Out of adversity comes opportunity

The SHG members hope to contribute in fighting against COVID-19 through their products by helping school students wash their hands. 

Sani entrepreneurship is creating alternate livelihood opportunities for rural communities struck by COVID-19.

Volagere is like any other village in Nanjangud Taluk in Karnataka. However, a house at the corner of a narrow alley has a team of six members curiously mixing ingredients to make magic. Their ‘alchemy’ if successful will bring hope and dignity through self reliance in their lives.

 

Siddapaji Vishesha Chethana Self Help Group (SHG) is producing phenyl, varieties of liquid soap, and sanitizer on a small scale. The group took two day training at Viveka Rural Livelihood Centre in Kenchenahalli and one day live training in their own house. They were then supported with a seed amount to purchase raw materials and begin their venture. 

 

Crucial to their well being, the specially abled develop a heightened sense of collaboration and interdependence. If one observes the SHG in action, together, they work well to enable each other. One member with good eyesight ensures the quantity in the flask is right, another with a good arm stirs and mixes the ingredients. The third one takes a funnel to fill bottles, while another one brings the empty bottles to be filled. Collaboration looks natural and the ability and the need for us humans to depend on and support each other is highlighted. 

 

The final product – a fragrant orange colour phenyl shows how the ingredients mix well. The SHG is in the process of registering with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.

 

The SHG has received its first order from the local Gram Panchayat. Govt. School, Volagere too has placed a request for hand sanitizer. Though a small step, if in the right direction, it can become a path for others to follow. The SHG members hope to contribute in fighting against COVID-19 through their products by helping school students wash their hands. 

 

Towards building resilient communities, CCST-PWD Program has initiated three Self Help Groups trained to become sani-entrepreneurs by making & marketing soaps and sanitizers. 

Support medical care of rural population

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