A village-based sewing course helped Preety Kumari turn an existing interest into a home-based livelihood. With training and follow-up support from Samajik Parivartan Sansthan (SPS), she began earning while working close to her family in Palmo.
The challenge
At the time of the case study, Preety was 21 and lived in a household of eight near Tisri. The family relied on agriculture, livestock and wage work. After her father-in-law died in an accident, the household lost an earning member and her husband took up work outside the state. Meeting everyday expenses became increasingly difficult.
Preety already knew some sewing, but had not been able to continue practising after marriage. When SPS planned vocational training in her village, the team spoke with her family and then with Preety herself. Although her family initially had concerns because she was pregnant, she expressed a strong interest in joining.
Learning close to home
SPS organised a 15-day course in Palmo. Participants learnt cutting and stitching techniques for garments including blouses, petticoats, trousers, pyjamas and salwar suits. Preety attended actively and practised at home after the sessions.
Her trainer, Mamta Devi, was pleased with her progress. Preety performed well in the final assessment and received a certificate alongside the other participants.
During follow-up visits, the team encouraged her to purchase a sewing machine and establish the centre she had hoped to start. She bought a machine and set aside a room at home for her work.
A new source of income
At the time SPS followed up, Preety was running her own sewing centre and reported average earnings of ₹2,000–₹2,500 a month. She could stitch clothes for her family and accept orders from other villagers, contributing to household expenses.
Preety credited the nearby training facility and the trainer's patient guidance with helping her learn. She expressed her thanks to SPS and RMI for supporting an opportunity that had become a regular source of income.