Role of skill‑based learning for underprivileged children

30/01/26

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Underprivileged children often live in contexts of low expectation, fewer role models, and economic pressure. In this context, learning skills that have real application helps build confidence, identity, motivation, they see that their efforts can produce tangible results, generate income, and create opportunity.

Let us zoom out a bit, and we will see that as a nation, we are at a critical juncture. The economy demands not only university graduates, but a large pool of job‑ready youth with practical skills.

Here, life‑skills and communication classes help children from low‑income communities in India increase self‑esteem and social competence. Furthermore, skill development for youth from marginalised backgrounds is being scaled in NGO programmes, signalling that the benefits of skill development are recognised.

Matching market demand with skilling

Skill development program efforts that link to jobs or income‑earning possibilities offer a clear pathway: learn a trade, get an apprenticeship, generate income. This makes education feel relevant. Also, shorter, modular skill‑based programmes fit better with children who might need to balance work or family responsibilities. However, many school curricula remain oriented to traditional academic goals and do not align with local labour demand or changing industry requirements. Underprivileged children suffer disproportionately when the curriculum is distant from real job markets.

However, when skill‑based programmes are demand‑driven—designed with industry or local enterprise in mind—they ensure that what children learn can be applied. For example, interventions that train children in digital skills or trades that have local market demand enhance employability.

Blending skilling and mentoring

Underprivileged children often internalise low expectations. They may not see role models, may face stigma, and may lack exposure. Building the technical skill alone is not enough if they don’t believe in themselves or don’t access networks. Skill development program initiatives that incorporate mentoring, life‑skills, exposure to role‑models, internships, provide more than technical training—they help shift mindset. Children start to see possibilities. Life‑skills classes that raise self‑esteem in children from low‑income backgrounds exemplify the role of every skill development program in India​.

Skill centres and training hubs for out-of-school or older children

For children who have dropped out of school or are nearing the end of school with uncertain trajectories, targeted skill centres provide focused training. NGO youth training centres are an example: they provide employability, access to every skill development program in India, and entrepreneurship training to marginalised youth, integrate with training of trainers, link to technical and vocational education and training centres (TVETs) and job placement.

From these approaches, several key lessons emerge that are especially relevant for underprivileged children.

• Demand-driven skills matter: Training must align with the local labour market or regional opportunity. A skill that cannot lead to employment or income will not sustain children’s motivation.
• Contextualisation is essential: Underprivileged children often face constraints: family responsibilities, transportation, and resource limitations. Skill programmes must adapt: flexible timings, modular courses, local access.
• Support systems beyond pure training: Certification, placement, mentorship, and exposure matter. If children gain a certificate but cannot access jobs or apprenticeships, the impact is limited.
• Integration with schooling or community settings: Embedding skill-based learning within schools or community centres reduces the transition barrier. Underprivileged children are more likely to attend if the programme is in familiar settings.
• Scaffolding foundational skills: Many children need reinforcement of basic literacy, digital literacy, and communication before they can take on more advanced skill training. Effective programmes that seek to embed the full benefits of skill development, therefore, incorporate this scaffolding.
• Focus on self-efficacy and aspiration: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds must believe in themselves. Skill-based programmes that include life-skills, mentoring and role-models help create that belief.
• Monitoring, evaluation and adaptation: Skills training must track outcomes: how many children complete training, get certified, access a job/apprenticeship, and increase income. Underprivileged segments might need additional follow-up.

Bal Raksha Bharat, a child protection NGO, supports skill-based learning for underprivileged children and youth through vocational training, digital literacy, and life skills programs. These initiatives are all aimed at enhancing employability and breaking the cycle of poverty. The child protection NGO runs targeted initiatives for adolescents and youth (ages 15–24) from marginalised backgrounds to equip them with market-relevant technical skills. This includes initiatives that provide vocational training to underprivileged youth, including those with little formal education, focusing on trades like retail, hospitality, electrical work, and BPO services.

They also collaborate with corporate partners to set up training centres, to train youth in digital and financial literacy, leading to placements in well-known and respected companies.

The education NGO’s skill-based learning programme goes beyond just technical trades to include 21st-century skills” essential for the modern workplace, as well as training in financial literacy, spoken English, communication, and decision-making. Recognising the challenges faced by children from difficult backgrounds, the education NGO provides counselling and mentorship to help them navigate the transition from training to the workforce. Through its “school-to-work” transition programs, Bal Raksha Bharat aims to turn underprivileged youth into a skilled workforce, enabling them to secure dignified livelihoods and support their families.

Naveen Kumar

“Naveen is an SEO expert and digital marketing analyst at Bal Raksha Bharat with a passion for helping businesses grow online. With a data-driven approach, he specializes in boosting search rankings, driving traffic, and optimizing digital strategies. Follow for tips on SEO, content, and marketing trends."