SUCHARU (Vocational Skills Training Programme)

SUCHARU is a dynamic capacity-building programme by Women’s Study Cell, which started in collaboration with the Diocese Board of Social Service (DBSS). Under this programme, a group of women from the Kulberia and Panchuria villages of South 24 Parganas were taught sewing and stitching in the college once a week, using equipment provided by the college. The women, belonging to the backward (SC/ST) communities, were all from humble backgrounds, as reflected in the fact that their average annual family income was in the range of Rs 20,000-30,000. The sources of their livelihood were agriculture and daily labour; and it was hoped that the vocational training in tailoring would enable these women to become small entrepreneurs who can supplement their family income. The women successfully ended their training, held exhibition of clothes made by them and their work as well as spirit received wide acclaim, from cross section of society. This remarkable effort of Women’s study Cell found coverage in print and electronic media. A second round of training has already began, and running successfully. The activities ensured our success in receiving an international grant from United Board of Christian Higher Education in Asia to carry forward the activities of Women’s Study Cell.