Health Camps

In the remote rural areas where our artisans reside, access to healthcare is often challenging due to the distance and lack of nearby medical centers. Recognizing this significant barrier, Jaipur Rugs Foundation, as an NGO, is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our artisans, their families, and the entire village community. We organize regular healthcare camps in all the villages in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh bringing vital healthcare services directly to their doorstep.

During the camps, everyone in the community is screened and provided with free medical check-ups. Common conditions are addressed by distributing free medicines on the spot, while complicated cases receive necessary referrals for further treatment.

Our commitment to the health and well-being of our artisans goes beyond one-time interventions. It is an ongoing, continuous process that occurs at regular intervals to ensure their sustained health. We value feedback and insights from each healthcare camp, collecting information on common health issues and concerns. Armed with this knowledge, our subsequent camps, organized by our healthcare NGO, are better equipped to address the specific needs of the community.

To date, our healthcare camps, conducted in collaboration with other healthcare institutions and government linkage institutions, have made a significant impact, reaching more than 1 lakh rural people. Through these camps, we strive to empower our artisans and their communities with accessible and tailored healthcare services, contributing to social development and rural welfare.

Health Card Initiative - A Step Ahead

We understand that there are healthcare needs that extend beyond the scope of our regular healthcare camps. To address such issues and provide our artisans with comprehensive clinical treatment, we have forged a partnership with NIMS Hospital. Through this collaboration, we offer our artisans Health Cards, which grant them access to a range of essential healthcare services. With their Health Cards, artisans can benefit from free medical check-ups, ensuring regular monitoring of their health. In case of emergencies, they can avail themselves of free ambulance services, ensuring timely and efficient transportation to the hospital. Additionally, the Health Cards provide access to free medicines, ensuring that artisans have the necessary medications for their well-being.

We are committed to their holistic well-being and strive to ensure that they have access to comprehensive healthcare services.Through the provision of Health Cards, we empower our artisans to take charge of their health and seek appropriate medical care when needed. By addressing their healthcare needs, we contribute to creating a supportive environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally.

Eye Care

At Jaipur Rugs Foundation, we deeply value the health and well-being of our artisans who dedicate long hours at the looms, weaving exquisite carpets of exceptional quality. Each carpet is a masterpiece woven with their perfect visions, and it is our mission to ensure that their eyesight remains healthy and vibrant for a lifetime.

To safeguard the precious gift of sight, we conduct regular eye camps to test the vision of our artisans and identify any potential issues, such as cataracts. We have established partnerships with local hospitals in the city, seeking their technical expertise and collaborating with optometrists who conduct thorough eye tests.

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.

Championing Menstrual Health and Wellness

At Jaipur Rugs Foundation, we are committed to promoting menstrual hygiene and empowering women in the communities we serve. We recognize the significance of addressing this essential need and have taken significant strides to make a positive impact. Through our collaborative efforts with Dhara Shakti and Srujna, we have distributed around 15,000 menstrual pads to date. However, we don't stop there. Our focus is on providing sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for menstrual hygiene management.

To ensure effective distribution, we have implemented a structured approach. We conduct comprehensive Menstrual Hygiene workshops where women are educated about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. During these sessions, we introduce them to reusable pads, and provide demonstrations to familiarize them with the product.

We are proud to offer reusable pads as part of our initiative. By promoting affordability and reducing waste, we empower women with a long-lasting and eco-friendly option for menstrual hygiene.Through our dedication and efforts, we aim to create a positive impact on the lives of women in our communities. By addressing their menstrual health needs, we contribute to their overall well-being and empowerment.

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).

Digital Mela

Despite a plethora of welfare programs offered by the government, many individuals remain unaware of the opportunities that await them.

Through the Digital Mela initiative, we are committed to transforming the lives of rural artisans and the wider village communities by bridging the digital divide and connecting them to essential government welfare schemes. Artisan Card, E-shram Card, PMSYM Card, Sukanya Samridhi, Uphar & Sahyog, E-PAN Card, MMCSBY, Palanhar, PMJJY, UDID Card, Jan Aadhar Card, Correction in Vital documents , Welfare Schemes based on labour card, Digi locker, Home loan, Indira awas yojana are some of the programs that we target and work to get the artisans connected to.

At the heart of this endeavor lies our commitment to connecting each artisan with at least two welfare schemes of their choice, unlocking the myriad benefits they are rightfully entitled to.

