Project Update – Empowering Women through Vocational Training
In November, 2017 ShivaMaya successfully launched its first vocational training course aimed at empowering women in West Bengal and encouraging them to start something new in life, a rewarding experience that could help them change the course of their lives forever.
As our advertisement hit the papers, we received an overwhelming number of applications from all over West Bengal. Most couldn’t believe that a beautician course was being offered free of cost, whereas generally, a beginner’s course like this one costs a substantial amount of money.
Our team sorted through the applications and chose a few appropriate candidates who were then invited to register with us.
The folks over at Fiona Beauty Salon were a big help since they provided the logistical support and the know-how necessary to undertake such a specialized course. They sponsored this program and also helped the participants find employment after the course was complete. The participants showed up every day with great vigor and enthusiasm. They were eager to learn and were lucky enough to get help from a team of professionals who are really good at their jobs.
These women all came from different backgrounds. One lady was a house-wife in her 60s, dreaming of getting governmental support to open her own beauty salon someday. One of the participants was a young girl who never completed school and was forced to work as a domestic help from a very young age. Her aim was to train with a good facility in the future to further hone her skills. Another participant was a college student who lost her father at a very young age. She wanted to train with us so that she could alleviate some of the financial pressure that her mother had to bear, by getting a job soon.
These awesome, courageous women all came together to learn, laugh, have fun and experience something new with ShivaMaya. They all completed the course, some were naturals, others struggled a little, but all of them were determined and gave their all to the training program.
We were delighted to work with these talented women. The first beginner’s course ended triumphantly. We sent these women off with certificates and starter kits to begin work immediately. Our next course begins soon. We will keep you guys posted!
