BUY AN AMBRELLA; HELP THESE STUDENTS MAKE A LIVING

BUY AN AMBRELLA; HELP THESE STUDENTS MAKE A LIVING

This monsoon will see a new entrant into the umbrella market in the city. Umbrellas made by the inmates of Sri Chitra Home for Destitute & Infirm are likely to hit the market by June. It was at a five-day workshop conducted by the Central Polytechnic, Vattiyoorkavu, 20 girls of the Home were given training in the craft of umbrella making. The girls picked up the art of umbrella making pretty fast and now the store room of Sree Chithra Home has a pile of umbrellas neatly stacked one above the other. "I was interested in learning the craft," said an excited Asha S, a 19-year-old inmate who took part in the workshop. More girls joined work after watching their seniors. "I was curious whenever I saw the older girls stitching the umbrella. So, I began to sit with them and learned the skill," said Malu S, another inmate who is also a plus one student of Karthika Thirunal Girl's High School.

"We plan to open a small outlet close to the Home to sell umbrellas," said Aleyamma Varghese, superintendent of Sri Chitra Home. The product has already got a few takers in the form of doctors who visit the Home for weekly check ups and other staff. A tourist couple who visited the Home while the workshop was in progress also bought a couple of umbrellas. The umbrellas are priced at Rs 200 (two-fold) and 230 (three-fold). At present, a five-day workshop on bed sheet and sari printing is going on for the inmates. Fifteen girls are participating in the workshop, organized by Central Polytechnic, Vattiyoorkavu . The materials required for the workshops have been provided by the polytechnic authorities. Certificates will be issued to all participants who will successfully complete the training. 

                                                         Prof. John Kurakar