A short-term course sparked in her the want to become an entrepreneur. Finding it hard to make ends meet, R. Mahalakshmi of Aminjikarai enrolled herself into the free embroidery and artificial jewellery-making course offered by Guild of Service. Now, she plans to start a unit at home.
Like her, 25 other women are confident of making it big. The Guild of Service’s three-month long course under its Nutrition on Wheel programme is funded by Amicale Internationale of Luxembourg.
Says P. Vasanthi, a homemaker from Arumbakkam, “the courses not only teach technical skills but also helps build self confidence in women, especially under-privileged ones,” she says.
Sujitha, another participant says: “I participated in the beautician course offered by the Guild earlier and it has changed my life. I get regular requests for home-facial assignments and bridal make-up.”
Honorary Secretary, Nutrition on Wheels, Guild of Service, Saraswathy Gopalakrishnan says that these courses were meant for women to help them become self-employed. All programmes can take 25 members and the course has been structured by Saraswathy and her team. “The artificial jewellery and embroidery courses see maximum enrolment,” she adds.
Valedictory function
At the valedictory function of the Nutrition on Wheels programme held recently at Egmore, State Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), K.S. Sripathi, inaugurated an exhibition, where the jewellery and embroidery blouses made by the students were displayed. He said such training would benefit young women from disadvantaged families. More demand-oriented training courses should be launched.
Kerala Fashion Jewellery Managing Director, Sujith Cherian, assured employment opportunity to the trainees. Managing Director of Meridian Apparels advised students on various aspects of business.
The students said after the training, they could easily earn Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 a month working from their home.
Proposing a vote of thanks, Ms. Saraswathy said the Nutrition on Wheels is forever looking to launch new programmes to meet the market needs.
Established in 1923, Guild of Service is one of the oldest organised social work bodies in the country. It has 19 units in and around Chennai. Nutrition on Wheels, a development unit from GoS, offers pre-school education and nutrition for 300 children in the city and adjoining areas. It also offers education sponsorships to 150 school students and 50 job oriented degree and diploma. Income generation training programmes for under-privileged women are being offered regularly.
For details, contact Guild of Service (Central), 18, Casa Major Road, Egmore. Phone numbers: 2819 2090/ 2819 4279/2819 4828.
