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One of the major achievements for SAHAJ during 2006- 2007 is that it has been registered
as a member of International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT). The
successful functioning of the Common Facility Center has been an encouragement and
achievement by itself. Design projects from GSHHDC were independently handled by
SAHAJ for design development in woodcarving and folding furniture keeping transportation
and various other costs in mind.
Direct sales were made by artisans to organizations and also direct purchases were
made by organizations from the artisan enterprises. The Tribal Pavillion at Vibrant
Gujarat Navratri Mahotsava was a huge success and was well appreciated by the chief
minister of Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi.
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I am earning bread for my family....
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I am Sangeeta. I am living in a very small and
remote village of Dahod district called “Pandadi”. I was basically from the village
Nagrala, which is very near to Dahod town. Most of my friends continue to study,
but my father stopped me from going to college. I was very upset that day.
One day a woman from SAHAJ visited our village and invited few women to come to the organization and see if they have interest in starting craftwork. During the meeting she explained about home based livelihood generation activities. I showed my keen interest and joined the training for six months. My father could not object this time as the training was held in my village only.
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In that year only I got married and went to village Pandadi. I was very keen to
continue my craft activity in my husband’s house too but because my in-laws refused
I stopped my work. Within few weeks I realized that my husband was not earning enough.
He proposed to me to leave the village and come to Ahmedabad in search of work.
I refused to go to Ahmedabd and work as construction labor; but I suggested him
to continue my craft activity. My husband laughed at me and asked if I could run
a house on craft only and I replied confidently why not? I explained to him that
if we took this activity as a full time earning source and worked for 7 to 8 hours
seriously, then we could earn Rs.3000 to 4000 a month very easily. My husband looked
at me with doubt. I showed him my passbook, which proved that I was earning Rs.1000
to 1500, even when I was not working full time. I convinced him that if we both
worked hard on this activity we could definitely earn more than this. My husband
explained this to his family and they all have now given me chance to work on my
craft activity once again.
Today I am earning bread for my entire family. My husband and family help me out
for all the household work and agriculture.
I earn Rs.3000 to 4000 very easily. I am proud to be an artisan and now I am developing
my skills to produce quality products.
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I am Carpenter...
I am Narayan living in Vajelav. I have started my work with SAHAJ through carpentry
training at my village. Frankly speaking, I joined this training just for stipend,
as I was sitting idle at home and I was in search of some work. I have passed my
12th class and also did a course on fitter at Industrial Training Institute at Dahod,
but I could not get any job. After my marriage I went to Morbi for work and my wife
stayed alone. After my first child she forced me to stay at home. Due to lack of
work I had to leave my home.
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When I came taking a few days leave, I joined this training and found it interesting.
I learnt this very carefully and I also developed confidence as few women of my
village were working for craft activity and earning through it. While talking to
all those women, I also developed my faith to earn through these activities.
After that I was selected for one month skill up-gradation training in which I was
offered good stipend, which was enough to run my house, as I was also earning some
income through my agriculture activities.
Today I have become a full-fledged carpenter. I am earning Rs.150 to 200 daily.
I was a labor, and now I am a carpenter. I am staying with my family at my village;
I take care of my children and agriculture. I am happy that I get work from my home.
Today I am also equipped to give employment to 8 to 10 boys at my own village.
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