BIS # 1034 JYOTI EMPOWERMENT CENTRE INAUGURATED

Gregory D’Cunha sdb
JYOTI, JULY 27, 2008: The dull and dreary weather did not deter the women of Jyoti and it’s surrounding areas from taking a step forward towards self-reliance by participating in the inauguration of the ‘Jyoti Empowerment Centre’ (Jyoti Sakshamikaran Kendra) on July 25, which has become a reality thanks to the Development Office and the Parish of Our Lady of Light. The chief guest for the occasion was Mr. Kulkarni from the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). Also present were Mr. Lourdes Baptista, Mr. Sharma, Ms. Sandhya, Mr. Melvin Pangya and Mr. Dayanand Patil, besides the Salesians Fr. Blany Pinto, Fr. Gregory D’Cunha and Fr. Bento D’Souza. After Mr. Kulkarni inaugurated and declared the Centre open, there was a short programme in the Centre itself for which over 50 women were present. The dignitaries present addressed the women and spoke of the different avenues of empowerment, focusing especially on skills development and employment. CMAI will play an important role in taking this Centre forward. During the past months 20 women have already been trained in tailoring through the aegis of CMAI and the second batch will now begin three months of similar training. Once the women are sufficiently skilled, a full fledged production centre will be set up here supported by CMAI. The women have shown keen interest in this project and look forward to being gainfully employed in this tailoring centre