Assam's school dropouts enhance skills through vocational training

Jorhat, March 1 (ANI): Jorhat District authorities are imparting vocational training to school dropouts and young women to make them self-reliant.

The Institute of Cultural And Rural Development (I-CARD) has opened a weaving training centre for amateur women with the aim of providing them employment opportunities.

"I'm very happy at this place and I get good salary over here with which I can spend my life. I learn weaving, designing and can teach anyone also. I can lead my life as they pay me well," said Lolima Pegu, a supervisor, at the weaving training centre.

The coordinators said this programme would bring the girls into the mainstream.

"After training we give the students them a message they can take to the village and work, live and stand on their feet," said Pushpa, a coordinator and media manager attached with the vocational training programme.

Students are being taught modern weaving, traditional weaving, tailoring and designing.

So far, about 14 women have been trained at the weaving centre, while 60 school dropout girls have been trained at the tailoring units.

Today, there are many self-help groups and communities in the country working towards empowering women.

Government organizations like the North East Development Finance Ltd. (NEDFi) provide micro finance to these groups, while flagship projects like MGNREGA, Swarnjayanti Gram Rozgar Yojna, the Indira Mahila Yojna and many others help generate employment opportunities for women in the region. (ANI)