Livelihood Training for Rural Poor

Development of Humane Foundation (DHAN), Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Contact: Mr. K. Anbu

Dates: July 2020 – July 2021

Total Budget: Rs. 3,51,000

DHAN foundation’s childcare initiative “Karunai Illam,” helps children in need by supporting them with education, health, and boarding facilities. The implementation of this one-year project was started in January 2021 due to the pandemic.

With the aim of providing livelihood training, DHAN initiated a Tailoring Center with 9 sewing machines and expanded it to 3 more with PPI’s aid. About 25 children from the area along with some from the Karunai Illam are receiving a 3-month training course. Upon completion they will be given more advanced training as well.

A LED light bulb assembling unit has also been set up with help from PPI to purchase the required machinery and a trainer. Through the training 1000 light bulbs were produced and supplied to Self-Help Groups in Didigul. Around 20 youth have been given training in the production of the light bulbs. With fresh orders for the light bulbs coming in, this project is off to a bright start.

The third initiative is in Batik. This beautiful and colorful method of creating vivid patterns using natural dyes has sparked the artistic and creative skills of the enrolled youth. Besides the children are getting valuable experience and training in developing a new skill set, one that will provide a means of income in their future.