VocationalTraining – BTG TRUST

HANDMADE HEROINES 15 – Basic Mehendi Course

The Entrepreneurship Development Training on Basic Mehendi Art was organized from May 27 to May 29, 2025, at Pullukadu Housing Unit, aiming to empower underprivileged women through skill-based training. Five enthusiastic participants took part in this 3-day program focused on enhancing their artistic and entrepreneurial potential. The course provided in-depth training on preparing organic mehendi cones and applying professional-level designs such as Arabic, bridal, mandala, and event-specific styles. With a strong emphasis on accuracy, design symmetry, and creativity, the participants gained hands-on experience under expert guidance. The training covered essential aspects of design composition, spacing, client expectations, and hygiene. Beyond skill-building, the program highlighted practical ways to monetize their craft for weddings, festivals, and community events. Participants also learned about price fixing, customer handling, and marketing strategies, laying a foundation for self-employment. The training served as an orientation to sustainable, low-investment livelihood opportunities. Focus was placed on using natural henna, oils, and ingredients to create eco-friendly, skin-safe products. Through practice and encouragement, the women developed confidence in pursuing mehendi as a business. The workshop addressed market readiness by introducing basic product development techniques. It also encouraged innovation and adaptability to meet diverse client preferences. The initiative was especially impactful in building self-esteem and financial awareness. Many participants expressed keen interest in taking mehendi orders and exploring online platforms to offer services. The course reinforced the idea of transforming a hobby into a reliable income source. It also encouraged women to participate in exhibitions and community fairs. This program reflects BTG Trust’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihood avenues for underserved communities. Participants described the training as well-structured, practical, and empowering. Their positive feedback underscored the importance of ongoing support and advanced-level opportunities. This initiative stands as a model for grassroots entrepreneurship through creative skill development.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 14 – Basic Mehendi Course

The Basic Mehendi Course held at Pullukadu Housing Unit from May 20 to 22, 2025, was a three-day initiative aimed at empowering underprivileged women with artistic and income-generating skills. With 10 participants, the program focused on teaching the fundamentals of organic mehendi, including cone making and applying traditional and contemporary designs such as Arabic, bridal, and mandala patterns. The hands-on training enabled participants to master speed, accuracy, and design composition, laying the groundwork for professional application. Participants learned to prepare natural mehendi paste using eco-friendly ingredients, ensuring safe and skin-friendly designs. The training emphasized client-specific work, allowing the women to meet the diverse needs of customers for weddings, festivals, and special occasions. The program also provided entrepreneurial guidance, encouraging women to monetize their skills by taking up orders, joining local exhibitions, or promoting their services online. With practical insights into product development, pricing, and customer interaction, the workshop enhanced their business readiness. It served as a launchpad for self-employment, helping women gain financial independence and confidence. The training not only imparted technical skills but also inspired creativity and self-belief. Many participants expressed interest in furthering their learning and pursuing mehendi art as a side or full-time business. The initiative highlighted how low-investment, home-based skills can transform lives and open new economic opportunities. As part of a broader livelihood mission, the course reinforced the value of grassroots skill development in building self-reliant communities.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 11- Basic Mehendi Course

The Basic Mehendi Course, held from March 9 to 11, 2025, at the Pullukadu Housing Unit, was designed to empower underprivileged women by equipping them with the artistic and entrepreneurial skills needed to turn their creativity into a livelihood. With five participants, this three-day workshop introduced the essentials of Mehendi art—beginning with organic cone making and progressing to Arabic, bridal, mandala, and event-specific designs. The training emphasized design composition, spacing, symmetry, and client-specific customization. Participants gained hands-on experience preparing natural henna paste using eco-friendly ingredients and learned the step-by-step process of creating intricate patterns. The workshop served as both a skill-development session and an entrepreneurial orientation, encouraging women to consider offering Mehendi services for weddings, festivals, and special occasions. The program also introduced concepts like product safety, color coordination, and market readiness, enabling participants to adapt their skills to real-world customer demands. Through guided practice and mentorship, the women gained speed, precision, and confidence in their designs. The course provided insight into how these skills could be monetized through local services, exhibitions, and online platforms. More than just an art class, the initiative aimed to nurture self-employment, financial independence, and a sense of personal achievement. By the end of the training, the participants were equipped not only with practical Mehendi techniques but also the motivation to pursue advanced learning and business opportunities in this craft. This initiative reinforced the belief that small-scale, home-based skill training can significantly contribute to economic empowerment and community development.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 9 -Silk Thread Jewellery Making

The Silk Thread Jewellery Making training program held on 13th February 2025 at Pullukadu Housing Unit aimed to empower women and adolescent girls from slum communities by equipping them with creative, income-generating skills. With 8 participants, this one-day workshop introduced the art of crafting elegant bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and clips using vibrant silk threads and simple tools. Designed especially for homemakers and students, the program offered step-by-step, beginner-friendly guidance to build both creativity and confidence. The training not only focused on technical skills but also included insights into material sourcing, color coordination, and product finishing. Emphasis was placed on understanding customer preferences, particularly for bridal and festive designs, making the craft more commercially viable. Participants also learned the basics of entrepreneurship—how to price their products, market them effectively, and explore sales through exhibitions and online platforms. The session highlighted the potential of silk thread jewellery as a low-investment, home-based business opportunity. Through hands-on learning, participants gained valuable exposure to product development and design planning. Many expressed a strong interest in continuing their learning journey and turning their new skills into micro-enterprises. The program proved to be a powerful step in promoting self-employment, financial independence, and sustainable livelihoods for underserved women. It demonstrated how grassroots training initiatives can unlock economic self-reliance, encouraging participants to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to empowerment and growth.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 9 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making

