Sustainable Livelihood Training @ Yercaud

On October 29, 2023, the SPS India Foundation, in collaboration with Your Backers Foundation and Desai Foundation Trust, organized a sustainable livelihood training at Retreat Don Bosco, Yercaud. This program, primarily aimed at women, sought to empower them, promote self-employment, and transform their lifestyles in alignment with their interests. Approximately 60 women from various villages in and around Yercaud actively participated in this initiative.

Commencing with a prayer song, the event was inaugurated with the note of welcome given by Fr. Selvakumar, the project director of the SPS India Foundation. Throughout the program, the various speakers and chief guests emphasized the importance of empowering women by enhancing their skills and fostering self-employment, ultimately contributing to their financial strength and helping them overcome personal fears.

The focal point of the event was the sustainable livelihood training conducted by Mrs. Priyadarshini, a knowledgeable individual with expertise in M.A. Tamil literature, acupuncture, mooligai maruthuvam, and vaasiyogam. Mrs. Priyadarshini guided the participants in creating various products using natural ingredients such as lemon grass, butter fruit, coffee powder, avocado, borax, alum, and more. The beneficiaries actively engaged in the practical session, where they learned to craft items like sambar powder, kuzhambu chili powder, tooth powder, face pack powder, natural soap, hair oil, masala tea, etc. The session not only imparted practical skills but also raised awareness about utilizing locally available resources.

The palpable energy and enthusiasm of the participants were evident during the practical session. The event concluded on a positive note with the distribution of refreshments. Overall, the sustainable livelihood training was a significant step toward empowering women and fostering self-sufficiency in the Yercaud community.