Unemployed Assamese youth provided free vocational training

Guwahati, Mar 10 (ANI): Several NGOs and self help groups active in the northeast region with support from the government are training uneducated and school drop outs in Assam in different vocational skills to help them get jobs and become financially independent.

Sachi Prabha Doley, currently taking lessons in designing, weaving, coloring and tailoring at the Institute of Cultural and Rural development in Jorhat, is determined to start her own weaving and designing unit in her hometown in Assam's Dhemaji District.

She is one of the 14 women who are being trained at the institute.

"After joining the institute I learnt designing, and mixing traditional and modern elements. After completing my course I think I'll go back to my village and start a weaving unit. I will also train girls like me who are interested in this profession so that they can earn some money and help their families. This training course has been the biggest turning point in my life and I hope I do well in the future," said Doley.

The women are given skill and vocational training free of cost at the institute. More than 60 women have got jobs since it was set up in 2006. The training not only helps them improve their socio-economic standards but also boosts their self esteem and confidence.

In the six-month course the women are trained in designing, trends, tailoring and other skills. They learn weaving on fly shuttles or modern looms. Most of them have either dropped out of schools or belong to the marginalized section of the society.

The trainers also impart lessons on rural marketing. The trainees are provided free lodging at the institute for the complete duration of the course.

Besides providing technical training to the students the institute provides them monetary assistance to buy sewing units and looms.

"I get a good salary here that helps me to support my family. Here I teach weaving, designing and other skills. While teaching, my teaching and weaving skills have improved," said Baby Doley, supervisor, tailoring unit.

"I have gained many skills after coming here that will be helpful to me in the future. Now I can also teach at home and can start my own business," said Chinimai Pareng, a trainee.

Over the years the government has helped the youth through various schemes and projects. It provides loans for starting new ventures and vocational training to help them get jobs. Thousands of youth have benefited from these schemes that have transformed their lives. (ANI)