The development of women in all spheres of life is highly relevant for the national development. The analysis of the situation of women in reality have paved way for many developmental projects at national, state and grass root level and even for the formation of Self Help Groups to help women raise their standard of living through sustainable regular income.
Don Bosco Angadikadavu has implemented the SHG project for the rural women in Kannur district of Kerala state and provided entrepreneurship development training on food processing. The Coordinator and Don Bosco Initiative for Social Action (DISA) team have made follow up of the training conducted for the members of SHGs. The team visited not less than 15 trainees and educated them on project development, bank linkage and marketing. The training has helped majority of women to start their individual units of jackfruit processing and have started marketing the products. The women are happy and glad that they received the opportunity to learn a new skill through which they are able to earn a regular income.
Under the able guidance and initiative of Ms. Elsamma Sebastian, 7 trainees were gathered under the banner Jyothis Jackfruit Products and has started making different products from jackfruit. To strengthen and improve the quality of their venture, the team also visited BIOWIN, an organic producer company run by the diocese of Manathavady, Kerala. The team headed for this exposure visit directed by the Coordinator during the month of May 2018. A detailed study was made regarding processing, packing, labeling, licensing etc. so that the group could work with more clarity and vision. The group has obtained the license from the Panchayath and started the production of Jam, Halwa, Juice, Pickle, etc. The group participated in a Mela at Kannur and made their presence felt in the district. Extensive marketing is done at the area and the team is with full confidence.
The project is hoping to support many more women to set up many more ventures which could help secure them from financial, technical and moral strengths and boost their self-confidence. The women are helped to reach out their hands to achieve their ambitions and potentials with determination.