USHA And Star Cement's Innovative Mechanic Training Program

In a groundbreaking initiative, USHA, a leading brand in home appliances, and Star Cement, a leading cement company in northeast India, have come together to launch a first-of-its-kind project. The program aims to train men in the mechanics and maintenance of sewing machines, enabling them to provide technical support to women graduating from USHA Silai Schools, their learners, and other women from the villages.

Located in the picturesque Chamata Pathar, near one of Star Cement's plants, the USHA Silai School has been running successfully in partnership with the cement company.

According to Sadhana Sharma, Program Coordinator at USHA Social Services,

“USHA has been working very closely with Star Cement since the last few years and we have started a model called training the trainer model. From last year we have covered nearly 800 students and we have covered in Assam more than 20 villages. After completing the course from star cements, it gives the best students a few machines free of cost.”

Collaborative Change: How Partnerships Elevate Women In Rural India

Located just an hour and a half's drive from Assam's Guwahati lies the USHA Silai School at Chamata Pathar. Run in partnership with Star Cement, this school is fostering self-dependence among the women of the region. USHA's alliances with similar organisations have significantly contributed to positively transforming the lives of numerous women across diverse communities.

Karan Dey, a trainee at the USHA Silai School, proudly shares,

"Everyone who has passed their training from this school has been given a machine each. I have done a mechanical course. Everyone has a machine at home. If any of the parts get damaged, then we can use our training & whatever we have learned to fix the machine, and we can also open our own shop."

The partnership between USHA and Star Cement has not only empowered rural women but has also created new livelihood opportunities for men.

Sukanya Goswami, Assistant General Manager at CSR, Star Cement, notes,

"There was always a lack of mechanics in the entire area, so we thought of this concept and discussed it with Usha international. We found that there is a possibility of organizing this training for these upcoming youths as budding entrepreneurs."

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The initiative has already shown promising results.

According to Sandip Samanta, Assistant Vice President at Star Cement,

"More than 300 students in every batch, after doing the training successfully, complete their courses and get certificates. We help whoever is qualifying, we are helping them with the machines and with the machines they are doing their own incomes."

This innovative project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for empowering rural communities. USHA and Star Cement's partnership has not only addressed the pressing need for skilled mechanics in the region but has also created a sustainable livelihood for the trained individuals.

As USHA continues to empower women through its Silai Schools, this mechanic training program stands as a shining example of how innovative partnerships can make a real difference in the lives of rural communities.