Orissa's self-help group provides vocational training to specially-abled women

Bargah (Orissa), Apr 15 (ANI): A self-help group (SHG) in Orissa Bargarh District has taken on the initiative to empower specially-abled women by providing them with vocational training.

Established 10 years ago, the group, called Saraswati Sangha, had an objective of creating awareness of health and education.

The group provides free meals to the members and pays them for the work they learn in the organisation.

"Now, they have extended training to handicapped women. They are giving training to them and making self-employment. Nearly 30 handicapped women are being nurtured. They are nurturing them and improving their activities, training and etc. I hope they (specially-abled women) can improve," said L N Patra, Block Development Officer of Bargah district.

Scores of members are now self-employed and earn better.

"We have started a handicap school. We are doing a social service. We train people in sewing, tailoring, making wicks, decorating sarees, teach them work on terracotta," said Leelabati Tripathy, President of the Saraswati Sangha.

The group is planning to expand its services to other regions in the state in the near future. (ANI)