VISTA India

Vocational Training in Sewing And Embroidery Helping Women to Earn

The Beginning

The VISTA project was started in 1985 near Bangalore to empower illiterate women, abused women and women in poor health.

The Training

It provides vocational training in sewing and embroidery, while women are also taught literacy and informed about basic knowledge of health and hygiene.

“Earn while you Learn”

After the training, many take up employment with the local garment industry while others work from their homes to augment family income. Even while in training, some women take up tailoring orders. This project aims at helping women to “Earn while you Learn”.

Over 2000 women from thirty different villages have been trained through this program. Recently, three training units have been started in Sirsi, Karnataka, and a housing facility for ninety girls is being supported.

Testimonials

M.,
age 26
“I had decided to go back to my anti-depressants before this (The Art of Living) course, but now I don’t need them. I will practice these techniques every single day for the rest of my life. I only hope other people are lucky enough to take this course. It has given me more help than I could have ever imagined possible. Thank you.”

Course participant

“I’ve been suffering from a loss of concentration, weak memory and extreme anger. Now I feel as if something heavy has been lifted from my back.”

Course Participant

“I found that this training of breathing is so useful and its benefit shows when I do it. I feel that my heart is stronger and younger. When I can’t sleep I just do the breathing and I feel energy in all parts of my body.”

Dr. Venus

“I feel peace with myself and have less stress. I think if I continue with the practice, this feeling of peace will continue to grow.”

M. Ali Bankat

"Before this experience, I was sad, depressed and starting to lose hope because of the situation here in Iraq. Now, after only four days, I feel confident in myself – happier, have hopes and dreams again and I feel that life is so beautiful. I have started to love everyone and physically I have much more energy and am able to do more things. I want to thank you very much for helping all of us feel better.”