By Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer, Sambhav Foundation
For years, interventions in the skilling sector have primarily focused on skill development, assuming that training alone would be enough to empower communities on the margins. However, real change requires more than just skills; it demands market linkages, financial inclusion and strong community support. Recognising this gap, Sambhav Foundation, reimagined the approach—shifting from training-centric models to a holistic ecosystem of empowerment. For Phase 2 of SaamuhikaShakti, Sambhav Foundation established the Livelihood Resource Centres (LRCs) and SEED Centres, not just as skilling hubs but as community anchors fostering economic and social transformation.
In Phase 1, traditional training centers provided skill-based programs to waste pickers, equipping them with technical knowledge in trades that would be their alternate livelihoods to elevate their income status. However, the experience revealed a deeper need for community-driven solutions to address the complexities of their lives:
Waste pickers work is deeply embedded in tight-knit networks, making it difficult to move toward individual-based employment. Economic insecurity also meant that few could afford to take risks without a guaranteed source of income.
For women in these communities, the barriers were even higher. Caregiving responsibilities and social norms often prevented them from stepping out to pursue formal employment, even when they had the skills to do so.
It was clear that a more community-driven approach was necessary—one that accounted for the realities of waste pickers’ lives and provided them with more than just a training hub.
With this understanding, LRCs were introduced in Phase 2, designed not just as skill-building centers but as holistic community hubs. Strategically located in JC Road, Goraguntepalya, and Hebbal, these centers were set up near waste picker settlements, ensuring accessibility and convenience. This was especially important for women, as they could now participate without having to travel long distances.
Unlike conventional training centres, LRCs offer:
More than just places of training, LRCs have become interactive community hubs, where women bring their children while they attend upskilling workshops, group activities strengthen social bonds, and aspirations for a better future are nurtured.
At any given time, you’ll find women engaging in sewing workshops, young adults in digital literacy classes and waste pickers gathering for discussions on financial planning.
While LRCs focus on skilling and employment readiness, SEED Centres were introduced to nurture micro-entrepreneurs. Many waste pickers, especially women, expressed the desire to start home-based businesses but lacked there sources and knowledge to do so. Inspired by CARE India’s model (a former Saamuhika Shakti partner), SEED Centres provide:
For women, SEED Centres have been life-changing. Many who once relied on waste picking are now running tailoring businesses, food processing ventures, and beauty salons—working from home while balancing their household responsibilities.
These centers have also become interactive learning spaces, for women to exchange business ideas, discuss challenges and find support from their peers. The confidence they gain from being part of a community empowers them to dream bigger and redefine their roles within their families.
While the economic impact of LRCs and SEED Centres is evident, their social impact is equally profound. These centers have evolved into hubs of empowerment, inclusion, and collective action.
The most important impact of creating a safe space for women from the waste picking community is the intangible benefit. Waste pickers who were once invisible to society now have a place that recognises and values them—a place where they are not just given training but also respected, supported and celebrated. A place that offers them dignity for who they are and the critical role they play in society.
In just one year, LRCs and SEED Centres have positively benefited the lives and livelihoods of waste pickers:
These numbers represent real people, real progress and real hope. For many, it is the first time they have seen a future beyond waste picking.
Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is on deepening impact and scaling success:
Most importantly, the initiative continues to challenge the idea that waste picking is the only viable livelihood for these communities. While some may choose to stay within the waste economy, many now have real alternatives—offering stability, dignity, and growth.
Rekha, great-granddaughter of a waste picker entered the LRC in its first year of operations- 2024. She joined Sambhav Foundation’s self-employed tailoring course that enabled her with professional tailoring skills and opportunities to seek market linkages for better earnings. She notes:
“My journey at the centre was very encouraging. Not a lot of people from my community have access to such training programs. Venturing out of the community settlements is a challenge. But because the centre was close to where I stayed, it was easier for me to travel while not having to give upon my household responsibilities. Multiple events at the centre like fresher’s day, industry workshops, gender workshops, POSH sessions among others made sure that I didn’t just learn tailoring but also learnt other necessary worldly skills. After my course, I am confident that I can seek earning opportunities to improve my family’s living conditions.”
— Rekha, Self-employed Tailoring Candidate
Today, these centres stand as symbols of empowerment, resilience and transformation. They prove that when given the right support, communities can drive their own change—and that economic mobility is not just a dream, but a reality unfolding in Bengaluru, one livelihood at a time.
