VAROSHA

dependence                                      confidence                                         trust                                         support

dependence                                      confidence                                         trust                                         support

A fully equipped center that provides free vocational training is successfully running in the impoverished district of Behala, in Kolkota, India.  The participation rate of this school has increased significantly, and it is even drawing participants from other surrounding slums.  

Varosha even provides stipends to students who otherwise would be unable to participate.  These students were previously working in menial labor jobs for small pay, but were so reliant on this income that they could not leave their jobs for further training.  Varosha provides them with stipends that enable them to meet their living expenses while they are being trained.

The school now offers a “Second-level Advanced Training Program,” through which students can become “Master Tailors” in order to continue improving their professional opportunities.  The school has already trained many students who are now gainfully employed and self-sufficient.  Moreover, the school serves as a center where community members can seek support from fellow students and teachers, and look forward to a better future.

Success Stories

Sharmila Singh, Soma Das, and Pampa Das: In just three months (April - June 2007), these three girls have learned how to make garments such as blouses, salwar kameez, petticoats, and pants. They are fully trained and are now earning enough money each month to support their families.  They have joined a large group of successful ladies of Ajanta Basti who have already significantly improved their families’ earnings.