Blog – Page 11 – BTG TRUST

CARE FOR ALL – Free Medical Camp

On July 28th, 2024, BTG Trust (formerly Liferay Foundation), in collaboration with KMCH (Kovai Medical Center and Hospital) and Exterro’s CSR wing “Exterro Gives Back”, organized a free medical camp at the Kalapatti Primary School, Coimbatore. The initiative aimed to provide quality healthcare services to the underprivileged and rural population of Kalapatti Panchayat, an area where access to regular medical care is limited. The camp focused on preventive diagnostics and general health screening, targeting a beneficiary count of approximately 80+ residents. Residents received general health check-ups, diagnostic services, and consultations with medical specialists. This outreach is part of BTG Trust’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life in underserved communities. Many residents of Kalapatti are daily wage workers who often delay medical attention due to financial and logistical constraints. By bringing healthcare directly to the community, the camp bridged critical access gaps. The event was graced by Mr. Vijayakumar, Councillor of Kalapatti, as Guest of Honour, and Mrs. Maari Selvi, Head Master of GHSS Kalapatti, as the Chief Guest. Their presence inspired community participation and reinforced the importance of proactive healthcare. The medical camp was conducted smoothly from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a large turnout and positive feedback from the public. Volunteers, medical staff, and organizers worked in unison to ensure a professional and compassionate approach. The program reinforced the value of community partnerships in driving impact. Residents appreciated the convenience, care, and quality of services offered. This medical camp is a testimony to BTG Trust’s mission of inclusive health initiatives and was a successful step toward a healthier Kalapatti.

Programs, Women Empowerment

AWARENESS GENERATION – POSH AWARENESS

In line with the guidelines of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, a comprehensive awareness generation session was conducted at Universal Heat Exchangers Company. The session aimed to sensitize employees on the legal, ethical, and professional implications of workplace sexual harassment and to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment. The initiative reflects the company’s proactive commitment to ensuring workplace dignity and equality for all employees, particularly women, by preventing harassment and addressing grievances through proper channels.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 6 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making Training

The Silk Thread Jewellery Making training held on 21st and 22nd June 2024 at the Community Hall, Vellakinar, was a skill development initiative aimed at empowering 12 women and adolescent girls from underserved communities. This two-day workshop provided participants with hands-on training in crafting elegant and colorful accessories such as bangles, earrings, hair clips, and bands using silk threads and simple tools. The program began with a basic introduction to silk thread jewellery as a livelihood craft, showcasing its popularity in festive and bridal markets. Participants learned how to prepare materials, wrap threads, and combine beads and embellishments to design attractive handmade pieces. The training focused on developing technical skills, understanding color coordination, and ensuring product finishing for market readiness. In addition to creative expression, the workshop incorporated entrepreneurial components—covering pricing strategies, marketing techniques, and potential sales avenues including local exhibitions and online platforms. This dual approach aimed not only to boost participants’ artistic confidence but also to prepare them for income-generating opportunities from home-based businesses. The trainer provided personalized guidance throughout the sessions, ensuring that each participant grasped the process and completed their own jewellery items. Feedback from the women highlighted their excitement, confidence, and eagerness to pursue the craft further. Many expressed interest in participating in advanced training and starting micro-enterprises. This initiative is part of a broader vision to encourage skill-based entrepreneurship and self-reliance among women, particularly homemakers and students, by turning creative skills into sustainable livelihoods. The program successfully nurtured creativity, promoted financial independence, and inspired participants to dream bigger. It stands as a testimony to how community-based, low-investment skill training can ignite transformation at the grassroots level.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 5 -Basic Mehendi Class

