Leaf-plate making training for the differently-abled tribal people of Jawadhu Hills

It is a fact well known that the differently-abled people in our country live in utter poverty. But in addition to poverty, the difficulty in mobility and the fact that they belong to the lowest strata of the societal pyramid aggravates their suffering. There are more than 800 differently-abled people living in the Jawadhu Hills Block of Tiruvannamalai District. Out of the 280 habitations, only 40 to 50 habitations are covered by public transport system. In some cases (i.e. 40 to 50 habitations) one can not reach the habitations by a two-wheeler. The people have to trek at least 10 kilometres to reach the motorable road, and from there, they have to travel for 8 more kilometres before they can access public transport. In these circumstances, the mobility of the differently-abled people is totally restricted. Apart from this, dropping out from schools, illiteracy, poverty, denial of rights and lack of concern in the immediate society are the factors which adversely affect the differently-abled people.

Presently, we are running a hostel for tribal girl students along with providing training in napkin making and other skills for adult women. We have conducted a base line survey of the differently abled people living in Jawadhu Hills block and we have identified 813 differently abled people with disabilities. We have also helped them in procuring special identity cards so that they can attain benefits of government schemes for differently-abled people. What we propose is to provide vocational training to these people so that they can improve their quality of life. This will also make them feel confident about themselves. We shall also be starting environment friendly industries in Jawadhu Hills for the differently-abled. One such industry shall be making plates, cups, and bowls from leaves and stems from different plants.

The major impact will be an increment in the self confidence of the differently-abled people. The major problem faced by the tribal people is illiteracy, as identified by the State Planning Commission. By providing technical education to the people who are not able to continue their education is an important component of this project. Another important impact is arranging for additional income sources for the families of the disabled. Recognition from society is also a morale booster for the differently-abled people. The other impact shall be to provide alternate, environment friendly materials to cope with the ban on plastic products from 1st January, 2019. The industry is environment friendly and most of the work is done manually and hence, there are more employment opportunities available. The other impacts include industrialisation of the target block, which is the most backward in the state. This shall also increase the buying capacity of people.