Usha - The Awakening
Jute Handicraft Items!!
The smile on the faces of the ladies of Usha Breco Foundation, while receiving their first share of hard work, assured of a beginning towards a larger goal. The group started with just 05 ladies in 2010, now felicitates earning for over 72 household, which are engaged in the production of the Handicraft items made of Jute and other allied local fiber, commonly known as Bhimal
The aim is to make this initiative reach a larger section of society, consisting primarily of ladies from economically weak strata, to help them become self-reliant, and also to make this initiative self sustainable.
The campaign started with meeting individually ladies of areas in the vicinity of Mansadevi Ropeway, which were from low economic strata. Motivating these ladies to step out of their homes and getting them trained in jute work was the first cross line. Many ladies were contacted but initially 15 turned out. We were enthusiastic as this was the first ever step of this nature in the company. But we were assured of the success from the initial results.
Qualified trainer was called from Rishikesh to train the ladies. Initially training was given for a month continuously and then in teh second month it was provided every alternate day.. The ladies started producing the jute products. Again a 15 days capsule course was given to sharpen their skills and to make the material sell-able After a month of hard-work put in by the ladies, results started coming. Initially Jute Pooja Slippers & Pooja Baskets were made which were sold from our outlets.
The day of silver lining came after about one and a half months later, when the ladies were handed over the money for the products made by them. All of them rejoiced that day and thanked the mentor, for this noble effort. As the demand for the products grew, and so also the earning by these ladies, more ladies joined the group and started contributing. Some of the ladies mastered the initial products and started making other jute products such as Ladies Handbag, Dolls, Tea coasters, Foot mats etc… From simple to colourful ones, one after another the product quality and range increased and so the confidence of ladies………Presently 72 ladies are actively engaged in the activity earning around Rs. 1500 -2500 per month.