TAMBARAM: A number of women, who were displaced in the tsunami and lost their livelihoods, are now learning the basics of stitching, garment and handicrafts making at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) at Taramani.

In order to provide alternate means of livelihood to people in worst-affected panchayats during the December 2004 tsunami, the Commissionerate of Town Panchayats, along with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), launched the Tsunami Emergency Assistance Project (TEAP). As part of the programme, NIFT stepped forward to assist the town panchayats to prepare a proposal for imparting design development and skill induction training to women’s self-help groups in these town panchayats.

Along with resource persons, women from these town panchayats were trained in making products from ‘kora’ variety of grass, bamboo fibre and sea-shells, in addition to making sanitary napkins. The project at the cost of Rs. 38.58 lakh was approved and training commenced. Women are being trained in making products on a “micro enterprise” level. NIFT faculty members said the women were also trained in developing new designs and shapes and improving the overall quality of various products they were earlier making. Brand promotion of products made by the women’s groups through the government and other voluntary efforts from resource persons, students and researchers also form part of the training programme. Staff at NIFT said the training would introduce them to new designs and techniques and technological advancement.

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