As part of Ujjivan's Healthcare Program, Biocon is training Ujjivan centre leaders as health workers who can deliver vital healthcare information to our customers. The health workers will be conducting awareness programs relating to hygiene and sanitation, disease and illness, child nutrition, pre-natal/post natal-care, and HIV Aids.

Biocon has provided with materials to conduct health workshops at Ujjivan Branch areas. These women are compensated as per workshop and will learn the importance of health education becoming leaders in their slum areas.

Meet some of Ujjivan's health workers:

Asma Banu

Asma Banu is a 30 yr old centre leader and health coordinator from Chandra Layout. She worked for Akshara Foundation two years ago, while working as an Anganwadi teacher. She is happy to be working these past couple of years realizing that she can contribute to the family income helping her husband in every way.

“I am very happy about my work. The awareness and training I received from Ujjivan and Biocon helped me to be more self confident. I am very satisfied and able to educate the people regarding Health and Hygiene. I feel proud to work for the betterment of the community. In the beginning, I was afraid to give sessions. Now, I have confidence to do the work. I came from very poor family. This training programme improved my skills and has provided regular employment and income. Since my income is the source to meet all my family expenses to a certain extent I have received more respected within the family and community.” – Asma

Sumithra

Sumithra is a 25 year old centre leader and health coordinator from HAL. She has completed her 1st year BA. She lives with her mother-in-law, husband, and child. She came to Bangalore two years ago.

“When I joined first I was very shy. Then I listened to others talking and sharing. That is, how I learned that every one can do all the work, if we have the willingness to do. So I decided to do my tasks whole heartedly. Before, I could not go out of my house. I was so afraid. Now I can go any where. I have gained confidence because of this work. I am happy with this work and also getting good cooperation from the branch staff. I am getting good respect from the community as well as my family. The work shop has not only helped me to grow but also enhanced my knowledge in the various aspects of health/hygiene/environment. Over all it has improved women’s working skills and enhance their economic status to enable them to take part in decision making both at the house hold &community level. Ujjivan has encouraged saving habits which has improved our life style. Ujjivan has focused on the General health of the community.

The journey for change is continuing and it does not end, still we have a long way to go…………”

Prema Kumari

Premakumari is a 32 year old centre leader and health educator in Koramangala. She has completed her S.S.L.C and for past 10 years has been working as an Anganwadi Teacher. In Ujjivan she has taken loan amount of 8000 for her Saree Business and I have utilized the loan for the same and getting income from that. Inspite of this I wanted to spend one or two hour for social activities and the Ujjivan field staff understood my ability and skills and offered me this job of Health Instructor. I was trained by Ujjivan and Bio -con foundation jointly.

I have given training to Ujjivan customers regarding “Personal hygiene and Environment” covering around 22 centers. I am very interested to work on this field and this field has increased my communication skills and also there is a positive attitude for the people and a also they see me in respect whenever I visit there area.

Now I am very enthusiastic towards the work and also this has built a serving nature to the poor in me.