CHINAR International, SIDBI Open Skill Centres to empower children with disabilities
Srinagar, Sep 13: Children with disabilities, particularly those with hearing and speech impairments, often remain excluded from mainstream skill development programs, limiting their employment and entrepreneurship prospects. To address this gap, CHINAR International, in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), has launched three specialized Skill Development Centers (SDCs) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative aims to equip children with practical, income-generating skills tailored to their abilities. The SDCs will provide structured training in three key areas—cutting and tailoring, digital literacy, and crafts and arts. Each course is designed to be inclusive, practical, and outcome-oriented, enabling participants to generate income individually or through collaborative ventures.
“After a thorough assessment, SIDBI and CHINAR International collaborated to provide skill development opportunities for children with disabilities, enabling them to monetise their skills in the future.
By focusing on underserved and vulnerable groups, we are helping restore hope and confidence among those often left behind,” said Javeed Hajam, Assistant Director, CHINAR International.
The new centres are located at Abhinandan Home School in Srinagar and Chotay Taray Office in Bemina. Abhinandan is the only institution in J&K offering formal education to children with hearing and speech impairments, while Chotay Taray supports children with Down syndrome, motor impairments, and other developmental conditions.
At Abhinandan Home School, students will receive training in cutting and tailoring from basic to advanced levels, preparing them for employment in the garment industry or for launching small tailoring businesses. Digital literacy courses will equip students with essential technology skills, enabling employment, freelancing, or entrepreneurship in today’s digital economy.
The crafts and arts program at Chotay Taray Office will introduce participants to traditional and contemporary techniques, nurturing creativity while opening avenues for small businesses, exhibitions, and local market participation. Each program runs for four months, with CHINAR International providing ongoing support in applying acquired skills. “Tailoring graduates will receive help setting up small units with equipment and raw materials, digital literacy graduates will explore micro-business or freelance opportunities, and craft graduates will gain guidance on product development, marketing, and exhibitions,” Hajam added.
Participants will also be encouraged to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote collaboration, resource-sharing, and financial independence. These groups will be guided in accessing government schemes and micro-financing options.
