Sewing Class and Embroidary & Income Generation :
Objectives:
Encourage and facilitate self-employment among women from lower socio-economic class; guide their educational and social development
Member Involvement:
- Regular sewing and embroidery classes for women and adolescent girls
- Conduct exams as per syllabus of WCGM (Women and Children Garment Making)
- Develop income generation skills
Frequency / Location:
Mon to Fri 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the FS campus
Conceived in 1982 as a part of the income generating activity, the sewing and embroidery classes have become an integral part of Friends Society. Over the years, this activity gained popularity among the women and young girls from the underprivileged section of the neighborhood, so much so that it had to be run in batches to accommodate everyone. FS also conducts an examination twice a year and based on their performance, the women are awarded certificates, which help them obtain jobs. In addition, the women are encouraged to take the government’s “Women Children Garment Making” test to further their careers. We are proud that the passing rate for them is typically around 90%.
The sewing and embroidery class has about 18 sewing machines, some donated and some bought. The ladies are charged a nominal fee of Rs. 50/- per month and taught how to embroider and sew dresses, cushion covers, different types of bags, aprons, etc. The items prepared by them are displayed and sold regularly at different locations. A dedicated person employed by the FS has guided this group over the past 35 years and has been a source of great inspiration for the women.
Besides this training, the ladies are given talks on topics of general interest like health and hygiene, solar cookers, etc. They are taken on picnics to nearby places giving them a break from their mundane daily lives. Many of the women who have attended our sewing classes are now gainfully employed at various shops and small industries and are supporting their families economically.