Reach India in partnership with FMA-OUWC has undertaken the pilot project for upliftment of the women especially in rural areas called “Usha Silai School”.The seven day program February 4 – 11, 2013 was inaugurated by Sr. Carmelina Sun, Provincial Councilor and Animator of Bellefonte, Lumshyiap.

The broad objective of the program was to develop the capacity of 10 women in terms of sewing, cutting and embroidery, repairing and fixing of machines to reduce the dependency on outside agency and accordingly train the rural youth in their respective village. These trained women will in turn become resource person in their respective villagers by which they will be assisted with one sewing machine and a proper school to be set up.

The Training program covered many topics on cutting taught for different dress material and stitching like making of different design of blouses, skirt, and other local dress that suit the present day generation, Hand Embroidery on called Sateen Stitch, Chain stitch, Stem stitch, and herringbone stitch. They were also taught, how to assemble the machines (by doing it practically) repair and refix the machines. It also covered on basic Topics like problems with regards to sewing machines, taking measurement- 8 headed theory.

A valedictory function and handover of machines was also conducted at the end of the training program with the presence of Functional Managers of District Industries Centre, Shri Albert Malngiang and Shri Gordon Lyngdoh and some Senior Sisters of the Province. At the end of the training program all the 10 participants provided feedback of the training course. The majority commented that they have acquired adequate knowledge and skills of sewing style throughout the training program, their self belief and commitment to their work has also increased. One of the trainees said “ we want you to know that your support have given hope to people like me who want to take tailoring to a more professional way being my  primary income generation. We hope that more people will continue to benefit from the program like this and make this world a better place”