in building in appropriate technologies and building. They were given an intensive training in building construction and project management.

For more info on training programme see the UNDP training documents.

Training of masons
The masons for training were selected t hrough community meetings and based on recommendations from the local government officials, local contractors, government engineers and the block administration. Also, participation of women masons is being promoted. At the end of the training the masons were issued a certificate attesting their skills in masonry.

The funding for the training programme was also by various government schemes such as the ‘Sarva Sikshya Abhiyaan' or ‘education for all' scheme.

Read more about the SSA scheme in the SSA documents.

The training programme includes classroom training, in which the theory classes are conducted followed by hands-on training, which includes the construction of various building elements such as foundations, walling, openings and roofing.

A small exhibition of the technologies and best practices is put up at the end of the programme. Leaflets printed in local language are distributed to aspiring house-builders. T hese training programmes generate awareness among the community and local administration

These ‘trained' masons gain a lot of social prestige and further go on to train more masons informally. A number of aspiring house-builders approach these trained masons during the training itself, thus generating immediate employment for them. The trained masons then carry out these constructions under the supervision of the UNVs & NGO Supervisors. The trained masons are engaged in the construction of TDUs, IAY and private houses.

A number of government engineers and block office staff are also trained in the process. These trained government engineers supervise the trained masons during construction of government buildings. The community derives a lot of confidence when they see government buildings being built in appropriate technologies.