Katha School of Entrepreneurship

Started in 1994, the Katha School of Entrepreneurship reminds us often about the importance of journeys, not just of goals! Commitment to our mission goals of bringing quality education to children led to KSE, and the needs of the students led to the special pedagogy and curriculum used here. From the beginning, we have had a singular commitment from our students, many of whom still work to augment the family income.

The experiment, when it started, was to find a way of helping adolescent students gain access to better skills and entrepreneurship ideas. But, on thinking further, it seemed to us that there was a need to see the curriculum for KathaShala - from primary education to high school - as one that builds enterprise and expertise, and bolsters the innate leadership and confidence they have. Katha's specially designed curriculum strives to give not just scholastic skills but also the all-important entrepreneurial and vocational skills.

KSE was started as a series of workshops. The students - a questing bunch - keep one another's fire alive through interactive participation. And today, Katha indeed is an island of excellence! Our Guest Faculty, each an expert in their field of marketing, negotiation or accounting, vouch for this.

KSE's curriculum goes through a thorough questioning process every year or so and we hope this helps students make sense of their schooling and build in them an eagerness for enduring education; and help them acquire knowledge that will help each one of them to be looked up to by one's community, for what one is. Our hope and dream is to make the Katha School of Entrepreneurship a premier institute for small business studies, not unlike a school-level IIM!

Our young "graduates," girls and boys, are all working now, earning Rs 2,500 on average

The Katha School of Entrepreneurship offers a four-year course in Small Business Management for students in the nonformal stream of education.  The course integrates scholastic, vocational and entrepreneurial skills in a one-of-its-kind programme.

   Scholastic Training . For working children, this is preparation for the School-Leaving certificate Course of the National Open School. Each semester is 6-months long.  Students enroll in the scholastic programme offered at Katha - through  the NOS/National Open School programme or through the KSLC/Katha School Leaving Certificate programme . Both are special educational programmes for working children and those not able to attend the formal system for whatever reason. Students are encouraged to do at least 

   TWO courses each semester. This leads to the NOS/KSLC in four years. (Please see the syllabus for KSLC)

Vocational Training and skills-upgradation programme for working students, this could be, according to their choice, skills upgradation in the field in which they are presently engaged. Or it could be from one of the courses offered by the schools - baking, catering, computers, electricals/electronics, export/foreign trade, handicrafts, tailoring/fashion designing, teachers training.

teacher training at katha dates back to 1990

   Entrepreneurship Training . Each year, there are two Certificate Courses in Small Business Management. Subjects will be chosen from those listed below. C ourses 1-4 consist of an Intermediate level and an Advanced level, with final examinations being scheduled at the end of the four years.

The 4th year provides hands-on training with various industrial houses/entrepreneurs. 

Each student will have to do a survey as part of their study and present their findings before an expert panel at the end of the third year.

Students who qualify in the scholastic, entrepreneurial and vocational streams will be awarded the Katha's Diploma in Small Business Management (KDSBM).

Six Certificates of excellence will automatically give the student the Katha Diploma in Small Business Management (KDSBM ). He/she does not have to do any written test at the end of the course.

Four pass certificates will allow the student to take the final examination.

Participation in six courses will enable the student to get admission into the short term course for the Certificate Course in Small Business Management. (CCSBM)

   Eligibility Criteria: Students should either be eight class pass or be preparing for their tenth class school leaving certificate examination from the national Open School. We encourage students to take both the scholastic, the vocational and the entrepreneurial qualifying examinations. Or proof the student is currently engaged in studies. The student must be at least 13 years of age .

   All KSE students are offered four optional courses. These are - one to one ( adult literacy programme ); SeniorJunior ( a help older citizens programme ); Shramdan; and Clean Community.

All KSE students are also offered four club activities: Sports; Film Appreciation; Internet designing and site maintenance; Quizzing.

   Diplomas will be awarded to all students who pass all the qualifying examinations and fulfill their other commitments also.

   Scholarships: A select number of scholarships are available for students. Students who are regular and performance conscious and who also are economically unable to pay the fees are eligible. Girls get special consideration.

If you'd like to support the education of child . Or volunteer to share your expertise, write to us NOW! You're just the person we are looking for :)