Training at OPP-RTI is based on the programs. Some detail courses are regularly held. Orientation training spans 23 days, includes the OPP institutions concept, programs, methodology, and organizational setup. Detail training of a week to 10 days relates to the specific OPP-RTI program and is undertaken on request as well as on the partners needs. 21 days training on sketching/mapping/google image saving/documentation, a week’s training on the level survey, another on planning/designing/estimation for the low-cost sanitation program (town, settlement, lane and village level planning), are regular ongoing courses. On-site training and guidance to partner NGOs continue for the social and technical skills, (including research and documentation) the organizational setup of the support organization and its related accounting/reporting system.
COMMUNITY ARCHITECT TRAINING PROGRAM
With respect to increased community efforts in low-income settlements, the need was felt to buildup the capacity of the youths/activists to support community initiatives. OPPRTI has found youths/activists willing to give time to work for the development of these settlements. The extent of community efforts is evident from the documentation of abadis and goths.
A training program on sanitation, mapping, and housing for the youths/activists is ongoing. The purpose of training is to enable the youths/activists to take up work in these fields independently. However, OPPRTI’s advisory support continues. The students are matric/intermediate in qualification and are identified through contacts with team members, trainee students or through local tanzeems. Trainees get a stipend during the course and a certificate is awarded on completion.
In sanitation, training is imparted in mapping, documentation, leveling, designing, estimation, construction work, on-site supervision, and community mobilization. For the activists, the focus is community mobilization. Youths concentrate on surveying, documentation, leveling, designing, and estimation. Training on mapping, google image saving and digitization and documentation is provided to all the youths participating in the program. Training on AutoCAD (2D) has also been imparted to the mapping team of OPPRTI to facilitate mapping.