Skill Empowerment for PwDs under Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Training Initiative (NHFDC-Funded)

In a bright training hall in Haldwani, the rhythmic hum of sewing machines tells a story of hope, skill, and empowerment. Under the NHFDC-funded Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Training Initiative, 200 youth with disabilities received professional training in the Tailoring job role at NIACE Foundation, Haldwani — a program designed to not only provide technical skills but to build self-reliance, confidence, and dignity among young persons with disabilities (PwDs).

This initiative aimed to uplift Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by providing them with hands-on vocational training, life skills, and entrepreneurial exposure in a barrier-free, inclusive setting. The training empowered young men and women with diverse disabilities especially locomotor and hearing impairments to gain industry-relevant tailoring skills and take confident steps toward economic independence.

Through tailored instruction, free toolkits, and post-training support, the program not only enhanced skillsets but also transformed lives—enabling many trainees to start their own tailoring ventures or secure dignified employment.

Key Highlights

• 200 Youths with Disabilities Successfully Trained
  A total of 200 youth with diverse disabilities—primarily locomotor, hearing, and mild intellectual—were trained in the Tailoring job role, enhancing their technical skills and employability under a fully funded program by NHFDC.

• Inclusive and Accessible Training Environment
  The training center at NIACE Haldwani was equipped with barrier-free infrastructure, including ramps, wide workstations, sign language interpreters, and individualized attention. This ensured a supportive learning environment for all types of learners.

• Comprehensive Curriculum Aligned to Industry Needs
  The training covered fundamental and advanced tailoring skills such as pattern drafting, fabric cutting, stitching, fitting, and finishing techniques. Special sessions on customer service, quality control, and shop management were also included.

• Free Provision of Toolkits and Support Services
  Each trainee received a complete sewing toolkit to use during and after training. Additionally, the program provided free meals, uniforms, training materials, and a monthly stipend to support regular attendance and reduce financial burden.

• Integration of Life Skills and Entrepreneurship Training
  Alongside technical instruction, trainees were equipped with soft skills, digital literacy, financial education, and entrepreneurship knowledge. This holistic approach helped them prepare not only for jobs but also for launching their own tailoring businesses.

• On-the-Job Training and Exposure Visits
  Participants visited local tailoring units, boutiques, and stitching centers to gain real-world exposure and understand workplace dynamics, client handling, and quality standards.

• High Placement and Self-Employment Rate
  Over 50% of the trained youths secured wage employment or started home-based tailoring ventures. Many women trainees began earning from their homes, stitching school uniforms, blouses, and daily wear for their communities.

• Empowerment Through Economic Independence
  The initiative significantly improved the self-esteem, decision-making ability, and financial participation of the trainees, especially in rural and low-income households. Many became first-time earners in their families.

• Gender-Inclusive Participation
  A large number of women with disabilities participated in the program, highlighting the intersectional focus on both gender and ability inclusion. Several have gone on to train others, creating a ripple effect.

• A Scalable and Replicable Skilling Model
  The tailoring training program at NIACE Haldwani demonstrated a sustainable, rights-based approach to skill development. It stands as a replicable model for similar inclusive skilling efforts across the country.

  This initiative not only stitched skills but also sewed together confidence, dignity, and opportunity—laying the foundation for a more inclusive and empowered future for youth with disabilities.