Overview on Aarohan Foundation: Conceptualized and founded by a group of alumni from IITs and IIMs, Aarohan Foundation is a non-profit organisation working in the areas of education and livelihoods for the underserved .It has an advisory council of leading Global executives having work experience in varied areas like project management, IT outsourcing, sales and marketing, finance, human resources, training and development etc. Aarohan provides livelihood solutions for different target groups like women, differently abled, PLHAs, etc. by empowering through skill building and handholding which are crucial for converting micro credit into micro-enterprise. Aarohans focus is on vocational education, and Micro enterprise development at grass root level. It has its presence in Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Bihar and Delhi and works in alliance with Government, NGOs and the pool of volunteers and donors. Some of its achievements: 1. Vocational training for the youth – IT School Bhubaneswar The objective is to give vocational training for employment self-employment for unprivileged students. It imparts a combination of computer basics, typing, Spoken English, Personality Development after which students are placed in various sectors (Computer Center, Pharmacy, Retail, Corporate Sector, etc) or opt for higher studies. 2. Micro enterprise creation: Aarohan Foundation held awareness sessions and has conducted a Business Plan Competition at Hyderabad for PWDs (persons with disability) as the part of Abilities Mela 2009 to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship and channel it through creation of micro enterprise. Some e.g.: • Aarohan has set up a shoemaking unit for group of differently abled, rehabilitated from the begging profession and has provided machines, and other support. • A tailoring unit for women • A coin box and bike repair shop for PWD • Microfinance: In addition to the skill building and venture management support Aarohan also provides financial and raw material support to micro enterprise in chosen cases. • Marketing support: Aarohan gives market linkage for products made by various vulnerable groups. It does through periodic exhibitions and corporate orders for their products and an e-mart is to start soon. 3. Women Empowerment: Aarohan works for empowering women by skill building, awareness and market linkage in areas like Jute bag making, tailoring, Zardosi and embroidery work for groups of women from various underserved communities in and around Hyderabad, leading to typical income enhancement from about Rs.1500 to about Rs.3000 per month. 4. Rural development: 1. Vocational training for youth and women. 2. School education at village level, currently in Bihar. 5. Children: Education and livelihood support for children of various categories like Orphans, Street children, Children from juvenile home, etc. Aarohan Foundation is working in juvenile homes of Hyderabad to facilitate skill building programs like art, craft, personality development, computer basics and other relevant skills and also organize trainings for instructors for skill up – gradation.