Support Abandoned Intellectually Disabled Children

In September 2019, we launched our Tailoring unit after purchasing sewing and embroidery machines. Around 10 of our youngsters were trained to use these machines. The girls naturally appeared to show interest in embroidery and fine work, but both girls and boys appear to be very interested in stitching all kinds of colorful shopping and sling/shoulder bags. In around two months they had made around 650 bags, so bright and colorful, that they were quickly sold out! We sell these products at several locations across the city by taking up stalls at fairs and exhibitions.

This program aims to provide our youngsters with opportunities to develop skills that have high employability potential in the market today. With the implementation of a plastic ban across major cities, including ours, there is a huge demand for cloth and paper bags. Cloth bags are being purchased in large quantities by local grocers and vendors. We plan to tie up with a couple of establishments soon.

In the meanwhile, we are very happy that the children have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into the activity and appear to be making significant improvements in social skill, self-esteem and confidence levels. Tailoring is providing them quick and gainful employment in a sheltered environment, which is exactly what they need, given their particular circumstances.

At Sri Arunodayam, we strive to provide children with intellectual disabilities (ID) equal opportunities for development, and work to change community perceptions and attitudes towards them, through our programs.