he Basic Mehendi Course held on 21st and 22nd June 2024 at the Community Hall in Vellakinar was designed to introduce women and adolescent girls to the traditional art of Mehendi. This two-day training focused on empowering participants from underserved communities with essential skills to pursue Mehendi application as a livelihood. Through this workshop, 20 participants learned to prepare natural henna paste, make mehendi cones, and apply simple yet elegant designs such as floral patterns and geometric shapes. The course highlighted the cultural significance of Mehendi in weddings and festivals, reinforcing its relevance and demand in Indian society. With step-by-step hands-on training, learners were guided to practice and perfect their application techniques, ensuring skill development with practical experience. The workshop also emphasized organic and skin-safe ingredients, offering participants a sustainable approach to the craft. In addition to technical skills, the training provided insights into turning Mehendi art into a small business, covering aspects such as offering services at local events, using social media to promote work, and participating in community exhibitions. By introducing basic design principles like symmetry and color coordination, the training prepared participants for both festive and casual client demands. The environment was inclusive and supportive, allowing learners to build confidence and ask questions freely. Each trainee received personal attention and guidance, helping them progress at their own pace. Many expressed enthusiasm to pursue advanced Mehendi classes and start earning through home-based services. The program successfully instilled a sense of empowerment and creativity, motivating women to become financially independent. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote entrepreneurship among women through skill-based training. Participants completed the course with a strong foundation in Mehendi artistry and a clear vision of how to use this skill for income generation. The success of this workshop highlights the impact of grassroots-level interventions in enabling sustainable livelihoods.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 4 -Silk Thread Jewellery Making

The Silk Thread Jewellery Making training program, held at the Community Hall in Vellakinar on June 14th and 15th, 2024, aimed to empower underprivileged women and students by equipping them with creative, income-generating skills. With 15 participants, the two-day workshop focused on crafting elegant and marketable jewellery items like bangles, earrings, hair clips, and accessories using vibrant silk threads and simple tools. Designed for beginners, the training offered step-by-step guidance to enhance creativity, improve handcrafting techniques, and build self-confidence. This initiative emphasized both skill development and entrepreneurship, helping women understand how to price, market, and sell their products. Participants were introduced to design basics such as color coordination, material sourcing, and product finishing, especially for bridal and festive collections. A special focus was given to creating unique designs suited for daily and festive use, making the craft both appealing and commercially viable. The training also provided insight into how these skills can be monetized through exhibitions, local sales, and online platforms. Through hands-on practice, women learned to transform silk threads into artistic creations, while gaining confidence to pursue self-employment opportunities. Many expressed interest in further training and business development support. The session served as an inspiring foundation to spark micro-entrepreneurship and home-based businesses. Participant feedback highlighted the clarity and encouragement offered by trainers, as well as the joy of learning a new craft. The training opened a new path for participants to generate income, contribute to their families, and become financially independent. By introducing a low-investment, high-potential livelihood option, this program supports grassroots women in becoming economically self-reliant. It also fosters creativity and community participation through shared learning. Overall, the workshop aligns with larger goals of gender equality, inclusive development, and skill-based empowerment.

Education

BACK TO SCHOOL –

On 3rd June 2024, BTG Trust implemented the Back to School initiative in Ammankulam, supporting 10 underprivileged students with essential school supplies. The project aimed to improve access to education by providing backpacks, water bottles, and stationery—basic yet vital tools for a successful academic journey. The distribution event was held with the presence of local educators and community leaders, who also delivered motivational talks to encourage regular school attendance and inspire students to pursue their education with confidence. This initiative not only addressed immediate material needs but also fostered a sense of encouragement and belonging, reinforcing BTG Trust’s commitment to empowering students and reducing dropout rates in underserved communities.

Transformation Journey

Mrs. Madhumathi – Transformation Journey

Madhumathi, a 28-year-old homemaker, shared her transformative experience from the Silk Thread Jewellery Making class at BTG Trust. Initially, she never thought of turning her hobby into a business. However, after completing the class, she gained the skills to create beautiful jewellery pieces and market them effectively. She learned to make various jewellery items and gained essential knowledge on pricing and customer handling. Madhumathi successfully launched her own business on social media, where she now promotes her handmade creations.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 3 – Advanced Mehendi Class

