RAGPICKERS EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (REDS)- RANCHI

Mr. Ignase Arulappen

(Executive Director)

Mr. Marianus Bilung

(Program Director)

REDS Ranchi (Ragpickers Education & Development Scheme) is a social development programme run by the Marianist Trust. Established on 14 November 1997 at Tokitoli, Samlong, Ranchi, it was the first initiative of its kind in Ranchi district dedicated to the education and development of children from rag-picking families. The programme aims at the social, educational, intellectual, and holistic development of children and families living in the slums of Ranchi, including rag pickers, widows, destitute rickshaw pullers, daily wage labourers, and other economically disadvantaged communities. Today, REDS Ranchi operates through 12 centres across the city, reaching out to marginalized families with education, livelihood support, and community empowerment initiatives.

The programme works to ensure the holistic development of children and the empowerment of their families through a wide range of educational and livelihood initiatives. It provides non-formal education to prepare out-of-school children for formal schooling, while supporting school-going children with educational guidance and essential learning materials. REDS Ranchi also offers vocational training such as computer education, tailoring, embroidery, and other skill-development programmes to enhance employment opportunities for youth and women. In addition, the programme promotes Self-Help Groups (SHGs), life-skills education, health and hygiene awareness, and community development activities, helping marginalized families become more self-reliant and improve their overall quality of life. We reach out to total beneficiaries of 711 with 21 staffs.