Click here to read on-going columns, addresses and articles authored by IPM's Executive Director, Joseph F. Cistone.
Alangaramatha (Self-Employed Women's Redevelopment Society)
Asia & Indian Sub-Continent
Alangaramatha (Self-Employed Women's Redevelopment Society)
Project Coordinator:
Pushparani
Project Overview:
Alangaramatha (Nadu, INDIA) or the Self Employed Women’s Development Society is a community based organization started by women to encourage the development of working women in and around the Muttom area. The project welcomes adult women to join in order to improve their every day life. Participants are provided with the necessary entrepreneurship skills so that they may be able to support themselves.
Recent Accomplishments:
• Registration of Trust Deed, Temporary Accommodation, Purchase of 2 new sewing machines and skill development training in progress for members.
• A new group of 5 young girls are being trained by members.
• A tuition centre is started and 16 school children are benefiting.
Goals for 2010:
• Skill development shall be enhanced as to align with up-to-date clothing fashion.
• In the year 2008 the training is being enhanced to stitching dresses according to the fashion.
IPM Funding Goal for 2010:
$2500
Community Impact:
John Mary aged 38 years, widow of late John Luis, has 3 children: 2 boys at the age of 18 & 17 studying in the higher secondary classes and 1 girl studying in the eighth standard in the local school. John Luis passed away due to heart attack while fishing on 14 Dec, 1997. John Mary was found helpless in Muttom. The Government provided her with compensation which was deposited in the bank. Income arising from the investment was not sufficient to provide for her day to day life with children. John Mary has basic training in tailoring. Relatives helped her to buy a sewing machine and start stitching skirts, and blouses which made it possible for her to earn some income to run the family. When the cruel Tsunami waves attacked Muttom, John Mary lost her hut and belongings. She was helped by NGOs in relief and rehabilitation. Now she is staying in a terraced house given by INTERVIDA. Her day to day income reduced because the girls of the village have changed to fashion garments. She was unable to stitch for them and make money even though she has basic knowledge in tailoring and a sewing machine of her own. John Mary joined the project with much interest. She learned to stitch nigttees, and is interested in learning Churidhars. She believes she can educate her children with her earnings.
Alangaramatha has changed the life of John Mary and enabled her to become an earning member again with more skills.