Conducted advanced training on weaving technology:
Differently abled artisans were given two weeks advanced training on weaving technology at KIDS craft training cum production Centre. Purpose of the training was to equip artisans in slicing and weaving especially straight weaving of different craft products. Ms. Reetha Rafi and Ms. Vedha Seshan from M/s. Srishti institute of craft and design conducted the training.
Advanced craft designing workshop organized
Advanced craft designing was organized at KIDS campus on month of May, for artisans with the support of sargalaya arts & craft village. During the training programme, different craft designs used for weaving were demonstrated. Artisans were given training on advanced weaving technology at our craft training cum production centre. Purpose of the training was to equip 33 women artisans to make familiar with slicing and weaving especially straight weaving. Resource persons from sargalaya exhibited different designs for making craft with natural fibers.
Handholding support to craft artisan
KIDS together with Wipro cares observed world environmental day with diversified activities. Unique disability identity card issued by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, were distributed to persons with disabilities as a gesture of our handholding support and care for them. They were now entitled to access benefits from various government welfare schemes such as free tricycle, Niramaya health insurance benefits, monthly pension scheme, medical treatment, subsidized financial assistance for starting micro entrepreneurship, free transportation facilities etc.
SARGA VIBHAV - Meeting of Artisans
Meeting for artisans organized in the name of Sarga Vibhav. The event was inaugurated by Mr. A.M Abdul Rasheed, Managing Director, Kerala State Bamboo Corporation. Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Karikkassery, Bishop of Kottapuram diocese chaired the program.
Training in Seraphic Handicrafts, Vellikulangara
Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) was requested to conduct SKILL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING for 20 Crafts persons in Seraphic Handicrafts Co-operative Society Ltd, Vellikulangara, under the scheme for Employment Generation in Traditional sector of Government of Kerala 2016-17 by “Surabhi, Ernakulam”. 30 prototypes were developed during the two months’ training programme in Water hyacinth.
Natural Fibre New Loom Mat Developed in Kunjithai Centre
KIDS has been always ambitious about innovations and developing creativity among our artisans. This year we were lucky to get new deisgner, Ms Akshara, who passed out from KSID (Kerala State Institute of Design, Kollam) who is specialized in cotton and jute. This gave us an opportunity to develop a new blend of jute and water hyacinth mats woven on loom. The designs and the products look so beautiful and we could make different products with this new design and pattern.
Handicraft Training Programme for economically backward and physically challenged women
From April to June, National Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD), Delhi had conducted a 3 months Skill Training for women in natural fibre products.The programme was very effective, energetizing the entire group especially the differently-abled.The designer, Ms. Rashmitha Isaac, who was trained in (NIFT) National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai, got a very fine touch for finish, has taught them to make very beautiful craft items. Certificates were issued and there was also an exhibition of the products they have made.
Exhibition associated with National Institute of Design (NID)
The NID training of USTTAD programme concluded with “Kaitha Kadha”,”an exhibition of the products developed, in the three phase training. The exhibition was held at Bolgatty Palace.Kochi. .The programme was inaugurated by the Deputy Mayor of Kochi, Mr. J. Vinod who expressed his admiration for the commendable effort which NID and KIDS together have made to bring the best out of those artisans. A number of government officials, well-wishers, media persons, artists and designers visited the exhibition and gave their impressions about the products which really boosted the self-esteem of the artisans.
Upgrading the Skill Training in Traditional Art Craft of (USTTAD) of Ministry of Minority Affairs in 2016
KIDS has been privileged to be selected as one of the 2 organizations selected by the Ministry Minority affairs to do the pilot study for its “Up-gradating the Skill Training in Traditional Art Craft of (USTTAD)” in association with the most reputed design institute of India, the National Institute of Designs (NID), Ahmedbad, as Knowledge partner. The first phase of training of the 3 phases for 15 days was conucted in Februay, 2017 in KIDS Campus.
The main focus of the training was technical assistance to quality improvement which the artisans could really achieve within a short time. Thematic Workshop at NID .The second phase which was called the ‘Thematic Workshop’ was held at NID, Ahmedabad. The focus was in quantity production, exposure for the artisans to various reputed emporiums and craft shops, awareness building among the business partners regarding the craft etc. The most beautiful part of the programmes was that the artisans were taken to the reputed NID Campus in Ahmedabad for the second phase of training and for majority of them, it was the first time they were able to go to another state and even to travel by train. As for KIDS, it was the first time 2 physically challenged persons could be part of it. The group came back with much enthusiasm as if their world has turned 3600 around.
The 3rd phase of Design Workshop on Screw-pine for USTTAD in KIDS Kottapuram
The third phase was rather intensive and more challenging. Now that the artisans have been given tangible technical support and exposure to what it means to have quality production, their task is to improve skill in quantity production maintaining the quality untouched. The artisans really had to be on their toes to complete the production target. They had a heavy challenge ahead of them, arrange an exhibition in the Bolgatty palace, where dignified personalities and qualified designers will be going to interact with them and to give feedback on their products.