August 2026
Monthly Report
Empowering women artisans through market-linked production, skill development, sustainable livelihoods, institutional partnerships and community-based enterprise.
A Month of Artisan Enterprise, Market Linkages & Growth
During August 2026, the WE Project Store continued to strengthen women-led livelihoods through skill development, festive product sales, customized institutional orders, artisan production, enterprise mentoring and market-linked opportunities. The month highlighted the growing capacity of women artisans to deliver quality handcrafted products for individual, institutional and ceremonial requirements.
Date-wise Activities
Crochet Training for Fresh Trainees
Crochet training was provided by Lavina to fresh trainees in Faridabad, supporting the development of practical handicraft skills and creating a foundation for future livelihood opportunities.
Handcrafted Rakhis for Raksha Bandhan
Every year, through artisan Anisha from the Amrita SANKALP AVSAR Skill Training Programme, the WE STORE aka SnehaSudha produces handcrafted rakhis for Raksha Bandhan, celebrating the bond of love, trust and lifelong protection between siblings.
WE Store Designer Muskan Chhatwal created a dedicated catalogue to support the festive product promotion.
Raksha Bandhan Rakhi Sales
Handcrafted rakhis were sold at Amrita University on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. A total of 246 rakhis were sold, creating a direct market opportunity for women artisans.
WE STORE Sponsors CRPF Rakhi Celebrations
The WE STORE aka SnehaSudha was a proud sponsor of the CRPF Rakhi celebrations at Amritapuri Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, supplying rakhis and sweets for the occasion.
200 Crochet Sunflower Keychains for Wedding Gifts
An order was received on 1 August 2026 for 200 crochet sunflower keychains as wedding guest gifts. The order was executed by Bincy Chechi and Sreeshma Chechi.
All 200 handcrafted keychains were successfully delivered on 28 August 2026 for the wedding scheduled on 30 August 2026. The WE STORE team conducted a quality check of every piece before delivery to ensure consistency and product quality.
50 Green & Maroon Tote Bags for Agentic AI Boot Camp
The WE Store aka SnehaSudha received an order from Sumitra of Create for the Agentic AI Boot Camp. 50 green and maroon tote bags were prepared and handed over for a workshop at Amrita University, Nagercoil.
The bags were intended as part of a kit for distinguished speakers. They were handcrafted by women from the Sivasakthi Tailoring Unit trained under Amrita's flagship Sankalp Avsar Skill Training Programme.
Two Mural Paintings for Graduation Ceremony 2026
An order was received from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amaravati Campus, for two mural paintings for the Graduation Ceremony 2026. The artworks were created by Sharmila Chechi and Anugrahi Chechi, artisans trained under the UNDP Skill Training Project (2012).
The completed mural paintings were presented as commemorative gifts to Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President of India, and Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for Education, IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Andhra Pradesh, during the convocation held on 5 August 2026.
Mentoring for Business Restructuring & Online Shopping
The WE Project Store aka SnehaSudha is transitioning into a full-fledged business. In pursuit of this endeavour, the team was mentored by Aleix Carreras, a professor from Department d'Educació i Formació Professional, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, on restructuring processes, designing an online shopping portal and revamping the business structure.
2,000 Foldable Bags for Amrita Admissions Office
An order was received from the Amrita Admissions Office on 12 August 2026 for 2,000 foldable bags. The order was undertaken by the Amritam Amrita Sree SHG.
As per the first delivery schedule, 600 bags were delivered on 31 August 2026 and distributed to Amrita Vidyalayam teachers for Teachers' Day. The remaining bags will be delivered in the coming days.
From Handcrafted Orders to Growing Enterprise
August 2026 demonstrated the expanding capacity of the WE Project Store to connect women artisans with festive, institutional, ceremonial and customized markets.
From 200 handcrafted crochet sunflower keychains and 50 tote bags to 2,000 foldable bags and handcrafted murals, artisans were supported to undertake orders with defined quantities, timelines and quality requirements.
The Store's transition towards a full-fledged business, supported by mentoring on restructuring and online shopping, represents an important step towards stronger market access and sustainable community-based enterprise.
August 2026 Photo Gallery
Click any image to view it in full size.
Creating Opportunities Through Enterprise
Women's Empowerment
Creating income and livelihood opportunities for women artisans.
Skill Development
Strengthening crochet, tailoring, creative and entrepreneurial skills.
Market Linkages
Connecting artisans with institutional, festive and customized markets.
Sustainable Enterprise
Building women-led enterprises through responsible production and stronger market access.
Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals
The August 2026 activities of the WE Project Store contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals.
SDG 4
Quality Education through skill development, training and practical learning.
SDG 5
Gender Equality through women's participation, empowerment and livelihood opportunities.
SDG 8
Decent Work & Economic Growth through artisan employment, enterprise and market access.
SDG 9
Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure through business restructuring and digital enterprise development.
SDG 12
Responsible Consumption & Production through handcrafted and reusable product development.
SDG 17
Partnerships for the Goals through institutional and community collaborations.
Empowering Women. Building Livelihoods. Growing Enterprise.
The August 2026 activities reflect the WE Project Store's continued commitment to women's empowerment, skill development, market access, sustainable livelihoods and the growth of community-based women-led enterprises.