Empowering 2000 Women, One Small Loan at a Time

Women’s Crochet Skills Training at Prime Trust Tailoring Centre

Date: 29 September 2026
Venue: Prime Trust Tailoring Centre
Trainer: Mrs. Anukiruba

Programme: Women’s Skills Development and Livelihood Promotion

As part of Prime Trust’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the skills, confidence, and livelihood opportunities of women from underserved communities, a practical crochet training session was organized at our Tailoring Centre on 29 September 2026. The training was facilitated by Mrs. Anukiruba, who shared her knowledge and experience through demonstrations and hands-on instruction.

The session was designed to complement the existing tailoring and embroidery activities at the centre by introducing the women to another practical handicraft skill. Crochet is a flexible skill that can be practised from home with relatively simple materials and can potentially be developed into a small-scale income-generating activity.

During the training, the participants were introduced to the basic materials required for crochet work and were guided through fundamental techniques and patterns. Mrs. Anukiruba demonstrated the techniques step by step, allowing the participants to observe, practise, and receive individual guidance. The practical nature of the session encouraged active participation and made it easier for the women to understand and apply the techniques.

The participants showed considerable interest and enthusiasm throughout the training. For many women, learning a new skill is not only an opportunity for economic development but also a way to build self-confidence, creativity, and a sense of achievement. The training created a supportive environment where the women could learn together, exchange ideas, and encourage one another.

The session also highlighted the potential for combining different skills. Women who are already learning or practising tailoring and embroidery can incorporate crochet techniques into their products, creating additional opportunities to develop attractive handmade items. With further training and regular practice, these skills could support home-based production and contribute to supplementary family income.

Prime Trust considers skill development an important component of its women’s empowerment initiatives. Alongside vocational training, we aim to provide women with opportunities to strengthen their abilities, explore livelihood options, and become more economically self-reliant. Activities such as crochet training can be particularly valuable for women who may have limited opportunities to access formal employment or travel away from their homes for work.

The training on 29 September was therefore an important step in expanding the practical skills available to our women’s groups. Prime Trust plans to continue providing opportunities for women to learn new vocational and handicraft skills and, wherever possible, support them in transforming these skills into sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Through continued training, mentoring, and encouragement, we hope that the women will be able to build on the skills they have acquired and use their creativity and abilities to improve their economic well-being and contribute more positively to their families and communities.

Organized by: Prime Trust
Location: Puducherry, India

Supporting Traditional Artisans Through Microcredit

Empowering Skilled Artisans to Build Sustainable Livelihoods

Across communities in and around Puducherry and neighbouring districts, many skilled artisans depend on traditional craftsmanship to support their families. Among them are artisans who create beautiful idols and sculptures using metal and stone. Their work represents generations of artistic knowledge, cultural traditions and craftsmanship.

However, possessing valuable skills does not always mean having a financially secure livelihood. Many artisans work as small household-based enterprises and face difficulties obtaining affordable working capital. The rising cost of metal, stone, tools, transportation and other materials can make it difficult for them to accept new orders or expand their production. Some are forced to depend on informal sources of credit, which may carry high interest rates or unfavourable repayment conditions.

Prime Trust aims to address this challenge by providing microcredit support to eligible local artisans engaged in metal and stone idol-making and related traditional crafts.

How the Project Works

Through this initiative, Prime Trust will provide small, affordable loans to artisans who have an established craft-based livelihood but require working capital to continue or expand their activities.

Microcredit can help artisans purchase essential raw materials such as metal and stone, meet production expenses, repair or purchase tools, arrange transportation and complete customer orders on time.

Access to timely working capital can also enable artisans to accept larger orders and take advantage of opportunities that they might otherwise have to decline because of a lack of funds.

The programme will focus on responsible lending, with beneficiaries selected according to appropriate eligibility criteria and their capacity to use and repay the loan. Prime Trust will monitor the utilisation of funds, repayment progress and livelihood outcomes.

Creating a Sustainable Cycle of Support

The project is designed to create a revolving cycle of livelihood support. As artisans repay their loans, the recovered funds can be used to provide microcredit to other eligible artisans.

This approach allows an initial pool of resources to potentially support multiple artisans over time. Rather than providing only one-time assistance, the programme seeks to strengthen the financial capacity of small artisan enterprises and encourage greater economic independence.

Expected Impact

With access to affordable working capital, artisans can:

• Purchase raw materials required for production.
• Complete existing and new customer orders.
• Invest in essential tools and equipment.
• Increase their production capacity.
• Reduce dependence on high-cost informal borrowing.
• Improve the stability of their household income.
• Create or sustain employment within their small enterprises.

The project also contributes to preserving traditional craftsmanship by helping skilled artisans continue practising and passing on their knowledge and skills.

Our Vision

Prime Trust believes that traditional artisans should have the opportunity to transform their skills into sustainable livelihoods. By combining access to responsible microcredit with appropriate monitoring and support, we hope to help artisans strengthen their enterprises, improve their economic security and provide better opportunities for their families.

Your support can help a skilled artisan purchase the materials needed for their next order, keep their craft enterprise running and build a more secure future for their family.

Through your contribution, you can help Prime Trust expand access to livelihood finance for local artisans while supporting the continuation of valuable traditional metal and stone craftsmanship.