Entrepreneurial training offers hope to displaced families
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 12 2023: As the ongoing humanitarian crisis has displaced tens of thousands of people in the state, numerous families are facing economic collapse while residing in relief camps set up by local clubs and Meira Paibi Lups.

With no clear prospects of returning home and restarting their lives, these families are grappling with a dire situation.

Amidst these challenging circumstances, some entrepreneurs have stepped forward to provide voluntary training to internally displaced people (IDPs), aiming to offer them income generating opportunities amidst the continuous cycle of violence.

One such relief camp, established at Manipur College under the guidance of Singjamei MLA and MAHUD minister Y Khemchand, is providing entrepreneurial training to its residents.

The relief camp primarily accommodates displaced people from Serou and Churachandpur Meetei localities, spanning different age groups from children to the elderly, including pregnant women and recent mothers.

Even within the camp, important rituals like Ipan Thaba are being conducted.

Additionally, about 10 women are participating in an entrepreneurial training program led by well-known entrepreneurs Jenny Khurai and Bina.

The training covers activities like Potloi making and makeup artistry.

This initiative enables these women to utilise their time in the relief camp for income generation, with skills they can continue to employ even after the crisis is resolved, and they can return home to rebuild their lives.

The trained women are currently engaged in crafting luxury purses (Sengao).

The camp volunteers are strategising to hold an exhibition and sale event, converting the crafted items into cash and providing a fresh start for the displaced individuals.

Jenny Khurai is playing a pivotal role in planning and organising the exhibition.

The women who have received training express their gratitude, acknowledging that they had no prior knowledge of these skills.

Their time in the camp has offered them the chance to acquire new skills, thanks to the camp volunteers and instructors.

Engaging in these creative endeavours brings them a sense of relief, allowing them to momentarily forget their traumatic experiences.

Nameirakpam Bina, the convenor of Peace and Relief Committee, Singjamei Kendra, shared that one pregnant inmate recently gave birth to a healthy baby in late May, with the Ipan Thaba ceremony taking place on June 4.Two more pregnant women are also expected to give birth soon.

People from various parts of the state are extending assistance to the camp.

The committee has also made arrangements of employment opportunities for young women inmates in private shops.

Another round of Potloi making and makeup training commenced recently, involving approximately 30 women.

Additionally, children with an interest in martial arts are receiving Taekwondo training within the camp.

In the midst of adversity, this entrepreneurial training initiative is offering a glimmer of hope and the prospect of a brighter future for those affected by the crisis in Manipur.

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