Skill Upgradation Workshop for Wood Carving Artisans…
A livelihood generation & capacity building initiative…

Artisans at the grassroots level are the pillars of developing economies, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Their traditional craftsmanship has cultural, historical, and economic significance. However, with changing markets and evolving technologies, there is a growing need for skill training to ensure their survival and prosperity. Therefore, SETU organized a 15-day long skill upgradation workshop for wood carving artisans, so as to help the achieve the following:

• Economic Empowerment & self-sustainability
• Improved quality & productivity
• Access to better markets
• Innovation & value addition
• Sustainable practices & growth
• Preservation of culture & traditional crafts
• Strengthening & building resilience of local communities

With modernization & internet revolution, more & more youth are getting lured towards the city culture. They often undermine & neglect learning of traditional crafts of their communities. While many make successful carriers in alternative fields, many fall prey to exploitation & poverty ridden lives due to insufficient education levels and lack of any vocational skills. Many such youth also attended the workshop.

Two master craftsmen were appointed to conduct the trainings. Tool kits were distributed free of cost to all the participants. All raw materials like wood, brass, hardware, glues etc were also provided free of cost. The training covered different types of processes like cutting, carving, designing, inlay, buffing, finishing etc. Various types of innovative products were covered like wooden boxes, eyeglass holders, frames, games, jewellery holders etc.

A total of 15 participants benefitted from the workshop.