Here Is How Tribal Exclusive USHA Silai Schools Initiative Is Making A Difference

In India, the tribal population is more than 10 crore and is larger than that of any other country in the world. However, despite the protection given to the tribal population, it remains the most marginalised group in the country, on the three most important indicators of development- health, education and income. With an aim to improve the status of the marignalised tribal communities, the USHA Silai School Progamme launched the 'Tribal Exclusive Usha Silai School Project'. The objective of the initiative is to support tribal women, by helping them earn a better income.

The 'Tribal Exclusive Usha Silai School' initiative has reached out to women in the most marginalised parts of the country and teaches them new skills.

The initiative also provides them a platform for entrepreneurship so they can earn a living.
USHA's plan is to open 500 Tribal Exclusive Usha Silai Schools across 29 districts, in 9 states of India. 280 of these 500 schools are currently successfully operational.
USHA International Limited has partnered with the Tribal Development Council (TDC) in Nicobar, the southernmost part of India. Ten new USHA Classical Silai Schools have been opened in Nancowry, in Nicobar District and trainings were organised from November 29 till December 7 at the Community Hall in Kamorta. The women entrepreneurs in Nicobar, who were selected from different villages, belong to poor tribal communities.

USHA Silai School programme became a turning point in the life of Prabha Dhanga who lives inside the deep forests of West Singhbhum District in Jharkhand.
She is earning well and training other women as well of her village but it was not an easy task being in the Naxal affected area. However, Prabha is confident that the fate of the tribals and the reputation of the area can be changed for the better.
Tribal Exclusive USHA Silai School Initiative helped Phemo Manham, a 25-year-old tribal woman from Arunachal Pradesh become an entrepreneur and a role model for others.

Phemo and her tribal students are winning their war against poverty and joblessness through the Silai School, a model that even the government now acknowledges.
Phemo manages to save some money as well and plans to use it for the wellbeing of her children. For tribal women like her, this financial independence is empowering in many ways.