Crochet Soft Toys Making
Report on Livelihood Entrepreneurship Development Programme (LEDP) in Crochet Soft Toys Making
With Financial Support from NABARD
Introduction
Guru Harkrishan Educational Society (GHES), in collaboration with NABARD, successfully conducted a Livelihood Entrepreneurship Development Programme (LEDP) focused on Crochet Soft Toys Making. This initiative aimed to empower rural women with sustainable skills, enabling them to generate income through the production of high-demand crochet toys. The programme was conducted in Rampur Kamboyan Village, Bilaspur Block, Yamuna Nagar District, training 90 rural women in three batches of 30 participants each.
Programme Details
Training Schedule:
Batch 1: November 16, 2023 – December 5, 2023
Batch 2: January 27, 2024 – February 15, 2024
Batch 3: February 16, 2024 – March 6, 2024
The training sessions were conducted over a period of 20 days for each batch, led by Mrs. Santosh, an expert in crochet toy-making.
Exposure Visit:
To provide practical exposure and market insights, all participants visited toys manufacturing units and wholesalers for raw material procurement in Yamuna Nagar. During this visit:
Participants observed the production processes of soft toys.
Gained knowledge about sourcing high-quality raw materials.
Interacted with industry experts to understand market trends and export opportunities.
Skills Imparted:
The programme provided hands-on training in crafting a variety of crochet toys known for their appeal in international markets, including:
Stuffed Animals
Crochet Dolls
Amigurumi Characters
Baby Rattles and Toys
Decorative Crochet Crafts
Inaugural and Valedictory Ceremonies
Inaugural Ceremony:
The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Deepak Jakhar, AGM, NABARD, alongside S. Ajinder Pal Singh, Chairman, GHES, who motivated the participants to make the most of this opportunity and leverage their skills for financial independence.
Valedictory Ceremony:
The concluding ceremony was graced by Mr. Pushpendra, DDM, NABARD, as the Chief Guest, and presided over by S. Ajinder Pal Singh, Chairman, GHES. Certificates of completion were distributed to all participants, marking the successful culmination of their training. The event also showcased the intricate and beautifully crafted crochet toys made by the participants, which were widely appreciated.
Key Highlights
Economic Empowerment: The training has provided the women with skills to create handmade toys that have strong demand in both domestic and international markets, enabling them to become financially self-reliant.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Exposure visits and market linkages have instilled confidence among participants to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the toys sector.
Sustainability and Creativity: The programme emphasized eco-friendly practices and nurtured creativity, aligning with global trends in handmade, sustainable products.
Outcomes and Impact
Skill Development: All 90 women are now adept at creating high-quality crochet toys, which are valued for their craftsmanship and uniqueness.
Market Opportunities: The participants are equipped to tap into the international market for crochet products, particularly in segments where handmade items are in high demand.
Social Empowerment: By fostering skill development, the programme has enhanced the social and economic standing of rural women in their communities.
Acknowledgment
GHES expresses its sincere gratitude to NABARD for their financial support and invaluable guidance throughout this programme. Special thanks are extended to Mrs. Santosh, the Master Trainer, for her dedication and expertise, and to the team at GHES for their unwavering commitment to making this programme a success.
Conclusion
The Livelihood Entrepreneurship Development Programme in Crochet Soft Toys Making has successfully empowered 90 women from Rampur Kamboyan Village, providing them with a sustainable livelihood opportunity and strengthening their entrepreneurial capabilities. GHES remains steadfast in its mission to uplift rural communities through skill development and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to a brighter and more self-reliant future.
