At Aakriti Newage, we understand the importance of skill development in empowering individuals and improving their livelihoods. One of our key programs is sewing machine training, aimed at equipping women and girls above the age of 16 with the skills needed to start their own tailoring businesses or find employment in the garment industry. Our sewing machine training program includes comprehensive instruction on using different types of sewing machines, understanding fabric types, and learning various stitching techniques. We have also made a basic course curriculum that teaches basic business skills to help our trainees market their services and manage their finances effectively.
So far, we have trained over 220 women & girls in sewing machine skills across three villages. Few of our graduates have gone on to start their own tailoring shops or secure jobs in local garment factories. For example, last year, we trained 105 women and 50% of them are now earning a steady income through tailoring. By providing sewing machine training, Aakriti help individuals gain valuable skills, boost their confidence and contribute to their community’s economic development. This training not only enhances personal income but also promotes self-reliance and financial stability.
Our passion for promoting creativity and sustainable practices leads us to offer glass bottle art training. This unique form of skill development not only develops artistic talent but also encourages environmental consciousness by repurposing glass bottles. Our glass bottle art training involves teaching participants various techniques to transform discarded bottles into beautiful decorative items, such as lamps, vases, and artwork. We provide all the necessary tools and materials and our experienced trainers guide the children through each step of the process, from cleaning and cutting the bottles to painting and decorating them.
One of our Kalakriti projects involved training a group of women from nearby villages. They learned to create stunning glass bottle art pieces, which they later sold at local markets and fairs. This initiative not only boosted their confidence but also provided them with a new source of income. Last year alone, we trained 100 women, many of whom now generate additional income through their artwork. The state of art and craft in India is vibrant, with a rich heritage of traditional skills and contemporary innovations. According to recent statistics, the Indian handicrafts industry is valued at over Rs. 50,000 crores, with millions of artisans across the country contributing to this sector. However, many artisans still face challenges such as lack of training and market access. Through our glass bottle art training at Aakriti, we aim to address these challenges by providing skill development opportunities and promoting sustainable practices.
We believe that digital skills are essential for empowerment in today’s world. By providing digital skill training, we help bridge the digital divide, especially in rural areas where access to technology and digital literacy is often limited. Our digital training programs include basic computer skills, internet & mobile use and digital literacy. We teach participants how to use software applications, access online resources and understand various things that can be done on internet for earning and learning opportunities previously out of reach. This training opens up new opportunities for education, employment and communication. One of our successful initiatives involved setting up digital literacy centers in our villages where we trained local youth in the use of delivery applications, one of them is now handling the driver management system and many others are delivery men in that company. In the last three years, we have reached over 650 individuals, with many participants using their new skills to enhance their education or working in some jobs.
Statistics show that digital literacy in rural India is growing but still lagging behind urban areas. According to recent reports, only about 15% of the rural population has access to the internet. By providing digital skill training, we are working to change this, ensuring that rural communities can fully participate in the digital economy and society. Through our efforts at Aakriti NGO, we aim to empower individuals, improve livelihoods, and develop greater inclusion in the digital world.
We see the immense potential in upcycled product training as a way to combine creativity, sustainability and economic opportunity. Our goal is to teach individuals how to transform waste materials into valuable and beautiful products, reducing environmental impact and providing new income streams. Our upcycled product training includes sessions on collecting and preparing materials, designing functional items and crafting techniques. We teach rural women & young girls how to turn old fabrics into stylish bags, plastic bottles into planters and cardboard into decorative items etc. This training not only equips them with new skills but also instills a sense of environmental stewardship.
One of our impactful initiatives involved training a group of girls in upcycled product making. They learned to create a range of items, from jewelry to home decor, using discarded materials. This program has till now empowered over 200 females, many of whom are now starting to sell their creations at local markets and online at Kalakriti store, generating additional income for their families. We have been transforming urban waste into useful products for rural development for last 4 years. Upcycling has a significant positive impact on the environment in India. According to recent reports, India generates over 62 million tons of waste annually and initiatives like upcycling can play a crucial role in waste management and environmental conservation. Our upcycled product training is part of our broader mission to promote sustainable practices, empower communities and provide individuals with new opportunities to earn a living.
