KOCHI: Shopping bags, made of screw pine leaf and water hyacinth, are a definite takeaway. The products made by women, some of whom are physically challenged, are the brainchild of the Kottapuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS).
“Today, women have come a long way, after battling against odds, but there are some who are yet to take their first step. KIDS identifies these women and trains them to become skilled labourers,” said Dr Nixon Kattassery, executive director.
Training is provided at their centres for handicraft-making, textile works, tailoring, cake and paper bag making, leaf and water hyacinth-weaving. “We help to market these products to potential customers and even corporates at deserving rates,” said Nixon.
Started in 1988, the Thrissur-based NGO has 12 centres spread across the state, with around 350 self-help groups(SHGs) functioning under them. They also work for the upliftment of children, the elderly, and the physically challenged.
The physically challenged are involved in book-binding, flower and star-making during the festive seasons. With the establishment of schools, technical institutions and cultural centres, KIDS has also undertaken health projects and awareness programmes.
The NGO also runs clothing centres in different parts, like Aambal in Fort Kochi and Rupada in Ernakulam. They have also opened online stores to promote rural art, with products called ‘Ethnic Collage’ and ‘Craftpair’. Many skilled artisans of KIDS are also part of the Sargaalaya Craft Village, Kozhikode(a government initiative, which attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the world every year).
“We are a regular participant at the Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair, Fair Trade International and Sankalp Exhibition. We host more than 20 exhibitions every year in different parts of the state as well as the country. Now our students live a life of self-reliance, and in complete harmony with nature,” said administrator Mercy Thomas. Their efforts to enhance screw pine craftwork as well as their women artisans was recognised by the Ministry of Textiles in 2004.