Innovative Vocational Training for Women with Visual Impairment by OLS:
Bhubaneswar, 4.1.: Well-known voluntary organization Open Learning Systems (OLS), a pioneering institution in the disability sector has started an innovative vocational training of 3 months duration for 30 women with visual impairment in association with Odisha Association for the Blind (OAB) and with the financial support from Small Industries Bank of India (SIDBI). The program was inaugurated at the OAB Conference Hall today in the presence of Mrs. Kasturi Mohapatra, Editor, Utkal Prasanga and Odisha Review; Dr. Gitanjali Bastia, Advisor, Mission Shakti, Odisha; Ms. Snehanjali Mohanty, President, State Association for Visually Impaired Women, Odisha; Mr. Pradyumna Chaudhury, Deputy General Manager, SIDBI, Bhubaneswar and Mr. Sannyashai Kumar Behera, President, OAB. The guests expressed their appreciation for the initiative taken by OLS to provide a market-oriented skill to women with visual impairment which will enable them to earn a livelihood and become economically independent. They also appreciated the support of SIDBI for such a unique project. The women trainees are thrilled to be enrolled in the training on Artificial Jewellery making and coir products like toys and mats etc. that will provide them an opportunity to make a livelihood and give them a life with dignity. In addition, the DGM, SIDBI assured that they would make arrangements for the exhibition of the products made by the trainees and support in marketing to corporate organizations and industries. Dr. Bastia assured of market linkage through Mission Shakti.
An MOU was inked and signed on occasion between Open Learning Systems represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Prakash K Rath, and Odisha Association for the Blind represented by its General Secretary, Mr. Sarat Kumar Dash. The program was coordinated by Mr. Utpal Kumar Dasgupta, Ms. Chinmayee Behera of OLS, and Mr. Aswini Behera of SIDBI.
