Halo Nursing School provides a pathway to higher education for rural young women through an affordable and accessible Registered Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (RANM) Diploma Course. It aims to break the cycle of limited opportunities by offering quality education that empowers these young women to stand on their own feet, contribute to their communities, and build fulfilling careers in the healthcare sector.
Key feature
HMF observed that poor accessibility to educational institutions and affordability to seek higher education of quality, stood as barriers in the way of young women/girls who lived in rural Dharashiv (previously known as Osmanabad) and Solapur districts. To tailor to their needs HMF established and built the Halo Nursing School in 2009.
About Halo Nursing School
(2009 – ongoing)
By providing a supportive learning environment and access to competent faculty, Halo Nursing School (HNS) ensures that every student has the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential.
HNS provides an affordable two-year Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) Diploma course for young women/girls along with subsidised hostel facilities (optional) at its campus. The course is recognised by the Maharashtra Nursing Council through formal registration. (Reg.no. MNC/G/434/A-6/1907/2009). It has the capacity to train 20 nursing students every year. The minimum eligibility for admission is completion of grade 12 of schooling.
The Course content, classroom instruction, practical training, and hands-on experience provided during the Course not only equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge but also instills confidence and resilience, thus preparing them to make a meaningful difference in their own lives and that of others.
Unlocking Potential: Empowering Girls as Health Paraprofessionals in Rural Areas
Testimony of Indubai
My name is Indumati Tikambre Vaijanath. I was born in the village of Khudawdi in Dharashive district. I completed my education up to the 12th standard in this rural area and attended Jawahar College in Andur. I excelled in my studies and achieved good grades in my 12th standard examinations. Although I secured admission to the D.Ed course, I could not afford the fees.
I learned about Halo Nursing School and met Dr. Shashikant Ahankari. When I informed him of my financial difficulties, he helped me obtain a scholarship from the NGO FCL to support my fees. Additionally, my mother was given a job of running the mess at Halo Nursing School. Determined to excel in my studies, I stood first at the district level in the RANM examination.
Since 2012, I have been working in the government health system and have also completed the GNM course. Currently, I am placed at the Primary Health Care Centre in Naichapur, Umerga taluka, Dharashiv district. I am able to financially contribute to both my maternal and matrimonial families. Without the support of Dr. Ahankari, I would have become a housewife like many other women.
The HNS is housed in an independent building in clean and scenic surroundings on the HMF campus, with an independent administration. A hostel facility too is available on the same premises.
Registered Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (RANM) Course Content:
The subjects for the first year include:
1. Health promotion
2. Primary Health Care Nursing
3. Community Health Nursing
4. Pediatrics.
The subjects for the second year include:
1. Midwifery
2. Management
For practical training, HNS has collaborated with
1. Sub-district hospital, Naldurg
2. Sparsh Hospital, Sastur
3. Primary Health Centre, Andur for hands-on practical training for 30 days at a stretch every year.
Examination and evaluation
The examinations are conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Nursing and Paramedical Education (MSBNPE) at the end of each year and conducted at Dharashiv.
Regular evaluation of students is done through various tests and examinations:
1. Three unit Tests a year
2. on completion of 50 percent of the syllabus, a 50 marks mid-term exam
3. on completion of 90 percent syllabus, a 75 marks ‘pre-final’ exam as preparatory for the finals.
Funding
HNS is self-supported. The fees paid by students covers salaries of the faculty and other expenses.
Challenges
The GNM course, with the same minimum eligibility requirements as the ANM course, is in higher demand due to its greater employability.
With rising awareness in the community and greater acceptance of girls’ education, girls/women are opting for degree courses such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc.Nursing)
Join us in making a difference
Admissions, concessions
The RANM course at HNS is open only for womenwho have successfully completed the 12th grade of schooling, with special priority given to daughters of single mothers,
The documents required for admission: Grade 10 marksheet and passing certificate, Grade 12 marksheet and certificate, identity and address proof (Aadhar card), 4 photographs, and caste (SC/ST certificate.
Availability for admission to the course is publicized through
– through the volunteers and staff of HMF who reach out to potential students and their families
– advertisements in the local newspapers
Priority is given to students who cannot afford courses at other institutions, those who are interested and have obtained relatively good scores in previous exams.
Those who cannot pay fees for a year at one go are allowed to pay fees in four affordable installments.
For those unable to afford HNS fees, HMF recommends applying for scholarships from philanthropic organizations such as the ‘Foundation for Community Learning’ (FCL) and the ‘Batewara Foundation’. Almost all HMF recommended applicants have been granted scholarships. Some are also referred for government scholarships.
Achievements
Until the academic year 2023-24, 172 women students have successfully completed the RANM course. All those who appeared for the exams have passed successfully.
Thanks to scholarships, fee concessions, and hostel facilities; the underprivileged but determined women students have completed the ANM course, many of whom have obtained a ‘first class’, and found employment in both public and private health facilities.
Some women have utilized the ANM diploma as a stepping stoneto pursue higher educational levels while employed, such as obtaining a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) or Degree in B.Sc. Nursing, for securing lucrative employment opportunities.