09.03.2025 || Following the celebration of International Women’s Day, Helping Everyone Live and Prosper Society (HELP Society) took a significant step in empowering rural women by successfully organizing a Free Candle Making Training Programme cum Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme at Ramchiram (Ramji) village. The initiative brought together enthusiastic participants from Ndunglo and Ramji villages, fostering a spirit of self-reliance and entrepreneurship among the women of Dima Hasao. By imparting essential skills and knowledge, this programme aimed to uplift women, enabling them to contribute economically to their families and communities while promoting personal growth and self-sufficiency.
The Need for Skill Development in Rural Areas
In many rural areas, opportunities for skill development remain limited, restricting women’s economic growth and self-employment options. Traditional societal norms and lack of exposure to vocational training often prevent women from exploring new avenues of financial independence. Recognizing these challenges, HELP Society Haflong has been actively working toward equipping women with practical skills that can be transformed into sustainable income sources.
Candle making is one such skill that requires minimal investment. It allows women to start small-scale businesses from their homes, offering them flexibility and financial stability. By organizing this training programme, HELP Society aims to break barriers and inspire women to take control of their financial futures.
Training Programme: Learning Through Practice
The training session was meticulously planned to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. Experience trainer Miss Sima Kalwar guided the participants through each stage of candle making, covering aspects such as:
- Material Selection: Understanding the types of wax, wicks, dyes, and fragrances used in candle making.
- Production Techniques: Learning the step-by-step process of melting wax, adding fragrances, pouring into molds, and setting the final product.
- Quality Control: Ensuring that the candles produced meet high standards in terms of durability, fragrance retention, and aesthetic appeal.
- Packaging and Branding: Teaching participants how to make their products marketable through creative packaging and branding strategies.
The practical hands-on approach allowed the women to experiment, learn from mistakes, and gain confidence in their abilities. The enthusiasm displayed by the participants was remarkable, as they eagerly absorbed the knowledge and expressed their aspirations of starting small businesses.
Entrepreneurship Awareness
While acquiring a skill is essential, knowing how to turn it into a profitable venture is equally important. Alongside candle making, the programme included an Entrepreneurship Awareness session, where participants learned:
- The basics of setting up a small business.
- Cost estimation and pricing strategies.
- Marketing and selling techniques.
- Accessing local markets and online platforms.
- Financial management and savings for business sustainability.
Women were encouraged to form self-help groups (SHGs) to collectively produce and sell their products, thereby increasing their reach and profitability. The session also introduced them to government schemes and microfinance options available for women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the knowledge needed to take their business ideas forward.
Recognition and Encouragement
To honor the dedication and hard work of all participants, certificates were formally presented after the training. These certificates were more than just paper; they symbolized the participants’ willingness to learn and their commitment to self-improvement. The recognition boosted their confidence, reinforcing the idea that they are capable of creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.
The event was filled with smiles, enthusiasm, and a renewed sense of determination among the women. Many expressed their gratitude to HELP Society for bringing such an opportunity to their doorstep and shared their dreams of starting their candle-making businesses.
Community Support and Collaboration
HELP Society extends its heartfelt gratitude to the village authorities for their warm hospitality and unwavering support in making this initiative successful. Their cooperation and encouragement played a crucial role in creating an environment where learning and skill development could thrive. The active involvement of the local community further emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering growth and self-sufficiency.
Long-Term Impact and Future Plans
HELP Society remains committed to fostering growth and development in rural communities through skill-building and entrepreneurship programmes. The success of this initiative has inspired plans for future training sessions in other villages, covering a wider range of vocational skills such as:
- Handmade soap and detergent making.
- Organic farming and food processing.
- Tailoring and embroidery workshops.
- Digital literacy and e-commerce training.
By continuously expanding its outreach, HELP Society NGO aims to create a ripple effect, empowering more women and transforming rural economies.
Support our mission to empower communities! Your contribution can help create sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. Click to make a difference today!
