Basket weaving, entrepreneurship prog in Peren

Youthnet in partnership with the department of youth resources & sports (R&S) and Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) conducted a vocational training program on bamboo basket weaving at Mhainamtsi, Peren district from March 11-14.
The programme was part of the Impact 5000 by 18, a five year campaign on entrepreneurship and employment.
According to a press release, the training was organized to create an entrepreneurship ecosystem where there was contribution by Nagas at all levels of the social strata, thus boosting the private sector and economy as a whole.
A case in point is the Amonar Tea, an indigenous tea brand, with the requirement of bamboo baskets to package their tea, for which rural craftsmen are being trained to meet the requirement.  In connection with this, the Youthnet with the help and expertise of NBDA targeted two villages – Mhanamtsi and Jalukie B due to their proximity to Dimapur. Interested people from these two villages, especially those with no constant source of income, were invited to participate in the programme.
The trainers were from a self help group (SHG) in Tuli, Mokokchung, arranged by NBDA.  One of the entrepreneurs behind Amonar Tea, Sentinaro Alley, was also present throughout the training.
The trainees were briefed on the purpose of the programme and the campaign as a whole. During the course of the training, a design for Amonar Tea was also selected, based on the abilities of the trainees and the last part of the training had all the participants working on it to master the selected design.
Meanwhile, the trainees were informed that there would be several follow-up visits to the villages where the baskets would be purchased from them, provided they meet the specifications as discussed.
Under the Impact 5000 by 18 campaign, Youthnet is targeting rural entrepreneurs this year with several programs already being conducted.