Know more:http://chanderiyaan.chanderi.org

About CWIRC

Chanderi-logoChanderi Weavers ICT Resource Centre is a Community Information Resource Center set up by Digital Empowerment Foundation in early 2009 as a cluster network for Chanderi weavers that fuses technology with traditional skills and facilitates the process of value addition at all levels. It helps in enhancing the existing skills in weaving and textile designing, thereby increasing the weavers earning capacity. It also aids in acquainting them with market demands and trends. The production of readymade garments and other utility items benefit the weavers in more ways than one, by decreasing their dependency and making them self-reliant.

Other Activities involves in the CWIRC are:

  • Skill Builder Programme

The main objective through this program is to acquaint the youths with the benefits of ICT and their apllications in various spheres of life. In this program, computer applications are taught through examples which are relevant to the learners environment. More than 1000 youths have been trained under this Skill Builder Programme which is developed by IETS (IL&FS Education and Technology Service Limited.)

  • English Relay Programme (ERP)

This program also devised by IETS is specially designed to cater to the needs of rural children. The objective of the program is to train the children in Basic English language skills and later in competent usage of English for academic purpose and daily use. ERP has been able to develop a great sense of confidence among the 1000 participants through the program.

  • Self Help Groups (SHG)

Promoting the formation of Self Help Groups is one of the key tasks of the CWIRC. The goal is to form at least 30-50 SHGs for various activities in order to create ownership, entrepreneurship, and to create long term sustainability for the Chanderiyaan Project. More than 30 groups with total of 250 members are active in various activities of Chanderiyaan in CWIRC of Chanderi.

  • Computerized Pattern Design

The wonder weave software has been customized according to the requirements of the Chanderi weavers. They have succeeded in reproducing traditional patterns and in combining the myriad existing designs to create new patterns. More than 500 patterns designs have been developed and archived so far.

  • Loom for PoP Weavers

The special initiative to install 30 looms for the poorest of the poor (PoP), Chanderi weavers has been taken up by DEF so that all weavers are given equal opportunities and resources irrespective of their economic status. Significant number of SHGs are using the looms to enhance the earnings and profit from their produce.

  • Apparel Design

Apparel design is an intensive training course. It is divided into two parts, the first part seeks to acquaint the women with the basics of sewing and stitching. The second part is more specific and deals with the intricacies of both textile and apparel designing. This course equips the women to produce ready made garments and furnishings in conjunction with market trends. More than 150 unique designs have been developed so far.

  • Block Printing and Kalamkari

Block printing and Kalamkari are two of the most sought after techniques for fabric decoration. Woodblocks engraved with intricate pattern are dipped into coloured dyes are stamped on to the fabric. The block printing unit at CWIRC is manned by skilled artisans who work their magic on Chanderi weaves. Whereas Kalamkari has been revived, Block printing has been introduced in Chanderi for the first time.

  • Chanderi e-Commerce Portal

The Chanderiyaan initiative is working towards launching an e-Commerce website to market and sell Chanderi products globally with an online payment option and a virtual shopping rack. The portal will launch soon as www.chanderiyaan.net and expects to become a virtual mall for all the weavers and suppliers from Chanderi.

Chanderi Images, See more:

Click on image to watch Chanderiyaan Intro Film

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