USHA Silai Shool Programme Creates Opportunities For Women In Nagaland

Having lost her parents at an young age, life has not been easy for Nongsano Naleo. But today, she has managed to give her life a new turn. She now earns around Rs. 6000 by teaching sewing, which she had learnt at the Usha Silai School training center.

Nongsano Naleo with a student at her training center in Dimapur, Nagaland. Till date, she has taught more than 50 students in her village.

'The girls who have taken the training from Usha Silai School have started earning and sustaining their families', says Medono Viswentso, coordinator, EDITI, a non-governmental organisation in Nagaland.

'I have taught around 40 to 45 women till date and some of them have gone ahead to open their own silai school', says Melavino, another beneficiary of the Usha Silai School program. 'I feel good that I can earn my own livelihood and have become independent."

Melavino with her grandmother at their home in Dimapur where there are more than 25 Silai schools and sales centers that have been set up to help women become self-reliant.

'When I was not stitching, I was unable to take care of my children' said the mother of seven children and wife of a daily wage laborer. However, once Xunili K Watso, 33, completed her training at the Usha Silai School, her earnings have become sufficient for managing her household.