Shakti program under the Sha Foundation helps women undergoing difficult circumstances by way of providing income earning activities. Nimi Amarasuriya from Singapore, who runs the projects travels to Sri Lanka every two months to teach the women various skills from sewing to making handicraft so that the women involved in the project can improve their lives by earning their own money.
This year Nimi says, the products made by these women will be showcased for sale at the International Christmas Charity Bazaar on November 27 at the Colombo Hilton Residencies.
“At SHAKTI, they are taught to produce beautifully handcrafted bags, pouches and other items as a means for them to earn a regular income. Locally sourced handloom fabric is often cleverly matched with imported printed fabrics with interesting designs. Shakti is constantly looking for new concepts and even uses the traditional Beeralu lace in a contemporary manner with colourful handloom. Shakti also has its very own signature “Shakti lining” made of cotton fabric which sets it apart from all other similar products. SHAKTI products are sold as as “made-in-Sri Lanka” handcrafted products,” says Nimi Amarasuriya.
Besides being an avenue for these ladies to acquire a skill that translates into being a source of income, Shakti strives to provide them with much more than that. Shakti hopes to instill lifelong values that can encompass broader “life skills”. The women and girls are taught the value of an opportunity given, the value of work, and to go that extra mile in doing their best in whatever they undertake and most importantly to take pride in a job well done. Shakti takes quality control seriously and the women understand the subtle differences between a passable product and a quality product, she added.