Beyond mere connectivity, Digital Mela is a holistic journey of education and enlightenment. We strive to bring each artisan under the protective umbrella of social security, encompassing vital aspects like life insurance, health insurance, and pension schemes. By providing this essential knowledge and guidance, we empower them to secure a stable and prosperous future for themselves and their loved ones.

Time and resources are invaluable assets, and we understand the significance of both in the lives of our artisans. Through Digital Mela, we ensure that they not only save their hard-earned money but also precious time while availing themselves of the various welfare benefits. Our seamless and efficient support structure is designed to guide them every step of the way until they reap the full benefits of these schemes.

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

Artisan cards hold immense significance in recognizing and honoring the craftsmanship of artisans while providing them with essential benefits. These cards play a vital role in preserving our nation's unique cultural identity and ensuring a sustainable income for artisans. At Jaipur Rugs Foundation, we strongly believe in giving back to these creative efforts, and the Artisan Card is a powerful way to do so.

As part of our initiatives, our NGO conducts orientation and awareness programs for weavers to highlight the significance of Artisan Cards and the numerous benefits associated with their usage. We are proud to have partnered with the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) to facilitate the provision of Artisan Cards directly to our weavers at their doorstep, completely free of cost. This collaboration allows for instant card printing, making the process convenient and efficient.

The Artisan Cards serve as a bridge, connecting artisans to various social protection schemes specifically designed for handloom and handicraft workers. These cards open doors to credit facilities, insurance coverage, skill-building programs, capacity-building initiatives, and marketing services.

Through our collective efforts, we have successfully supported over 7,000 artisans in obtaining their Artisan Cards. However, our commitment extends far beyond this number. We aspire to forge meaningful partnerships to ensure that each of our 40,000 dedicated artisans, who tirelessly contribute to our work across different villages of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, can benefit from these cards. By providing Artisan Cards, we empower artisans with greater access to opportunities and services that enhance their overall well-being and sustainability.

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.

Making A Difference, Together

At Jaipur Rugs Foundation, we are deeply committed to holistic rural development and uplifting marginalized communities. Through our extensive range of initiatives, we strive to create sustainable change and empower individuals for a brighter future. In collaboration with our partner, Goonj, we have been able to extend the impact of our programs and make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we have undertaken various initiatives that address crucial needs and foster holistic development. Our Winter Kit program stands at the forefront, providing essential warmth during the challenging winter season. These specially designed kits consist of warm blankets and clothing, ensuring that families in need have the necessary protection and comfort. By addressing this fundamental requirement, we not only alleviate their physical suffering but also empower them with a sense of dignity.

Additionally, our collaboration with Goonj encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at holistic rural development. Through computer classes, we equip individuals with valuable digital literacy skills, opening up new opportunities and expanding their horizons. By bridging the digital divide, we enable them to navigate the modern world with confidence and enhance their overall livelihood prospects. Our commitment to holistic rural development extends beyond these initiatives. We conduct surveys to identify water sources for digging wells, distribute menstrual pads to promote menstrual health and hygiene, and facilitate the School to School program. The School to school is a unique initiative that builds empathy and fosters a sense of dignity between urban and rural children, bridging the resource and opportunity divide. Jaipur Rugs Foundation along with Goonj also plays a significant role in electrifying villages, providing CFL bulbs that improve the quality of life for many. By addressing their immediate needs, promoting skill development, and fostering empowerment, we strive to create a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Feeding the Future: COVID-19 Relief Initiative

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaipur Rugs Foundation recognized the urgent need to support artisans and their families who were facing food insecurity. In collaboration with Feeding India, a dedicated organization providing nutritional support to those in need, we launched a special initiative. At Jaipur Rugs Foundation, we firmly believe that hunger should never hinder the growth and well-being of our artisans. We embarked on a mission to ensure that artisans and their families have access to adequate nutrition during this critical period.

We distributed 18,000 ration kits designed to provide three meals a day for a family of five. These kits sustained them for a period of 30 days, serving as a lifeline for those facing food insecurity. By alleviating hunger, we aimed to relieve the burden on artisans, allowing them to focus on their work and personal development without worrying about their next meal. While this initiative was implemented as a relief measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, it represents our unwavering commitment to supporting our artisans in times of need. At Jaipur Rugs Foundation, we remain dedicated to empowering artisans and their communities, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to thrive and create a better future.