Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE)
Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) started the Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE) on July 2, 2012, with the primary objective of positively impacting the communities surrounding the University. The program aims to empower the local community to identify and promote their own health initiatives while also taking proactive, community-driven actions in the socio-economic, environmental, and education domains in a sustainable manner.
Its mission is to facilitate the sustainable, holistic, and integrated development of the identified villages situated in the Mulshi taluka of Pune district. A total of 22 villages were initially selected for the implementation of the program, which has now been increased to 35 villages, having approximately 28% of the Mulshi block population.
Healthcare initiatives
SIU is committed to the principles of ― ‘Health for All’. SCOPE is presently implementing SIU’s mandate of Health Promotion University (HPU), i.e. promotion of sustainable health within the wider community. This is an asset to the university staff, students, and to the communities in which they are located, and to the wider society where these students will eventually assume professional roles.
To realize these goals, the SCOPE Healthcare team conducts primary health check-ups, at the selected villages as per the fixed daily schedule. It undertakes a range of initiatives beyond the Outpatient Department (OPD) and referral services, which include Health Awareness campaigns, Health Promotion activities, Personal and Social Development programs, Institutional Social Responsibility projects, Service Learning opportunities, and the creation of a Healthy Environment. These efforts also involve building strong connections with the community and conducting academic and action research in collaboration with the community.
The beneficiaries of these initiatives encompass individuals of all age groups and genders, including expectant and postnatal mothers (ANC & PNC), breastfeeding mothers, children, older adults, and adolescents. Annually, access to community healthcare is extended to approximately 80,000 to 100,000 beneficiaries, especially those residing in remote, underserved, and hard-to-reach areas. The SCOPE team not only provides valuable experiential learning opportunities for students from Symbiosis sister institutes but also for international students who engage with the villages through Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) and gain insights into the prevalent health issues.
Non-Healthcare Initiatives
Symbiosis International (Deemed) University (SIU) established the Symbiosis Community Outreach Programme and Extension (SCOPE) on July 2, 2012, with the primary objective of positively impacting the communities surrounding the University. SCOPE is committed to empowering local communities by fostering sustainable, community-driven initiatives in healthcare, education, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability.
SCOPE's mission is to facilitate the holistic and integrated development of villages in Mulshi taluka, Pune district. Initially covering 22 villages, the program has now expanded to 35 villages, impacting approximately 28% of the Mulshi block population. Through its targeted interventions, SCOPE has become a catalyst for change, creating meaningful opportunities for rural communities to improve their quality of life.
As part of SIU’s commitment to ‘Health for All’, SCOPE plays a key role in implementing the university’s Health Promotion University (HPU) mandate. Through Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), health awareness programs, preventive and promotive healthcare services, and academic research, SCOPE ensures access to primary healthcare for 80,000 to 100,000 individuals annually, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
Beyond healthcare, SCOPE is deeply invested in education and literacy as a means of long-term empowerment. The program bridges learning gaps by providing scholarships for rural girls, digital literacy training, legal and financial literacy sessions, adult literacy programs, and foundational numeracy initiatives. These efforts, implemented in collaboration with local schools, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and community leaders, have enabled thousands of individuals to acquire essential skills and improve their economic and social well-being.
SCOPE not only impacts the local community but also provides experiential learning opportunities for students from Symbiosis sister institutes and international universities. By engaging in healthcare services, digital literacy initiatives, remedial education, and community research, students gain valuable insights into real-world challenges while contributing to meaningful social transformation.
With a strong foundation in community engagement, academic collaboration, and sustainable development, SCOPE continues to drive positive change, ensuring better healthcare, education, and social well-being for rural communities.
Education and Literacy Initiatives
At SCOPE, we believe that education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. Our Education and Literacy Initiatives are designed to empower individuals across all age groups by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. Working in partnership with local schools, community groups, and expert organizations, our programs address diverse learning needs of the community ranging from early schooling support to adult education and digital empowerment.
Contact Details
If you want to contribute/ volunteer/ intern/ collaborate/ associate in any of the SCOPE's activities, kindly contact Program Officer, SCOPE : - poscope@siu.edu.in