talk of the town : Instrument of change

The ICICI Foundation, known for projects such as the truck drivers' Apna Clinic and other such projects, has launched several new social initiatives in the past year, such as the bamboo product enterprise and vocational training courses for dairy farmers and electricians. The Bamboo Product Enterprise at Jhadol block in Udaipur district aids craftsmen with training in bamboo manufacturing, establishing production units and creating market linkages. Started in April 2012, the project kicked-off with an on-location two-month training of eight potential Master Craftsman candidates from within the community at the Konkan Bamboo and Cane Development Centre (KONBAC), in Kudal, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. The candidates were developed as Master Craftsman or Master Trainers for bamboo-based products and provided with all the resources needed for bamboo processing and product development. Now, the unit manufactures bamboo furniture like sofa sets, dining tables sets, coffee tables sets, chairs, etc. In the past year, the organisation has also conducted 14 one-month-long batches of electrician courses. Apart from providing training, the Foundation is also collaborating with a local recruitment agency to help place skilled electricians into permanent jobs.

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