India Partners' Tailoring Schools Equip 450 Dalit Women in India to Start at-home Sewing Businesses

EUGENE, Ore., Dec. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- India Partners' non-profit tailoring schools will celebrate their 19th year of operation in 2012. Over the last 19 years, 450 Dalit women, or "untouchables," have been equipped with skills to open private sewing businesses from their homes in Andhra Pradesh, India.

The first India Partners tailoring school, Asha Joythi (Bright Future), opened in 1993. Today, India Partners runs four tailoring schools throughout Andhra Pradesh. Upon completing the six-month to two-year-long tailoring program, each woman receives practical tools, such as a treadle sewing machine, which enable her to run an at-home tailoring business.

"In India, 618 million women over the age of 15 are illiterate and lack adequate education," says Brent Hample, President of India Partners. "Without formal training, women are obligated to work as day laborers, beggars or sometimes prostitutes. Our tailoring programs prepare women with the work skills necessary to redirect their paths, enabling them to open small businesses and bring hope and income to their families."

Below are two remarkable stories from tailoring school graduates:

• Salagala and her husband were day laborers and struggled to pay their rent and buy food on their unpredictable, temporary wages. After completing an India Partners tailoring program, Salagala was motivated by her new job skills and trained her husband as well. Today this husband-wife duo runs their own sewing business out of their home.
• As the mother of two children, Vijaya needed a steady income to support her family and her children's education. Vijaya completed the Asha Joythi Tailoring School the best in her class, and asked for the opportunity to work as a teacher. Due to her dedication and skill, she was appointed as the head teacher at Asha Joythi. Today she is teaching more Dalit women the job skills they need to generate income for their families.

Individuals can help train Dalit women with tailoring skills by donating their tuition costs: two months tuition for $30, or six months tuition for $90. Or, donate a treadle sewing machine for $95 each. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.IndiaPartners.org or call toll-free 1-877-87-INDIA.

Watch this video of India Partners' tailoring schools.

Photos provided upon request.

About India Partners:
India Partners works alongside a broad group of indigenous, faith-based grassroots agencies in India focused on alleviating poverty and injustice. India Partners believes in helping the people of India help themselves, regardless of caste, religion, gender or creed. We seek support from others who share our passion to empower change.

Press Contact Only: Brent Hample, President
Tel: 514.683.0696, toll-free 877-874-6342
Email Brent Hample

SOURCE India Partners