Informal Education Center
The informal education center has been in existence since the inception of Banasthali University. It has been carrying out the work of education and training of rural women since then. The development of villages has always been integral to the vision and philosophy of Banasthali. In fact, the origin of Banasthali was for social service and for making villages self-sufficient.
Women from the villages come to the informal education center for getting education and for being trained in various tasks. Women from the surrounding villages of Banasthali University, Karanpura, Pillai, Haripura, Longa ki Dhani, etc. receive free training here. Its aim is to ensure that women become self-sufficient. From time to time exhibitions displaying articles made by these women are arranged in order to encourage them. These exhibitions lead to economic gain as well as provide encouragement to the women.

The following kinds of training are given to women in the informal education center:

1.  Making them literate by teaching them to read and write.

2.  Giving them general knowledge about spirituality, moral values and courtesy.

3.  Stitching, embroidery and operating the sewing machine.

4.  Painting, card-making, making bags, wall hangings, slippers, purse,etc.

5.  Papad making, application of mehndi

6.  Making Rakhi, Pickles, and spices

7.  Providing them computer training.

Banasthali has able teachers in all these areas, who give training to these women. Sometimes trainers are also called from outside. For example:

1.  The University's Women's Studies & Research Cenetr had organized a ten day workshop for training women
      in 'Namde' work in the 2006-2007 session. For this purpose trainers were called from Tonk

2.  The university's textile department provides training in Bandhej and printing.

3.  Under  Gyanudyog project  computer training was provided to the women.

4.  Students and teachers of Home Science are called for giving training in Stitching.

Although this is a small effort many women have transformed their life through it. They are able to work from home and are becoming economically independent. It is a matter of satisfaction for us that our work was praised by Ms. Ranjana Kumar, Chairperson NABARD. She sent people from her organization to look into our work and promised financial assistance of Rs.50,000 for it. Representatives of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) also appreciated our work. The district co-coordinator of NSS advised us to promote the activities of the informal education center.

We endeavour to expand the activities of the informal education center in the future so that more and more women can benefit from it and become economically self-reliant.