PROJECTS | Chap Foundation

Mahila Rozgar Yojna

Mahila Rozgar Yojana is a project dedicated towards generating employment for woman in the villages of Himachal Pradesh. Our work encompasses:

Supporting Self Help Groups with design, quality and product diversification

Our annual show, Shobla Bana, a two-day cultural festival is a show to identify talent and skillset among local community. Thereafter we support SHG’s with design, quality and product diversification. Improved quality of product has seen a rise in the selling price of their handicraft. One of such groups is Prerna Self Help Group. This group is a team of 9 woman making crochet toys and modern utility items. Please refer to the product catalogue for considering these handicrafts as gifts and offerings to friends and family.
Support Self Help Groups towards better market access

Here we exhibit products weaved by them at different locations and markets all over India. Along with this we facilitate independent sales through collaborations at tourist spots around their villages. The recent one being exhibition by Prerna Self Help Group at International Roerich Memorial Trust and Winter Carnival 2023. During the Carnival our artisans presented crochet souvenirs weaved by their group to the CM of HP. Some of the few exhibitions we participated are as below:
• Handpicked Market by PC, Gurgaon
• Buzzaria Dukaan
• The Ashoka Hotel
• JP Green
• Pathways School
• Buzarria Dukaan
Learn and Earn - Invite girls and woman to join the parade

Working on looms require favorable weather condition whereas knitting and crochet are techniques which can be practiced religiously by artisans within the comfort of their homes. Hence we conduct woman's meeting in different villages and visit government colleges for spreading awareness about handmade products that can support their livelihood. Recently, we visited ITI Shamsi where about 150 girls were excited to see our crochet weaves. We are hopeful that with government support and aid from other stakeholders, we can bring a positive impact on the lives of these young girls.

Own Your Laptop Challenge

Own Your Laptop Challenge is a competition aimed at empowering young girls in the villages of Himachal Pradesh, India, by providing them with access to technology and digital skills. The competition involves awarding refurbished laptops to selected young girls in the region who demonstrate a strong interest and potential in learning about computers and digital technology.

The laptops are donated by companies and are in good condition, having been refurbished to ensure that they are fully functional and ready for use. By providing these laptops to young girls in rural areas, the competition aims to create opportunities for them to develop valuable skills that can support their livelihoods and future career prospects.

Overall, the Own Your Laptop Challenge is a powerful initiative aimed at empowering young girls in rural areas with access to technology and digital skills, creating new opportunities for them to succeed and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

We have already piloted this out-of-the-box idea of donating refurbished laptops to five young women during Shobla Bana Naggar Fest. They have started developing websites and digital marketing material for local homestays and restaurants.

We appeal individuals and companies to donate their old laptops, for enabling change in the life of a child in the remote villages of the Himalayas. This may be the most judicious utilization of assets that are no longer of use or that need replacement by new ones.

Digital Skilling by Travelers

This is a volunteering program for travelers. Travelers coming from diverse backgrounds, expose locals to new perspectives and help them develop their interests and skills.

Additionally, by encouraging locals to engage with the volunteers and share their opinions and doubts, the program helps to build confidence and encourage active participation in community life.

Moreover, the program has a positive impact on the travelers themselves, by providing them with an opportunity to connect with locals and learn about their culture and way of life. This creates a sense of empathy and understanding that can be beneficial both personally and professionally.

Overall, the volunteering program is a powerful complement to the laptop donation initiative, as it can help to create a supportive and inclusive environment for the young girls to develop their digital skills and personal growth. By encouraging skills sharing, cultural exchange, and open communication, the program helps to build stronger communities and foster a sense of empowerment.

Meet few of our volunteers:

Richa: Google Sheets

Trevor: Fiverr, online marketing space for professionals

Ashraya: Google Timelapse

Shobla Bana 2022

It was a two-day awareness-raising fest, to support kids' education and empower the women weavers of Himachal Pradesh, while introducing and encouraging Responsible Tourism practices in the region. It was attended by 200 participants and visited by more than a thousand people.

UPCOMING PROJECT

Project – ‘Sharan’

The 'Sharan' project is an exciting initiative that aims to support the economic and social development of the Sharan Village near Naggar, Himachal Pradesh. As one of the craft and handloom villages of India, there is immense potential for the community to benefit from their weaving skills, but there is currently a lack of motivation among the women due to lack of market support.

To address this, the project will focus on supporting Self Help Groups in the village, providing them with training for handcrafting products that have higher demand. By doing so, the project hopes to provide the women of the village with a sustainable and reliable source of income, empowering them to become self-sufficient and contributing to the growth and development of the community.

In addition to supporting the weaving industry, the project also aims to engage with the women in curating local experiences in the village that can attract tourists. This can include showcasing the unique culture and traditions of the area, as well as highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings. By doing so, the project hopes to create new economic opportunities for the community and promote sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the visitors and the residents.

Sunday Market by Local SHGs

In this market, various Self Help Groups (SHGs) would come together once a week to sell their locally made products directly to the customers.
Here visitors can experience the local culture and products, and interact directly with the producers.

Visitors would be able to find a variety of products made by the Self Help Groups, such as handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and food products. The market would be a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the local culture and the challenges faced by the community, as well as support local businesses.

The market would also benefit the Self Help Groups by providing a direct market for their products, without the need for intermediaries. This would increase their income and help them become more self-sufficient. Additionally, the market would provide a platform for the Self Help Groups to showcase their skills and promote their work.

In summary, a market where Self Help Groups come together once a week to sell their products directly to the customers can be a great way to promote sustainable tourism and support local communities. This type of market provides a unique cultural experience for visitors while also benefiting the local community.

Guided Tours by Locals

Guided tours by locals can be a great way to generate employment for the local community and also enrich the experience of travelers. By interacting with the locals, travelers can learn more about the local flora and fauna, as well as the heritage villages in the area. This program not only provides a unique cultural experience for travelers but also supports the local economy by creating jobs for the locals.

Local guides share their knowledge and expertise with the travelers, giving them a more in-depth understanding of the local culture, history, and environment. They take the travelers on a journey through the forest, teaching them about the local flora and fauna, and explaining the traditional uses of the plants. They also introduce the travelers to the local communities and their way of life, providing a glimpse into the local traditions and customs.

Overall, guided tours by locals can be an excellent way to create a more immersive and authentic travel experience, while also contributing to the development of the local economy.

Shobla Bana 2023- Promoting Inclusivity

Shobla Bana is a cultural festival organized by Chap Foundation every year in Naggar, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is an important community-based celebration of the cultural diversity of Kullu region, promotes local artisans, and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors.

We are delighted to announce that this year's Shobla Bana festival is going to be even more inclusive and diverse than ever before. As a part of our commitment to promote diversity and inclusion, we are inviting many disabled individuals, including students from a Kullu blind school, to be a part of the festival.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy, and we are committed to making sure that everyone feels welcome and included at Shobla Bana. In addition to the disabled individuals attending, we are excited to announce a cultural program by persons with special needs.

Please visit our @chapfoundation for latest updates and details.