On February 13th, 2025, a one-day Entrepreneurship Development Training on Silk Thread Jewellery Making was held at Pullukadu Housing Unit, aiming to empower underserved women through creative skill-building. With 8 enthusiastic participants, the workshop focused on providing practical, hands-on training to craft beautiful bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and decorative clips using vibrant silk threads and basic tools. Designed especially for homemakers and adolescent girls from slum areas, this training introduced a livelihood-oriented craft that requires minimal investment but offers high potential for self-employment. Through step-by-step demonstrations, participants learned essential jewellery-making techniques, including design composition, material selection, color coordination, and product finishing. Beyond crafting, the session also educated women on pricing, marketing, and selling their products—offering valuable insights into turning creative hobbies into micro-enterprises. The workshop emphasized creating elegant and market-friendly designs suited for both daily and festive occasions, encouraging women to take pride in their handmade creations. Participants were also introduced to the basics of product development and entrepreneurial planning, including sourcing raw materials and identifying consumer preferences. The training successfully fostered creativity, confidence, and a spirit of enterprise among the attendees. Most importantly, the women expressed excitement and a renewed sense of purpose, with many eager to pursue advanced training and business opportunities. This initiative reaffirmed the power of grassroots-level capacity building in transforming lives by nurturing self-reliance and economic independence. One participant shared, “The class was empowering. I never imagined I could learn so much in a day. I now feel confident to use these skills to earn a living.” By equipping women with such practical tools, the training program paves the way for sustainable livelihood creation and inclusive development in vulnerable communities.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 8 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop

On September 6, 2024, a one-day Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop was successfully conducted at Sri Ramakrishna Polytechnic College, empowering 17 women and adolescent girls from underserved communities. This training was specifically designed to provide hands-on, income-generating skills that require minimal investment and can be pursued from home. The workshop aimed to nurture creativity, build self-confidence, and introduce entrepreneurship fundamentals through practical skill-building. Participants learned how to craft elegant bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and decorative clips using vibrant silk threads and basic tools. With step-by-step guidance from experienced trainers, each participant was able to complete finished products by the end of the session. The training highlighted key aspects of the jewellery-making process including material selection, color coordination, product finishing, and festive design planning. In addition to the crafting techniques, participants were introduced to marketing strategies such as pricing, local sales, participation in exhibitions, and leveraging online platforms. The session emphasized the importance of customer preferences and encouraged participants to think creatively while also understanding commercial viability. This beginner-friendly initiative not only introduced a potential livelihood option but also fostered self-reliance among the women. Many participants expressed increased confidence and enthusiasm toward exploring micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. This program is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable livelihoods for women and youth in slum areas through creative and practical training. Participant feedback highlighted the engaging and productive nature of the workshop, with many eager to pursue advanced training. Overall, the Silk Thread Jewellery Making workshop served as a stepping stone toward self-employment and financial independence, transforming a traditional craft into a meaningful source of income and empowerment.

Women Empowerment

HANDMADE HEROINES 7 – Silk Thread Jewellery Making Training

The two-day Silk Thread Jewellery Making training, held on August 16 and 17, 2024, at the BTG Trust Office, was designed to empower 10 women participants, primarily homemakers and students, with creative, income-generating skills. This initiative focused on equipping participants with hands-on knowledge to craft elegant bangles, earrings, hair accessories, and decorative clips using vibrant silk threads and basic tools. The training introduced the fundamentals of color coordination, design planning, and customer preferences, especially for festive and bridal collections. It aimed to boost confidence and creativity while promoting home-based entrepreneurship. On Day 1, participants were introduced to the silk thread craft as a viable livelihood option, with detailed demonstrations guiding them through each step of making jewelry and accessories. They also learned essential design principles, material sourcing, and finishing techniques to enhance product quality. On Day 2, the focus shifted to making intricate hair accessories like clips and bands, with attention to quality control, embellishment techniques, and appropriate material selection. The training also included sessions on pricing strategies, cost analysis, and understanding market demand to help participants set competitive rates for their creations. The entrepreneurial component of the workshop encouraged women to consider selling their products at exhibitions, local markets, and through online platforms. Many participants expressed enthusiasm about pursuing advanced training and exploring micro-business opportunities. The initiative successfully combined creativity with practical business insight, enabling participants to visualize a sustainable source of income from home. The workshop served as a stepping stone toward inclusive economic development by nurturing self-reliance and fostering entrepreneurial spirit. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants stating they felt more confident and capable of transforming their artistic abilities into profitable ventures. The training reaffirmed the value of grassroots-level skill-building programs in creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for underserved women.

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.