Calcutta Rescue's handicraft project arose from the idea of idea of offering work to former patients of the clinics. patients of the clinics. These people, some of whom are very restricted due to a disability and are very limited and would hardly be able to find employment, are given the This gives them the opportunity to earn a living for themselves or their families. Young people are also employed in the craft project, who have dropped out of school, widows and women and women who have been abandoned by their husbands or whose husbands are too ill are too ill to pursue a regular job.
Expansion and development
The volunteer Julie Speechley, a from England, who recognized the potential for expansion and development development, supported the project. She showed the employees how to make items such as key rings, bookmarks and writing cards. These handicraft products were of such good quality that they could be sold both at home and abroad. could be sold both at home and abroad. Demand increased continuously, so that new jobs were jobs were created and more disadvantaged people could be employed. people could be employed.
This meant that more space was needed and additional premises were soon available in a school. Subsequent volunteers taught the employees other skills such as embroidery, painting and woodworking. such as embroidery, painting and woodworking. Today, regular courses are held for the employees. regular courses for employees.
In addition to the products already mentioned, the craft project also produces bags, cushion covers, tablecloths and much more. A new and innovative area is the processing of old silk fabrics into beautiful scarves. These have become very popular with customers in Europe and North America. Clothes and other items are also produced for the patients of the clinics and the children of the Calcutta Rescue schools.
Fair Trade seal
From a modest activity in a former clinic premises, a lively, unique project has developed. Calcutta Rescue's handicraft project now employs 12 regular employees and 29 junior staff and has fair trade certification. More than half of the sales are made through fair trade stores in India and abroad. The current handicraft catalog is available here.
Current reports on the topic
We report regularly on this topic in our newsletter. Read the latest reports from our team on site here.