Usha International ltd, one of India's leading household consumer durables company, today announced the launch of the Usha Silai School Programme in Bhutan in association with Tarayana Foundation, a non-profit organization working towards improving the quality of the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities in Bhutan.
After setting up 4400 Silai Schools in India and 100 in Nepal, this programme is now being launched in Bhutan to empower village level women.
As a part of the 10-day Silai School Training Program, twenty women have been selected from three districts of Bhutan on the basis of assessment guidelines shared by Usha.
These women would be trained on advanced sewing techniques to become 'Master Trainers'. These trainers will thereafter not only provide sewing services in their own villages but will also train other women as an income generating activity.
Usha will provide all the machines and materials required, while Tarayana Foundation will provide logistic support and coordination during the training period.
The Tarayana Foundation would also be setting up three production centres called "Tarayana-Usha Sewing Schools" in three districts of Bhutan, namely -Thimphu, Trongsa and Mongar.
These centres will provide employment opportunities to women living in remote villages.
Dr. PriyaSomaiya, Executive Director, Usha Social Services, said, "We are extremely excited to bring our flagship project to Bhutan, post the overwhelming success that we have witnessed in India and Nepal. Being the pioneer in the sewing machine business, Usha International has the requisite expertise to impart training in sewing, stitching and other allied industries. We strongly believe that rural women need alternative skills that will in turn contribute to their securing an economically viable livelihood, by opening up opportunities for income generation."
The Silai School Program is a unique community initiative, where Usha International helps women from remote rural areas earn a better livelihood, by providing them with the necessary skill sets required in sewing, stitching and machine repair.
Such programs are undertaken through a well-entrenched multi-sectoral partnership, involving the community, NGOs, Government and the society at large. The program helps in empowering women by equipping them to generate incomes by creating opportunities for self-employment, develop their self-confidence, leadership skills and helping them earn appreciation and respect in their close knit social sphere.
Usha also supports and promotes a wide array of sporting initiatives across India which includes the Mawana Marathon, Ultimate Frisbee, Golf (junior, ladies, amateur and professional),cricket and football.