The Advanced Mehendi Course was organized as a skill development initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged women with advanced artistry and entrepreneurial capabilities. Conducted over two days on 27th and 28th March 2024 at the BTG Trust Office, the training catered to 12 women participants who already possessed basic mehendi skills. The objective was to enhance their proficiency in professional-level designs such as Arabic, bridal, mandala, and event-themed patterns, while also guiding them toward market readiness. Participants received hands-on training in creating intricate mehendi designs with step-by-step guidance from experienced trainers, ensuring mastery in symmetry, speed, and precision. A key highlight was the emphasis on organic mehendi, teaching women how to prepare natural henna paste and cones using eco-friendly ingredients. This focus not only promoted skin-safe application but also gave participants an edge in offering organic mehendi services. Entrepreneurial sessions included insights on taking local event orders, online promotions, and participation in fairs and exhibitions. The course also covered design principles, including composition, spacing, and adapting styles to suit customer preferences. As part of the broader livelihood initiative, the training encouraged creativity, confidence, and the spirit of self-employment. Participants gained exposure to mehendi placement for bridal occasions, learning full-hand designs, floral patterns, and even facial detailing. The program’s market-focused approach enabled women to transform a creative hobby into a professional service. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound confidence and enthusiasm to start their own mehendi ventures. This training not only honed their artistic skills but also reinforced their belief in their ability to earn through sustainable and enjoyable crafts. It exemplified how grassroots-level training programs can uplift women, enabling them to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurial pathways.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 10 – Basic to Advanced Mehendi Course

The Basic to Advanced Mehendi Course, conducted from March 18 to March 21, 2025, at the Pullukadu Housing Unit, aimed to empower underprivileged women by equipping them with practical, income-generating skills. A total of 4 participants received hands-on training in organic mehendi cone making and professional-level designs such as Arabic, bridal, mandala, and occasion-based patterns. The course was designed to develop artistic skills while building speed, accuracy, symmetry, and creativity. Special focus was placed on design composition, spacing, and adapting to client preferences. The training promoted organic methods by teaching participants to prepare mehendi using natural ingredients, ensuring safety and skin-friendliness. Participants learned how to make cones, create intricate designs, and enhance body features through thoughtful placement of patterns. The program also introduced basic principles of product development and color coordination. The initiative aimed to transform a traditional art form into a viable livelihood option, helping women gain financial independence. Entrepreneurial aspects were addressed through sessions on taking local mehendi orders, promoting services at community fairs, and using online platforms to expand reach. The course encouraged participants to see themselves as potential business owners, capable of offering high-quality services for weddings and festivals. Through continuous practice and expert guidance, participants improved their confidence and design quality. The program also supported creativity by encouraging experimentation with styles and techniques. Real-time application of designs during the sessions allowed participants to refine their skills and prepare for real-world customer demands. The training ultimately helped women move beyond hobby-level interest and into a market-ready professional mindset. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement to take up mehendi as a small business. The initiative reinforced the importance of grassroots-level skill training as a sustainable path to self-reliance and empowerment. This training was a stepping stone to self-employment, offering a low-investment, high-demand opportunity for women to earn from home. By merging art, skill, and entrepreneurship, the course provided a platform for long-term livelihood development.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 2 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop

On March 17, 2024, a one-day Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop was conducted at the BTG Trust office to empower women from slum communities through skill-based learning. With 10 enthusiastic participants, the training aimed to equip homemakers and adolescent girls with practical, low-investment craft skills that can lead to self-employment. Participants learned to make elegant bangles, earrings, and hair accessories using vibrant silk threads and simple tools. The step-by-step, beginner-friendly approach encouraged artistic expression and built self-confidence. Beyond skill development, the training introduced the basics of entrepreneurship—how to price, market, and sell handmade jewellery in local markets, exhibitions, and online platforms. Participants were also taught about material selection, color coordination, product finishing, and design planning, especially for bridal and festive collections. This session highlighted the commercial potential of handmade jewellery and inspired women to consider micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. A strong focus was placed on creating beautiful, wearable, and market-ready pieces. The workshop proved to be more than just a craft class—it became a platform for economic empowerment and creative growth. One participant shared that the training made her feel confident and motivated to pursue jewellery making as a sustainable livelihood. By the end of the program, many expressed interest in continuing their learning journey and starting small businesses. This initiative is part of a broader mission to support grassroots-level women entrepreneurs and foster inclusive economic development.