Apne Aap Women's Collective

Contributed by Ridhi D'Cruz

Dedicated to helping one of the most exploited groups - sex workers, this NGO has spent 6 years establishing strong ties with the women it seeks to empower. Abused in every sense of the word these women know they have a safe place to go to...be it to sleep, wash up, or even just talk.

Addressing their problems and supporting them to get proper health care and to manage their money in microsavings accounts, Apne Aap chooses to attack the problem from a much wider angle. It provides a creche facility for the toddlers of the women and educational faciltites like after schooltuitions and vocational training for their older daughters. This way they try to ensure that second generation prostitution is prevented...and so far... this "Sparrow' Programme with the young girls has been 100% successful.

Contact person
Manju Vyas

Apne Aap Women's Collective,
1st lane Khetwadi,
1st Floor Municipal School,
Near Alankar Cinema,
Mumbai 400 004
India
Tel: + 91 22 2381 9721 or 2381 2189
Email: apneaap@gmail.com/ apneaap@vsnl.net

More about them on their website apneaap.info/test

The Anchorage

Contributed by Ridhi D'Cruz

One of the nicest environments I've worked in that deals with differently-abled people. Probably what strikes you the most is how warm and caring all the people who work there are. It's a tight-knit group where everyone gets generous portions of hugs and advice. Dealing with people who are mentally challenged with occupational therapy The Anchorage seeks to infuse purpose and pride by giving it's members work like assembling switches, packaging hospitality items and making beaded jewellery. The workplace comes alive with its festive afternoon Hindi Music sessions and everyone can be seen humming along as they go about their tasks.

Yoga, home skills, Music are some other activities that help in a holistic development.

More about them on their website www.rootedinhope.org/test

They are open Monday - Friday, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

Address
204/ 205 Nirman Kendra,
Dr E Moses Road,
Mahalakshmi,
Mumbai 400 011
Tel: +91 022 2493 6346
Email: theanchorage@gmail.com

Contact person
Mrs N Bhangar.

Kala Madhyam - Hearts and Crafts of India

Patua Artist from West Bengal

Chittara Artist from Karnataka

Kala Madhyam is a social entrepreneurship venture which attempts to bridge rural artisans with urban markets

They showcase folk and tribal art from Rajasthan (Phad), Bihar (Madhubani), Karnataka (Chittara), Maharashtra (Warli), West Bengal (Patua), Gujarat (Pithora), Orissa (Pattachitra), Madhya Pradesh (Gond). They also sell iron craft, tribal jewellery, Jaipur joothis, blue pottery, jute craft, bodo skirts, Channapatna toys and terracotta.


70% of the proceeds go directly back to the artisan communities. Their artists also paint murals directly on the walls of your homes and offices, pillars and terraces.

CONTACT:
Kala Madhyam
15/1, Clarke Road,
(Diagonally opp. Clarence School)
Richard's Town, Bangalore - 560005
Tel: 25497538/9845527836
TIMINGS: Mon-Fri, 11-7pm