Distribution of Sewing Machines at CDS-Shoshana sewing project, Pandaripuram - Chilakaluripet

Feeling happy in distributing the sewing machines to 10 women from different groups who finished their sewing and embroidery training at Shoshana sewing project - Chilakaluripet. This sewing project was specially started for the tribal communities who migrated from different parts of Andhra pradesh to this area in search of work.

It is very important for us to provide them with a sewing machine as soon as they finish their training so that the can start working on their own.

On behalf of all the beneficiaries our heartfelt thanks to all the donors who specially donated for the sewing machines and who made it possible for them to have a better life.

Sharing a few pics from the distribution program:

 Sharing a success story of one of the beneficiaries from CDS-Shoshana sewing project - Gannavaram

My name is Ruthu.  I got sewing training at Shoshana sewing centre, Gannavaram under the super vision of Mrs. Malleswari.  I was in the very first group of  tailoring class. After finishing the training, Shoshana provided me with a sewing machine. Now I started my own tailoring shop at home and monthly I am earning nearly ten thousand rupees depending on the orders. So far I earned maximum 12000 rupees during festivities.

My heartful thanks to Shoshana.

 CDS-Shoshana Sewing Centre - Raavipadu, Narasaraopet

One of the local people of Raavipadu offered their old house to run the sewing project. We have a medical centre in this area for quite some time now and some of the women here requested for a sewing project mostly school drop outs and housewives.

For the first group we have  chilli pickers who joined the sewing class.   The class started last year in Nov-2024. These ladies are basically agricultural workers. School drop outs and earning their income as daily workers to support their families. Their husbands are also working as auto drivers and other small jobs. Two of them have school going kids.

Right now chilli harvesting is going on. Guntur district is the largest producer of chillies. Best season for seasonal workers.

Some women requested for a sewing and basic embroidery class in their area so that they could utilize the class and can find another alternate work source for them in their off season.

Sharing a few pics from the class:

Instructor Kalyani with her students

Talking to these ladies to find out about their future plans. They wanted to have their own sewing machine to stitch for their families as well as take it up as an alternate career besides their work as a daily worker.

 Shoshana Medical Project - Dasaripalem, Guntur 

Sharing few pics from this area.

Dasaripalem area is quite far away from the city around 15km. Most of the people here belong to backward communities and are daily workers. Women work in chilli farms and men in the nearest quarry. Before there is not even a transport facility here. Even now there is no proper road facility only a gravel road. No proper access to medical help. Here and there there are private practitioners but they charge money which is way too much for these people.

Talking to the people in this area, came to know that they are quite happy especially the old people to have the medical centre in their area so that they can have free B.P and sugar check-ups  from time to time.

The nurse Mrs.Swathi comes from Guntur to work here. Even though she has other opportunities in the city she came forward to serve these people here.

 CDS-Shoshana sewing centre, Auto nagar gate, Vijayawada.

Sharing a few pics from the rag picking women group from Vijayawada.

As I mentioned in my earlier posts, around 30 rag picking families are living in Auto nagar area, Vijayawada. Shoshana started a sewing project in this area in August-2024. These women are illiterates and mostly rag pickers. Men are rag pickers and sewage cleaners. As I heard from them majority of the women in this area are single parents struggling to give at least one meal a day for their children.

Our main concept is to give them an opportunity to earn their living. Since they are still considered as untouchables in society, at least they could stitch for their families and fellow people.

Ms.Hemima, the sewing instructor took the initiative of helping these destitute women beside her regular sewing project at Giripuram, Vijayawada.

 Want to share some new pics from our CDS-Shoshana Sewing Centre, Pandaripuram, Chilakaluripet.

New group of women started their sewing class last year in the month of July-24. These women are interested to learn basic hand embroidery besides sewing so they are provided the opportunity to learn both simultaneously.

Shoshana provides sewing machines to the students after they finish the class so that they can start working immediately. Students contribute half of the price of the machine or what ever amount they could give. Around 20 previous students are in need of sewing machines from this project. 

Present group made a few embroided bags for the donors.

This sewing project is  started by Mrs. Gertraud Zeisberger (President - Shoshana ) for the tribal community. Special thanks to her for her continuous support.

 Sharing some new pics from Shoshana sewing project, Shalem nagar, Narasaraopet

New group of women at the sewing project - Narasaraopet. The regular instructor Mrs. Santhamma had an eye surgery so our new sewing instructor Mrs. Kalyani  from Ravipadu area took over the project for a while. Santhamma has been working for Shoshana from the year 2007. Even though she is over 70 yrs of age, she still likes to help more needy women in her area.

These women are still at the beginning stages of their sewing class. I keep you updated about these women in my coming posts.

Thanks to all the donors who are helping  these women in getting an education.