 Struck
in traditional methods of work, most rural peoples were unable
to envisage a life without such work. The scenario changed
when SCOPE started promoting training for income generating
activities which was a revolutionary idea for villagers.
Learning a new skill means opening of new avenues for earning
and self-reliance. Rural women are therefore imparted training
in different skills including gem cutting, manufacture of
hollow blocks, cement sand bricks, micro enterprises and entrepreneurship
skills. |
Income generating activities
Gem
Cutting has been promoted in villages like Mettupatti and Deverpuram.
Where 20 persons from Mettupatti, 8 in Deverpuram and another
10 in Rayapatty are able to earn between Rs.30/- to 40/- per
day. More families want support for taking up this activity.
Training
in cement hollow block making has assisted 70 families to earn
a sizeable income. These blocks replace bricks in construction
activities. This in turn saves a lot of firewood thereby preventing
trees burn being cut. This Programme in addition to giving gainful
employment is contributed to environment preservation. 
Latrine
models using bricks made of cement and sand in 1:12 ratio are
being manufactured. As people themselves prepare the bricks,
it is very cheap. 2 bags of cement produce 286 bricks, sufficient
for the construction of a low cost latrine. It has reduced the
cost to Rs.560/- per latrine as compared to the cement hollow
block, which costs Rs.770/- per latrine. The people became interested
in this as bricks could be made from locally available materials
besides helping them construct low cost latrines. The scheme
provided them with an ample employment opportunity and made
their life meaningful.