Sponsoring Compressor Machines for Wood & Bone Carving Artisans: A Technological Upgradation Initiative
Date: November 2023 Location: Uttar Pradesh
Despite being talented grassroots artisans, many individuals still adhere to outdated and manual production methods. This adherence often leads to unnecessary toil, diminished efficiency, fatigue, and heightened material wastage. By alleviating the physical strain on artisans, we witness a marked increase in productivity and efficacy. Consequently, they are capable of generating more goods and services within shorter time frames, thereby fostering economic growth. Moreover, by conserving time and energy, artisans can redirect their efforts toward skill refinement and innovation, ultimately resulting in the creation of intricately crafted, high-quality products that tap into new markets and opportunities.
As part of our ongoing commitment to capacity-building initiatives, SETU, in collaboration with our esteemed partner artisans, has facilitated the provision of upgraded tools and technologies. In pursuit of this goal, SETU proudly sponsored a versatile compressor machine for a select group of artisans specializing in the creation of wood and bone products. Equipped with various attachments, this state-of-the-art machine serves a multitude of functions including nail and rivet fixing, lacquer spraying, and cleaning, while operating at near-silent levels due to its advanced technology.
The benefits of this machine are manifold:
- Increased productivity
- Diminished manual exertion
- Enhanced production quality
- Decreased rejection rates
- Minimized material wastage
The artisans express great satisfaction with the machine's performance, underscoring its pivotal role in their creative endeavors. Moving forward, we aspire to replicate the success of this project by identifying similar needs among other artisan communities, thereby fostering sustainable growth and empowerment.
Sponsoring Fire Extinguishers for Safer Workshops: An Initiative towards Artisan Health & Safety
Date: November 2023 Location: Uttar Pradesh
At the grassroots level, artisan health and safety often fall by the wayside due to a combination of limited resources and insufficient awareness. Many artisans may not fully grasp the potential hazards inherent in their work, or they may prioritize other expenses over safety measures due to financial constraints.
Addressing these challenges demands a comprehensive approach encompassing education, outreach, and regulatory enforcement. Initiatives that raise awareness about the importance of artisan safety, coupled with training and financial support for implementing safety measures, can significantly enhance workplace safety for artisans.
Recognizing the paramount importance of artisan health and safety, SETU has undertaken an initiative to sponsor six fire extinguishers for a workshop within an artisan group specializing in wood and bone products. This intervention not only serves to safeguard the artisans against potential mishaps but also acts as a beacon for the broader message of creating safe work environments.
Infrastructure serves as a cornerstone for supporting and augmenting the livelihoods of grassroots artisans. It not only bolsters their economic prospects but also fosters social, cultural, and environmental sustainability. However, artisans engaged in traditional handicrafts and micro-scale manufacturing often grapple with limited resources and minimal access to modern facilities.
In light of this, SETU prioritizes providing infrastructural support to its artisans as part of our capacity-building and livelihood generation initiatives. Our bell-making artisans, situated in remote areas, contend with harsh climatic conditions such as earthquakes, cyclones, droughts, and extreme heat. To alleviate their challenges, SETU not only offers marketing platforms but also furnishes them with technologically advanced furnaces, tools, work sheds, safety kits, and design support as needed.
In June 2023, Cyclone Biporjoy wreaked havoc in Gujarat, accompanied by heavy rainfall that severely impacted many of our bell-making artisans in the Kutch area, destroying their homes and work sheds. Responding promptly to their distress, SETU sponsored new work sheds, enabling them to swiftly resume their operations. This support not only facilitated their swift recovery but also served as a morale booster.
Among the affected artisans were Naveen Bhai Satvara and Ramzan Hasan Luhar, who, despite the devastation wrought by the cyclone, returned to their craft following the provision of new work sheds.
"Candle Making Workshop for Marginalized Communities"
There are many young boys and girls who run away from home, often found scavenging through discarded tires, plastic bottles, and other refuse on the streets and at intersections. This phenomenon is especially prevalent in larger cities, where the allure of a glamorous lifestyle leads many children to migrate or flee their homes, ultimately ending up in slums.
Vocational skills can be instrumental in fostering self-reliance, particularly among those facing economic hardships. They offer avenues for economic empowerment, bolster self-esteem and confidence, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to overall well-being.
In partnership with Lakshyam NGO, SETU, our esteemed partner organization in India, sponsored a candle-making vocational workshop for underprivileged youth and women residing in a Delhi slum. The workshop aimed to empower participants to take charge of their lives and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
During the introductory session, participants were acquainted with the market demand for candles and how mastering this skill could translate into income generation. They were introduced to essential raw materials for candle making, including wax, wicks, colors, perfumes, aroma oils, and various molds for creating diverse candle shapes.
Under the guidance of Ms. Brijbala and her team from Shri Balaji Products, participants learned to produce different types of candles, including soy wax candles, and were taught various techniques tailored to functionality.
The workshop was made possible by dedicated volunteers, mentors, and the Lakshyam team, who shared their knowledge and creativity to inspire the young participants. We believe such initiatives are pivotal in empowering underprivileged women and fostering a brighter, more sustainable future.