About Organization-KOWYAS (Konkan Women, Youth and Students Development Central Society)

Konkan Women, Youth and Students Development Central Society (KOWYAS), Chiplun, was established in 1982 under the inspiration of Mrs. Sumati Jambhekar. Initially limited to Chiplun, the organization’s area of work gradually expanded across the entire Konkan region. With the guidance of Mr. Manohar Jambhekar, Hon. Husain Dalwai, and Prof. Shama Dalwai, the organization has built sustained work for the educational, social, sports, family, physical, and mental development of youth, women, and students.

Keeping in mind the diverse needs of social life in Konkan, the organization has developed several initiatives. For persons with special needs, the “Bharari” Welfare Centre was established. For intellectually challenged students, Jidda School for Mentally Challenged Children and Jaydeep Mone Udyog Kendra were started. To provide women with family support and legal guidance, a Family Counselling Centre was established. In addition, self-help groups were formed for the economic empowerment of women in rural areas.

For women who had dropped out of education and for working women, B.A. and B.Com. courses affiliated with S.N.D.T. University were started to bring them back into the mainstream of education. Recognizing the importance of physical fitness for girls, the organization also started a gymnasium initiative. Through these diverse efforts, the organization not only provides services but also works towards building capable, aware, and responsible citizens in society.

Every individual associated with KOWYAS develops social awareness, leadership qualities, and a positive outlook through participation in various activities. It is through this belief that the organization has continuously received the support of well-wishers, donors, and collaborators.

Today, because of the organization’s various activities, the available building space has become insufficient. Through public participation, the organization has raised Rs. 25 lakh and constructed the building for Jidda School. In the next phase, an amount of Rs. 50 to 80 lakh is required for a D.Ed. college, a workshop for mentally challenged children, approximately 8,000 sq. ft. of construction, and a shed over the hostel.

The journey of the organization over the last four decades has been one of social commitment, public participation, and development. Through initiatives in education, rehabilitation, women’s empowerment, skill development, and sports, KOWYAS is bringing positive change to the lives of many families in Konkan. The continued support of well-wishers in society will always remain an inspiration for achieving the organization’s future goals.

KOWYAS Organization Committee – 2024-2027

Our Initiatives

1. Jidda Matimand Mulanchi Shala
2. Jaydeep Mone Matimand Mulanche Vyavsay Prashikshan Kendra
3. Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar College of Special Education (Diploma in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities / Teachers for Children with Intellectual Disabilities)
4. Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Distance Education Centre
5. KOWYAS Shighra Hastakshep and Physiotherapy Treatment Centre
6. KOWYAS Gram Vikas Project
7. KOWYAS Vyayamshala

1. Jidda Matimand Mulanchi Shala

This school works for children with Intellectual Disability and special needs. Special education is provided here for the intellectual, educational, social, and emotional development of students. According to each child’s abilities, holistic development is encouraged through:

• Individualized Teaching Methods
• Daily Living Skills Training
• Behaviour Modification
• Communication Skill Development
• Art, Sports, And Cultural Activities

The main objective of this school is to make special children independent and confident.

2. Jaydeep Mone Matimand Mulanche Vyavsay Prashikshan Kendra

This centre provides vocational skill training to special children. Students are taught various vocational skills according to their abilities, such as:

• Handicrafts
• Seasonal Products
• Paper Bag Making
• File Making
• Candle Making
• Cooking
• Computer Training
• Gardening

Through this training, students acquire the skills necessary for independent living and also get the opportunity to live with dignity in society.

3. Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar College of Special Education

This college works towards preparing special teachers. The D.Ed. Special Education (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) course is conducted here. The main objective of this college is to develop trained teachers who can effectively work with children having special needs. Students are given in-depth training in:

• Special Education
• Inclusive Education
• Rehabilitation
• Therapy
• Teaching Skills

The educational qualification required for this course is passing the 10+2 / Higher Secondary examination from any State Board.

4. Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth Distance Education Centre

Through this centre, students and working individuals are provided the opportunity to pursue higher education through distance learning. The main objective of this centre is to make educational facilities easily accessible to boys and girls from rural areas and ensure that education reaches everyone. Guidance for career development is provided to students through various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

5. KOWYAS Shighra Hastakshep and Physiotherapy Treatment Centre

At this centre, developmental difficulties in young children are identified at an early stage and appropriate treatment and guidance are provided. Through:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Special Training

support is provided for the physical, mental, and language development of children. Parents are also guided regarding the development of their children. The objective of this centre is to provide children with timely support and make their development more effective.

6. KOWYAS Gram Vikas Project

This project works for the social, educational, and economic development of rural areas. Activities related to:

• Women Empowerment
• Youth Development
• Health Awareness
• Environmental Conservation
• Cleanliness Campaigns
• Educational Initiatives

are implemented for the holistic progress of society. The main objective of this project is to empower underprivileged and needy sections of society.

7. KOWYAS Vyayamshala

KOWYAS Vyayamshala has been functioning since 1980 with the objective of creating awareness about physical fitness, discipline, self-confidence, and a healthy lifestyle among children, youth, and society.

Through regular exercise, yoga, mallakhamb, wrestling, traditional games, and physical training, the physical as well as mental development of students is encouraged.

Through this Vyayamshala, many students have achieved remarkable success at district, state, national, and international levels, bringing pride to the organization across the world.

Here, students are taught not only sports training but also:

• Discipline
• Teamwork
• Leadership Qualities
• Healthy Life Values

KOWYAS Vyayamshala is a matter of pride for the organization and society, and even today it continuously works towards making the younger generation healthy, capable, and self-confident.

Our organization continuously works for the education and rehabilitation of children with special needs and for the development of all sections of society, and is committed to building an “inclusive and empowered society.”