Since 1996 CRS has run a women’s empowerment programme in Pally Mangal, a neighbourhood in Tollygunge, south Kolkata. Training is available for women in tailoring and embroidery. Having completed their courses, women are encouraged to form self-help groups and then use their new skills to set up small business enterprises. Ten self-help group members received a boost on 8th February when CRS arranged a special training session led by a fashion designer from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Kolkata. With the focus on “quality products” the women learned how to improve the quality and finish of the items that they make. This will hopefully enable them to sell their tailored clothing at a higher price and boost their income.
Author: Karen Laister
Celebrating the three Rs
All CRS staff gathered in the main office in mid-January to celebrate three birthdays: Ratna, Rig and Rao. Ratna works as an assistant on the women’s empowerment project, Rig is the Director responsible for the overall management of the organisation, and Rao is the office helper. Together they have contributed decades of dedicated service to CRS. The birthdays were celebrated in the traditional way – with singing, cake and gifts!
New support for CRS from hi-tech company
Loft Digital, a hi-tech innovation consultancy based in the City of London, has generously agreed to support CRS by donating 1 per cent of its profits annually. They have undertaken to give not less than £2,000 in the current year. In addition, the employees of Loft want to use their skills to help slum children, by teaching them to “code”, that is to write computer programmes. This project is being developed with CRS at the moment.
Christmas celebrations
India is a multi-faith nation and Kolkata generally enjoys good relations between different religious communities. Moreover, people like to enjoy the festivals of other religions, as well as their own. They can involve decorations and parades, special food, and a few days of holiday. The majority of beneficiaries of CRS projects are Muslim or Hindu, but everyone celebrated Christmas in December. Children at the CRS Education Centres enjoyed Christmas parties with food treats and balloons. Meanwhile, CRS’s staff also gathered together to celebrate the season. On 22 December they decorated the office and donned festive hats, enjoying cakes and treats.
Partying in style
Children from some of Kolkata’s poorest slums were privileged to enter the gates of Raj Bhavan on 14th December. Raj Bhavan, a grand palace built in Neoclassical style and completed in 1803, is the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal. 45 children from CRS Education Centres in Basanti Devi Colony, Bibibagan, Sukantanagar and Hastings were selected to attend a Christmas Party hosted by the Calcutta Foundation, an NGO, in the grounds of the palace. The children enjoyed playing group games, and received gifts and food packets. They also met with the Governor himself, Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi.