Usha Silai School Transforming Lives Of Women In Campbell Bay

India is a country of significant socio-economic disparities. These inequalities could be caused by education, societal norms, geography and gender. This is why initiatives like the Usha Silai School play a crucial role in empowering women in remote and hard-to-reach places. The Usha Silai School's Training-cum-Production Centre in Campbell Bay is a shining example of how skill development and entrepreneurship can transform the lives of women, providing them with economic independence and a means to uplift their communities.

A Beacon In The Andamans

Recognising the potential of skill development as a catalyst for change, Usha International, in collaboration with local partners, established the Usha Silai School's Training-cum-Production Centre in Campbell Bay. Located in the Great Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Campbell Bay is known for its remoteness and limited access to mainstream opportunities. Highlighting the program's expansion in the region, Saikat Nasker, Regional Manager, Usha International Limited, said,

In 2012, we started our Usha Silai Schools in the Andaman and Nicobar region. In the last two years, we have intensified our programme in the Nicobar region by opening schools in Carnic, Kamorta and Teresa. For the first time, Usha has launched 15 classical silai schools and we have selected 15 women from different villages here who want to begin their entrepreneurship journey by launching Usha Silai Schools.

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Indira Point, known as the southernmost point of India in Campbell Bay, consists of three Panchayats - Campbell Bay, Govind Nagar and Laxmi Nagar. The last village is known as Shashtrinagar. Some entrepreneurs are coming from Shastri Nagar to get the training. The first lesson in the 15-day training programme is on how to assemble a silai machine. The first step, however, was selecting the trainees.

Selecting And Training The Torchbearers

Kulsum Bibi, Treasurer, of Hope Foundation, embarked on a mission two months before the centre's establishment. She shared,

Two months ago, I came to Campbell Bay and surveyed each house to get the information about the people here. I met the head of the village to learn about the people residing in the village - mostly consisting of single mothers, widows, and people from poor families. I met them and found out about their livelihood. There are 15 villages and I selected one woman from each village who could work to generate income, but without a sense of competition and in a spirit of love and bonding.

Acknowledging the challenges of procuring resources in remote areas, Pradeep Kumar Singh, Block Development Officer (BDO), Campbell Bay said,

We face a lot of issues procuring things, whether they are facilities, training or raw materials. Now we have been given sewing machines by Usha International Limited with support from the village head and Hope Foundation. The effort they made to train women of the village, belonging to different communities, is commendable.

The Usha Silai School's approach to empowering women in remote areas goes beyond mere skill development. By integrating hands-on training with a sustainable business model, the initiative fosters entrepreneurship. After the completion of the programme, the women become skilled artisans and are empowered to start their small businesses. This not only provides income for the women but also contributes to the economic growth of the entire community.

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Sarabjit's story epitomises the transformative power of the Usha Silai School. As a single mother, Sarabjit struggled to make ends meet. After Sarabjit's mother learned about the Usha's training programme, she encouraged her daughter to enroll herself and carve a path to financial independence. Sarabjit, Trainee, Usha Silai School said,

Whatever I learn here, going forward, if anyone wants to be trained by me, I will teach them. The first thing I will do is put up the signboard that I get from here. If anyone asks me about it, I will say, this is the place that taught me. I have a certificate too through which I can start training others. After that, if anyone wants to take admission, then I will help them follow the admission process and explain to them that the first admission fee will be Rs. 300, after which they will have to pay their fees monthly.

The Usha Silai School's Training-cum-Production Centre in Campbell Bay is a crucial first step to self-sufficiency. By turning the newly acquired skills into viable businesses these women will be able to contribute to their household's income breaking the chains of financial dependence. Beyond economic empowerment, the Usha Silai School fosters social transformation in remote areas. Women undergo training to become role models in their communities. Their journeys inspire others to pursue skill development and break societal norms that limit women's potential, paving the way for a future where every woman realises her full potential.

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