Naipunyam: Skill Development for Sustainable Livelihoods

For many tribal households in Kulathupuzha, agriculture has traditionally been the primary source of income. However, seasonal uncertainties, market fluctuations, and limited access to alternative employment opportunities often make livelihoods vulnerable. Socio-economic barriers have further limited access to vocational training, restricting opportunities to diversify household incomes beyond farming.

To address this gap, Naipunyam was launched as a CSR-supported skill development initiative in the ITDP Kulathupuzha project area. Complementing Thanal’s ongoing sustainable livelihood efforts, the programme equips community members with practical, self-employment skills that create additional income opportunities alongside agriculture. Conducted directly within the hamlets, these decentralised training camps improve accessibility and enable greater participation, particularly among women.

The initiative covers a range of vocational skills based on local demand and market potential, including hand embroidery, candle making, incense stick making, soap making, paper and carry bag production, umbrella making, traditional nettipattam crafting, jewellery making, and other value-added products. Participants receive hands-on training from experienced trainers, enabling them to develop marketable products while exploring opportunities for household enterprises and collective production.

The programme has already been conducted across several hamlets and will be expanded to all project hamlets, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities while strengthening the economic resilience of tribal communities.

Glimpse From The Event

       Our Approach to CSR Partnerships

Thanal works with CSR partners to co-create community-centred, ecologically responsible initiatives. Each project is designed for long-term relevance, local ownership, and sustainability beyond the funding period.