For more:
By Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer, Sambhav Foundation
For years, interventions in the skilling sector have primarily focused on skill development, assuming that training alone would be enough to empower communities on the margins. However, real change requires more than just skills; it demands market linkages, financial inclusion and strong community support. Recognising this gap, Sambhav Foundation, reimagined the approach—shifting from training-centric models to a holistic ecosystem of empowerment. For Phase 2 of SaamuhikaShakti, Sambhav Foundation established the Livelihood Resource Centres (LRCs) and SEED Centres, not just as skilling hubs but as community anchors fostering economic and social transformation.
In Phase 1, traditional training centers provided skill-based programs to waste pickers, equipping them with technical knowledge in trades that would be their alternate livelihoods to elevate their income status. However, the experience revealed a deeper need for community-driven solutions to address the complexities of their lives:
Waste pickers work is deeply embedded in tight-knit networks, making it difficult to move toward individual-based employment. Economic insecurity also meant that few could afford to take risks without a guaranteed source of income.
For women in these communities, the barriers were even higher. Caregiving responsibilities and social norms often prevented them from stepping out to pursue formal employment, even when they had the skills to do so.
It was clear that a more community-driven approach was necessary—one that accounted for the realities of waste pickers’ lives and provided them with more than just a training hub.
With this understanding, LRCs were introduced in Phase 2, designed not just as skill-building centers but as holistic community hubs. Strategically located in JC Road, Goraguntepalya, and Hebbal, these centers were set up near waste picker settlements, ensuring accessibility and convenience. This was especially important for women, as they could now participate without having to travel long distances.
Unlike conventional training centres, LRCs offer:
More than just places of training, LRCs have become interactive community hubs, where women bring their children while they attend upskilling workshops, group activities strengthen social bonds, and aspirations for a better future are nurtured.
At any given time, you’ll find women engaging in sewing workshops, young adults in digital literacy classes and waste pickers gathering for discussions on financial planning.
While LRCs focus on skilling and employment readiness, SEED Centres were introduced to nurture micro-entrepreneurs. Many waste pickers, especially women, expressed the desire to start home-based businesses but lacked there sources and knowledge to do so. Inspired by CARE India’s model (a former Saamuhika Shakti partner), SEED Centres provide:
For women, SEED Centres have been life-changing. Many who once relied on waste picking are now running tailoring businesses, food processing ventures, and beauty salons—working from home while balancing their household responsibilities.
These centers have also become interactive learning spaces, for women to exchange business ideas, discuss challenges and find support from their peers. The confidence they gain from being part of a community empowers them to dream bigger and redefine their roles within their families.
While the economic impact of LRCs and SEED Centres is evident, their social impact is equally profound. These centers have evolved into hubs of empowerment, inclusion, and collective action.
The most important impact of creating a safe space for women from the waste picking community is the intangible benefit. Waste pickers who were once invisible to society now have a place that recognises and values them—a place where they are not just given training but also respected, supported and celebrated. A place that offers them dignity for who they are and the critical role they play in society.
In just one year, LRCs and SEED Centres have positively benefited the lives and livelihoods of waste pickers:
These numbers represent real people, real progress and real hope. For many, it is the first time they have seen a future beyond waste picking.
Looking ahead to 2026, the focus is on deepening impact and scaling success:
Most importantly, the initiative continues to challenge the idea that waste picking is the only viable livelihood for these communities. While some may choose to stay within the waste economy, many now have real alternatives—offering stability, dignity, and growth.
Rekha, great-granddaughter of a waste picker entered the LRC in its first year of operations- 2024. She joined Sambhav Foundation’s self-employed tailoring course that enabled her with professional tailoring skills and opportunities to seek market linkages for better earnings. She notes:
“My journey at the centre was very encouraging. Not a lot of people from my community have access to such training programs. Venturing out of the community settlements is a challenge. But because the centre was close to where I stayed, it was easier for me to travel while not having to give upon my household responsibilities. Multiple events at the centre like fresher’s day, industry workshops, gender workshops, POSH sessions among others made sure that I didn’t just learn tailoring but also learnt other necessary worldly skills. After my course, I am confident that I can seek earning opportunities to improve my family’s living conditions.”
— Rekha, Self-employed Tailoring Candidate
Today, these centres stand as symbols of empowerment, resilience and transformation. They prove that when given the right support, communities can drive their own change—and that economic mobility is not just a dream, but a reality unfolding in Bengaluru, one livelihood at a time.
For more:
