As Featured In: Kerala Kaumudi

Palakkad: In a significant move towards women’s empowerment and rural development, the Olivia Foundation, under the visionary leadership of CMD K.T. Krishnakumar, has officially commenced its two-month-long coir training program in Palakkad.

The initiative is part of the central government’s skill development scheme, conducted in collaboration with the Coir Board. The program aims to equip women with the necessary technical skills to excel in the coir industry, fostering financial independence and self-reliance.

Project Overview

The training program was inaugurated at the Nadupathi Gotra Varga Nagar in Palakkad. In its initial phase, a group of 20 women has been selected for the training. This project is a key component of the ‘Mahila Coir Yojana’ under the Central Government’s Women Empowerment initiative.

Speaking at the event, Olivia Foundation CEO Ajith Kumar Varma emphasized that the primary goal is to form cooperative groups among these women, enabling them to manufacture coir products and bring them directly to the market. This self-sufficiency model is designed to provide long-term livelihood security for the participants.

Key Highlights of the Program:

• Duration: A comprehensive 2-month training period.
• Stipend: To support the trainees, each participant will receive a monthly stipend of ₹6,000.
• Inauguration: The session was officially inaugurated by Sheiju, Officer at the Coir Board Kannur Sub-Region.
• Expert Guidance: The event saw participation from Olivia Foundation Project Coordinator Sreeja, Manager Gautham Ramakrishnan, Coir Training Instructor Krishnakumari, and Tribal Coordinator Bindu.

The Vision of CMD K.T. Krishnakumar

Under the leadership of K.T. Krishnakumar, the Olivia Foundation continues to be at the forefront of skill development programs. By bridging the gap between traditional crafts and modern market demands, the foundation is creating a sustainable ecosystem for rural artisans and women.

This coir training program is just one of many steps the foundation is taking to ensure that grassroots-level development reaches the people who need it most.

News Credit: Kerala Kaumudi Epaper (Palakkad Clipping)