At a time when education is becoming big business, here is an example of a university that believes in making learning to the masses and not differentiate between students. In an attempt to rehabilitate and empower marginalized groups in society such as sex workers and transgender people, Nashik-based Maharashtra Yashwantrao Chavan Open University (YCMOU) is the introduction of certification courses for the community of a small fee.

Dr R Krishna Kumar, president of the university, said it was his idea to start these courses. He said he had made a promise to the governor at the time of his appointment that he would start training to rehabilitate the marginalized sections of society.

"We started a pilot project in Nashik for sex workers, where we first introduced to the basics through a preparatory course of six months. He taught them the alphabet, basic math and communication. We then planned to move in short-term certificate, but the answer was not good that the brothel owners and sex workers do not cooperate and senior girls forbidden to participate in our programs, " Krishna Kumar said.

Refusing to abandon his efforts after the experience in Nashik, VC decided to take the initiative in the city. He contacted several NGOs working in the sector and set up meetings with brothel owners in town to convince them of the importance of the program.

"To our surprise, the owners of brothels and accepted by even wanted a program for sex workers because they knew that this means that revenues would not last forever. Through interviews, we realized what their needs and decided that start a preparatory meeting short-term course for them and some of the sex workers, who have never gone to school, "says Krishnakumar. "Later we will introduce certification courses in the short term for girls who are based and credit, if desired, the credits can be transferred and can continue doing a diploma course as well."

Talk to your job prospects after the course and he admits they are not too bright. "We are aware of the stigma attached to these students and that is why we will focus on the empowerment to make loans from nationalized banks and start your own business. We believe in giving them the knowledge and skills and the confidence to take this important step "says Krishnakumar.

Another area of ​​interest for Krishna Kumar started training courses for the transgender community and help them set up manufacturing units of small size. "We are trying to contact peers and community leaders identify the pockets of the city where they are based. Our counselors and teachers are in these areas to teach them and we are working on the details, "said Krishna Kumar.