Building Leaders at the Grassroots

Industrial Economist (IE): Can you tell us what Shraddha Maanu Foundation does?
Madhumati Narayanan (MN): We work to eliminate educational discrimination against underprivileged children and so­cio-economic barriers faced by educated women. We identify ambitious wom­en, especially housewives aged 27–42 whose growth paused due to family re­sponsibilities and train them as teachers, building confidence and decision-mak­ing skills for meaningful employment. Simultaneously, the foundation pro­vides quality after-school education to children from low-income families, helping them keep pace academically and socially. We chose education as our primary intervention because it creates a multiplier effect. A trained woman teacher shapes children, a nation’s fu­ture and that influences generations. In villages, empowering one woman, up­lifts her family and community, creating lasting social impact.

IE: How do you train them?
MN: The foundation runs a structured programme blending theory with practical training. Ini­tially classroom-based, sessions moved online post-Covid via smart­phones and Whats App. T h e 1 5 0 – hour course i n c l u d e s i n t e r a c t ive learning, as­s e s sment s , and note-tak­ing, followed by classroom practice supported by a 45-hour nu­meracy and language module. Academic coordinators in Chennai closely monitor attendance, lesson plans and activities aligned with international multi-sensory methods, while English sessions are led by volunteers twice weekly. After three months of on-the-job training, candidates take written and demo exams. Certified teachers are placed in schools, with cur­riculum support. After a year, they may continue, pursue B.Ed., or explore in­dependent careers. Some of our alumni are working with prestigious schools in Chennai.

IE: Why is it important to work with chil­dren alongside women?
MN: Sustainable development begins with strong foundational learning. For children from underprivileged backgrounds, real change be it social, emotional and moral, must start early, ideally before the age of 10. Many of the children we support grow up in challeng­ing environments marked by instability and hardship, which can affect their emo­tional well-being. Through focused foundational education and life skills pro­grammes for ages 5–10, we aim to nurture confidence, resilience, social awareness, and ethical values, giving them a positive outlook and the strength to shape a better future.

IE: How do you define Women Empower­ment?
MN: In my personal opinion, women are already empowered. They need to be en­abled. Comparing men and women makes no sense. Leaders are leaders. Not women leaders, just leaders. This was originally an all-women organisation. Now we in­clude men operationally because they contribute in their own way.