The SEWA Manager’s School began in 2005 as a capacity building institution within SEWA with the goal of facilitating economic self-sustainability through building a cadre of grassroots managers.
The objective of SMS is two-fold: the capacity of members will be developed thereby building the capacity of member’s own economic institutions. In recent years, SEWA has put a new emphasis on economic self-sustainability, and therefore, a focus on developing the organizational capacities of District Associations (which are independent, member-run economic organizations) has been paramount. The increase in organizational capacity of District Associations would enable them to increase revenues, improve quality of and increase types of training programs offered, increase amount of revolving fun available for micro-lending and allow District Associations to move towards financial self-sustainability
Management capacity building addresses the needs of team leaders and coordinators who in turn use the acquired knowledge to more effectively manage member-run organizations like district associations. SMS is continuing to develop programs targeted towards strengthening member’s institutions. Emphases include developing and negotiating private sector partnerships, federating Self-Help Groups, transparency in documentation procedures and strengthening skills in financial and management related arenas.
