Health Camps
Health camps are conducted at regular intervals to diagnose and treat people with ailments. A large camp is set-up for the entire community, even for neighboring villages to ensure that everyone gets proper care. If a more severe ailment is diagnosed, a prescription is issued and the patients are given referrals to get the right treatment, and at subsidized rates. The foundation provides continuous support through free medication, by conducting the camps regularly and even by following up on referred patients.
An important objective of these camps is also to educate the local population with basic knowledge of nutrition, first aid and physical health care and monitoring. When an overall healthy lifestyle is promoted, these communities become self-sustaining and can grow further, one step at a time.
Eye Camps
A major concern with vision in rural communities is loss of power and cataract. The eye camps conducted predominantly deal with issuing lense and even providing treatment for cataract with partner hospitals. With the help of our partners we hold periodic eye screening camps and also disseminate glasses in these communities.
With the objective to reach the remote corners of rural India, Jaipur Rugs Foundation in collaboration with VisionSpring touched the lives of thousands of Artisans, who had their first-ever eye screening. Through this initiative, we are focusing on building a community that provides healthcare access to the Artisans at their doorstep.
Alternative Education Program
This initiative first began in 2010, to provide functional literacy to artisans and the rural community that did not have the opportunity to complete their primary education. It is a 6 month program consisting of 2 hour-regular classes teaching basic literacy and math, understanding health, hygiene and life skills that help women gain self-confidence to become self-sustaining. The educated women of the community become teachers, and are given training to participate effectively.
Education is important for women in order to lead an independent life and escape the cycle of poverty. Through education they learn the skills necessary and have the freedom to be more adaptive, flexible and leaders. As many women drop out of school early or do not have the opportunity to have an education, we give them a chance to learn fundamental skills. The initiative first began in 2010, to provide functional literacy to artisans and the rural community that did not have the opportunity to complete their primary education.
Hunarshala
The Hunarshala initiative develops a culture of self-designed learning, where children work on innovative projects based on their interests. A facilitator guides and assists them throughout their journey.
The activities include sports, arts & craft, computer technology, robotics, music, dance and much more. Currently, we have 40 children in the village of Aaspura, Rajasthan who attend this program.
Financial Inclusion
Today’s financial system is complex to navigate and rural communities are left with an even bigger disadvantage. They struggle to make ends meet and get trapped in cycles of debt or lose out on providing for their family or even looking after their own wellbeing.
The foundation assists in making use of local banking services (conventional and innovative) by basic education in financial planning and opening bank accounts.
When the rural communities start utilizing these facilities, they are open to more opportunities and government schemes as they are linked with accounts and national identification (Aadhaar).
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan
This is a pension scheme for daily wage-earners by the Government of India that provides them financial assistance in their old age.
Artisan Cards
An Artisan card is a photo identity card that is linked to national identification (Aadhaar) that provides access to State and Central government welfare schemes.
Labour Cards
Most rural families are daily wage-earners and more specifically, from masonry and labour. The Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board in each state has comprehensive welfare programs that can be utilised once these families get the Labour Card.
Scholarships
Scholarships provide unabated education to Artisans’ children that deserve, so that they can reach new heights and follow a career of their own choosing.
