Raipur: A five-day skill development camp for differently-abled children, particularly those who are deaf and mute, is being held at Jainam Manas Bhavan in Raipur from December 18 to 23. Organized jointly by the Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation and Mahavir Intercontinental Organization Service, the camp aims to provide practical skills that can help children become self-reliant and create livelihood opportunities.
Over 1,200 Children Participate
The camp has drawn participation from around 1,200 children from Chhattisgarh and neighboring states. The main objective of the program is to train children in skills that can later be converted into employment or small business opportunities, fostering independence among differently-abled youth.
Teaching Cardboard Decorative Puja Plates
During the camp, children are being taught how to create colorful and decorative Puja thalis (plates) using low-cost cardboard. These thalis can be used during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations. By mastering this craft, children can explore self-employment opportunities and generate income through sales.
Sign language teacher Manju Rangari explained that the children are learning how to arrange traditional Puja items such as sindoor (vermilion), rice, flowers, and incense sticks on the cardboard thalis and decorate them attractively. She added that this skill could help the children become economically self-sufficient in the future.
Crafting Process
The training includes:
- Cutting cardboard into circular shapes
- Decorating edges with lace
- Sticking colorful stars and stones using fevicol glue
Trainer Domesh Sahu said both small and large decorative thalis are being prepared, and the cost of making one thali ranges from ₹100 to ₹150. He added that these thalis are popular for festivals, weddings, and welcome ceremonies, and can be sold at good prices in the market.
A Step Towards Self-Reliance
Sahu highlighted that the children, who live in colleges and hostels, are enthusiastic about learning this skill. He emphasized that the craft not only equips them with a practical skill but also provides a path for economic independence, enabling them to stand on their own feet. The decorative Puja plates can be made for gifting purposes or commercial sale, making it a promising avenue for self-employment.
This camp is seen as an important initiative to combine skill development with livelihood generation for differently-abled children, ensuring they gain confidence, creativity, and economic independence.
