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Income Generation
In 1975, the lack of employment in the villages in Rajasthan forced
much of the rural population
to migrate to the cities. While largely an agricultural area, many
castes in Silora Block were artisans engaged in various crafts.
Due to the lack of a suitable market, however, these skills were
dying fast.
The Barefoot College began promoting rural handicrafts in 1975.
Assistance in improving designs and techniques, creation of marketing
outlets, and access to credit have helped to restore and create
new income opportunities for craftsmen and women. Barefoot
College Crafts are sold through shops and marketing outlets
both in India and internationally. Crafts are also available online
through Tilonia.
Women's Development
 In
most homes, even through the economic conditions were deplorable,
women were not allowed to work outside the home. The practice of
purdah keeps women homebound with no means of earning an income.
Training in applique, embroidery and other types of needlework allows
these women to work at home.
Today, nearly 300 women earn supplementary income from their handicrafts.
They are also encouraged to acquire functional literacy and to manage
their accounts. Personal hygiene, child birth and care, birth control
and the participation in the local political institutions are part
of their training and education.
Visit the artisans and shop for Barefoot College Crafts
Visit the artisans and shop
for Barefoot College Crafts
Social Work and Research
Centre
Tilonia, Rajasthan, India
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