Women In Kerala's Kasaragod Are Stitching Lab Coats For The Medical Students

In the heart of Kerala's Kasaragod, a transformative initiative is underway, driven by a collaborative effort between the Usha Silai School and the Fathima School Malja-ul Islam Orphanage. The collaboration has brought about a visible positive change in the lives of women in Kasaragod and paved the way for a brighter future. For an entire month, the dedicated women at Malja-ul-Islam orphanage worked tirelessly to produce an impressive 247 lab coats for the students of the Yenepoya Medical College. Established in 1940, the Yenepoya Group has covered a vast sphere of business interests and diverse social service ventures, providing both direct and indirect employment to over 3,000 people. Speaking on the group's philanthropic endeavors and its mission to enhance educational opportunities for the region's children, Shirley K, Programme Leader, Yenepoya Group said,

Malja-Ul-Haq is a philanthropic wing of the Yenepoya group. The trust was started around 2007 with the aim to help the children of this region get a better education.

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The Yenepoya group has now taken a step towards empowering women in the Kasaragod region by joining hands with Usha Silai School. It is through this common interest that a partnership was forged between Usha International Limited and Yenepoya Group, and the Usha-Fathima School Training-cum-Production Centre was set up in what used to be a hostel for blind children. Ms Shirley added,

During Covid, it was decided that children would be sent back to the homes of their relatives. As a result, this space became available to us. We thought about what to do with this space. That is how the thought of building some skill unit came up like how we can use this space to provide skill options to children or maybe adults.

The orphanage provides the space and infrastructure, while Usha Silai School has brought in the expertise and resources required for skill development. Sewing machines have become tools of transformation, enabling women to learn a trade that could provide them with a sustainable source of income. The women start with a 25-day training program which begins with a 15-day basic training followed by a 10-day advance training. They are taught fundamental sewing and tailoring techniques, including stitching, hemming, and garment construction, ensuring that women can create a wide range of garments with precision.

Talking about her newfound skills, Shyama, a trainee, Usha Silai School said,

Earlier, I had little interest in sewing. But now, I can't sit at home. At the centre, we have fun while working. It feels good and my mind is relaxed whenever I come here.

Another trainee Sumaya at Usha Silai School said,

I have now learned how to stitch all types of doctors' coats. I am getting a good salary and I believe that it will increase soon. Everything is going well.

The embroidery work on the pockets is done by a high-end Usha machine. Understanding and operating sewing machines is a crucial aspect of the training programme.

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The training programme makes women proficient in using various types of sewing machines, enhancing their efficiency and productivity. Women who have completed the program often become trainers themselves, passing on their skills to women who join the new batch at this Training-cum-Production Centre. This multiplier effect expands the impact of the Usha Silai School beyond the initial participants. Not only will this help the women increase the production of the coats but make more women financially independent.

Speaking on the plans to expand production, Vadivelan Perumal, Regional Manager, Usha International Limited said,

There is a huge scope. Malja-ul-Haq Trust has considerable existing requirements specifically for uniforms, lab coats, and other things. We have just started making the lab coats, and we are planning to gradually increase the production with other products as well.

The collaboration between Usha Silai School and Fathima School Malja-ul Islam Orphanage in Kasaragod is a shining example of how strategic partnerships can lead to meaningful societal impact. By empowering women through sewing skills, this initiative is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the broader socio-economic development of the community. As more collaborations take shape, the vision of a gender-inclusive and economically vibrant society draws closer to reality.

Emphasising the significance of collaborations in the growth of the Usha Silai School programme, Mary Rupa Tete, Vice-president, Usha Social Services, said,

Partnerships play a pivotal role in the expansion and strengthening of Usha Silai School programme. This year also many corporates and corporate foundations came forward to provide sewing and entrepreneurship skills to many more women under the CSR initiative. The Usha Silai School programme offers various models to the partners and this flexibility ensures that we cater to a wide range of requirements, thereby maximising the impact of the programme.

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