Empowering 120 Women Annually with Tailoring Skills
The Mother Teresa Foundation is dedicated to uplifting single mothers, divorcees, destitute women, and differently-abled individuals by equipping them with essential skills for self-sufficiency.
Challenges Faced by Widows in Coastal Areas
Particularly in coastal areas, widows struggle immensely after losing their husbands. With only seasonal income, they face daily hardships in meeting their children’s educational and medical expenses. Their financial instability makes it difficult for them to lead a dignified life. To help them achieve sustainable livelihood, the Mother Teresa Foundation has initiated a skill development program that provides them with tailoring training.
Tailoring Training for Sustainable Livelihood
During a field visit to Manamelkudi, a coastal village, the Foundation observed a strong demand for tailoring training. Women in the village expressed their eagerness to learn tailoring as a means of earning a stable income. Recognizing this need, the Mother Teresa Foundation established a free tailoring training center equipped with all necessary infrastructures.
- Location: Centrally situated in the market area of Manamelkudi for easy accessibility.
- Facilities: Five sewing machines along with necessary ancillary materials.
- Training Duration: Two months per batch.
- Beneficiaries: 120 trained tailors per year, empowering women with income-generating skills.
Grand Inauguration of the Tailoring Training Centre
The Centre was officially inaugurated on April 2, 2025, as part of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Mother Teresa Foundation. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, trustees, staff members, and aspiring beneficiaries.
Highlights of the Inauguration Ceremony:
- Blessing Ceremony: The center was blessed by Rev. Fr. Savarimuthu, Parish Priest of Manamelkudi, and Rev. Fr. Antony Cheliyan, Spiritual Director of the Foundation.
- Formal Inauguration: The Foundation’s Chairman lit the ceremonial lamp, marking the official opening of the Centre.
- Inspirational Speech: The Chairman reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting women in achieving financial independence.
- Community Support: Prominent local VIPs and community leaders attended the event and pledged their moral support to the initiative.
A Community-Driven Initiative: Free Training by a Social Activist
Mrs. Thainees Mary, a social activist and a single mother, came forward to provide free training as a tutor for the aspiring women. She generously volunteered to share her expertise, ensuring that the trainees receive quality skill development at no cost.
Expanding Outreach: Motivating Women in Neighboring Villages
Beyond Manamelkudi, the Mother Teresa Foundation team personally visited the villages of Anthoniyarpuram and Manamelkudi to counsel vulnerable women and introduce them to the Foundation’s various empowerment programs. This outreach initiative created awareness and motivation among women to participate and improve their lives through skill development.
Celebration & Charity:
Free food and gifts were distributed to vulnerable women as a symbol of empowerment.
Community Support for the Initiative:
The initiative received immense appreciation from local leaders and villagers who welcomed the efforts of the Mother Teresa Foundation. They acknowledged the positive impact of the program and assured their moral support in uplifting underserved women in their communities.
The Road Ahead: A Future of Financial Independence for Women
This tailoring training initiative is just the beginning. The Mother Teresa Foundation aims to expand vocational training programs to empower more women with skills such as handicrafts, embroidery, and other income-generating activities. Through continued efforts, the Foundation envisions self-reliant women who can break free from financial struggles and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The Mother Teresa Foundation remains dedicated to uplifting women from challenging socio-economic backgrounds by equipping them with skills that ensure financial stability. This initiative is a testament to the power of community-driven support in transforming lives. Through skill development, we aim to build a future where every woman can lead a dignified and independent life.
