KHONSA, May 9: A 15-day Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) on Bead Décor and Accessories Making for Self Help Group (SHG) members of Khonsa Block concluded successfully on Friday.
Funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the MEDP was implemented by Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) through BMMU Khonsa at ArSRLM training hall, Khonsa village.
The primary objective of the programme was to enhance the livelihood opportunities and income generation capacities of rural women SHG members through skill development and entrepreneurship promotion.
During the training programme, participants received intensive hands-on training in bead décor and accessories making, including the preparation of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, key chains, fridge magnets and other decorative items. Bead craft is regarded as one of the traditional specialties and cultural identities of Tirap and Longding districts. The programme was aimed at preserving and promoting this indigenous art form, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women.
Apart from technical skill development, the programme also focused on capacity building and enterprise management. Sessions were conducted on business development planning, basic accountancy, enterprise management, credit linkage, packaging, branding and marketing to equip the trainees with essential entrepreneurial knowledge required for establishing and managing micro enterprises successfully.
As part of the exposure and learning component, the trainees were also taken on a one-day exposure visit to the District Emporium and traditional outlet stores to gain practical understanding of product display.
The initiative is expected to encourage SHG members to take up bead craft-based enterprises, thereby contributing towards women empowerment, preservation of traditional craftsmanship and strengthening of the rural economy in the region.
Earlier, the training programme was formally inaugurated last month by S Manpong, Branch Manager SBI, Khonsa, in presence of R Wangsu, DDC Tirap, NABRAD, C Lowang, BMM and other officials of ArSRLM.
On the occasion, Manpong sensitized SHG members on credit linkage schemes and showed his support to them. (DIPRO)