What we do

The aim of Uddami is to teach skills that will empower the potential of young women and men from low-income communities in urban Kolkata so they can develop sustainable livelihoods.

Our computer center provides:
  • Practical computer training
  • Computer teacher training
  • Life skills course
  • Spoken English classes
We believe strongly in peer education – all core teaching staff are women who have graduated from Uddami and come from similar backgrounds to our students.

Uddami Projects & Programs

Basic Computer Skills Course

Teaches basic practical skills for employment including:
  • Word processing
  • Spreadsheets and database
  • Presentations using PowerPoint
  • Internet and email
  • Basic Website
  • Basic image editing
Uddami teachers

Uddami Teacher Training Course

This course provides teacher training to Uddami graduates who wish to teach. Trainees are taught by current Uddami teachers and practice teaching in our center.

Life Skills Course

Develops skills that help our students accomplish their ambitions and live to their full potential such as making good decisions, setting goals, communicating clearly, solving problems and assertiveness.

Uddami Spoken English Program

Increases English proficiency with a focus on spoken English in relation to the workplace.

Videos on Uddami

2010 Uddami Computer Center, Kolkata, India
Video produced by Alexia Prichard

2010 Samasource in India
Interview with Samsoni Sarkar, Uddami graduate

2009 Samasource in Action!
Interview with Uddami co-founder Bryan Forst

2006 (posted to Vimeo in 2012) Mujeres Que Cambian El Mundo – Capítulo 2
Interview with co-founder Alison Saracena & Project Director (2006-2018) Rabia Khatoon, produced by Hernán Zin (in English with Spanish subtitles)

Articles on Uddami

2010 – Infochange News & Features, article on Uddami: Computer skills helping youth reclaim their lives written by Manjira Majumdar (click here for PDF)

2009 – “Their disability disappears…” by Carlos Mayans, U.N. volunteer who worked with deaf students at Uddami.

2009 – GRO Initiative India Deaf Communication Camp – Global Reach Out in partnership with Uddami and shuktara