Case Study : Empowering Threads: Tattigere Quilting Collective

In the charming village of Tattigere, a group of women has transformed the traditional craft of quilting into a thriving business. Led by Ashabi and supported by the CherYsh organization, these women have not only created beautiful handwoven quilts but have woven a powerful story of empowerment, collaboration, and community transformation. Ashabi, a talented quilter, inherited her skills from her mother and grandmother, preserving the rich quilting tradition that has been passed down through generations in Tattigere. Building on this heritage, Ashabi and other women in the village, all skilled in the craft, came together to turn their shared passion into a sustainable business venture. CherYsh has been a key ally in the success of the Tattigere Quilting Collective. Recognizing the potential of the women’s craftsmanship, CherYsh has provided valuable resources, training, and a platform to help these women take their quilts to a larger market. This support has not only boosted the community’s economy but also empowered the women to use their skills to achieve financial independence and contribute to the broader community. The quilts produced by the Tattigere collective are more than just functional items; they are pieces of art. Each handwoven quilt adds a burst of color and warmth to a home, carrying with it the story of tradition, skill, and the collaborative spirit of the women who created it. These quilts bring beauty and meaning into living spaces, making them cherished possessions. Within the collective, the women have embraced their unique strengths. Ashabi notes that some members are excellent communicators, and these women are tasked with representing the group at exhibitions and markets. This strategic division of labour allows the creative artisans to focus on their craft, while others handle the business side of the venture, helping the collective reach a broader audience. When asked about the future of their quilting business, Ashabi expresses a desire for their work to be recognized beyond Karnataka. Her dream is for Tattigere quilts to become a celebrated art form across India, showcasing the talent and dedication of the women in her village. Quilting Impact The Tattigere Quilting Collective stands as a shining example of how community collaboration and entrepreneurship can transform lives. With the support of CherYsh, these women have not only revitalized a traditional craft but have also created a business that brings economic empowerment to their village and allows for children to remain in school. Each quilt is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of women working together to build a brighter, more colourful future. As Ashabi and her fellow artisans aim to take their quilts to every corner of the country, the Tattigere Quilting Collective represents a powerful story of empowerment, heritage preservation, and dreams that know no bounds.

CherYsh English Shiksha Program

Education of girls in rural India is one of the cornerstone principles at CherYsh. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why CherYsh was founded. Another pivotal program under this principle is the “CherYsh English Shiksha Program.” The CherYsh English, Science and Maths (ESM) Shiksha Program, in partnership with the Deshpande Foundation and supported by Tata Elxsi’s CSR initiative, empowers rural students aged 10 to 14 in Haliyal Taluk, Karnataka. Over three years, this initiative has enhanced English proficiency, self-confidence, and essential communication skills among students, enabling them to understand computing technologies, pursue higher education and better opportunities. Partnering with Deshpande Foundation, Hubli (https://detedu.org/skill-in-village/), the SiV is an after-school program for students in primary and upper primary classes (Grade 5-8) of government schools in rural areas to equip them with life skills and English communication skills. Our program model gets embedded in the communities, steadily knitting itself with the various stakeholders—students, parents, School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members, and village Panchayats. Overview and ImpactThe program targets 30 to 35 students per Shiksha Center, benefiting over 1,000 students annually across 30+ villages and over 20 government schools. In addition to improving language skills, it fosters critical life skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. Young women from local communities are selected and trained as Learning Facilitators, providing them with respectable, prestigious and sustainable livelihoods. Major Outcomes– Improved spoken and written English skills.– Boosted student confidence and vocabulary.– Enhanced communication and life skills through interactive activities and workshops. Program Goals and ObjectivesTo educate rural students with proficient English language skills, foster confidence, and develop essential life skills, enabling holistic growth and better opportunities. The primary objectives were as follows: – Enhance Language Proficiency– Develop reading, listening, and speaking skills.– Deliver curated language lessons using interactive methods.– Provide resources like workbooks and audio materials for extended learning.– Boost Self-Confidence– Conduct activities that encourage self-expression in English.– Facilitate group discussions and celebrate student achievements.– Track confidence improvements through pre-and post-assessments.– Foster Effective Communication– Engage students in role-plays, presentations, and peer-interaction activities.– Provide constructive feedback on communication style and clarity.– Instil Life Skills– Organize workshops on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership.– Promote teamwork through collaborative projects.– Enable real-life applications of life skills and monitor progress. Key Activities– Language Proficiency– Conduct baseline assessments and create tailored learning plans.– Deliver lessons focused on key language components—reading, writing, listening, and speaking.– Self-Confidence Building– Facilitate judgment-free group discussions and role-plays.– Recognize progress to boost students’ morale.– Effective Communication– Promote oral communication through interactive exercises.– Encourage peer collaboration and feedback for improvement.– Life Skills Development– Host workshops and collaborative activities to teach critical skills.– Provide opportunities for practical application and track development over time. Learning Facilitator DevelopmentThe program emphasizes the training of Learning Facilitators, with a robust 50+ session calendar supplemented by online modules. Women from local communities are equipped with pedagogy, technology, and subject coaching, transforming them into confident educators while improving learning outcomes for students. The CherYsh English Shiksha Program is a transformative initiative that bridges educational gaps, empowers students, and uplifts communities. By fostering confidence, communication, and life skills, the program ensures lasting impact for rural children and young women. What People Say “I’m Ravi Mantur, a Teregaon student. I thank CherYsh for their English Shiksha program. Before joining, English was challenging, but my skills improved significantly. I now speak English confidently. My parents are thrilled. Thanks to CherYsh excellent teaching methods, I can communicate confidently in English.” Ravi Mantur, Student, Belwatagi Village “I’m Jaishri, a CherYsh™ English Shiksha program facilitator. Before joining, my English was limited, but the program improved my communication and critical thinking skills. Activity-based learning and well-designed workbooks helped students retain what they learned. The program also emphasizes personality development, crucial for students’ overall growth. Today, I’m confident teaching English, and I owe it all to CherYsh™ and their excellent teaching methods.” Jaishri, English Shiksha, Learning Facilitator, Mundwad Village “As head of the Deshpande Foundation’s Skill in Village Program, I’m proud to partner with CherYsh™ to bring quality education to government schools in Haliyal district. CherYsh™’s strong network and local connections have been key to the program’s success. Ms. Kaveri, a cluster head and trainer, delivers well-prepared content and modules. Combined with Deshpande Foundation’s training and assessment tools, this partnership has positively transformed students’ lives. Classes 5 to 8 now receive quality education, boosting their confidence and motivation. This collaboration has also led to improved exam scores. We’d be delighted if CherYsh™ expanded its program beyond Haliyal district, impacting more communities and benefiting students across the region. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in rural students’ lives.” Harish, Deshpande Foundation, Skill-in-Village