Tribal Welfare Society is proud to announce the inauguration of our newest vocational training center in the Golaghat district of rural Assam. This milestone represents over two years of planning, fundraising, and community consultation — and marks one of the most significant expansions in our organization's 30-year history.
Artisans in the new center during our soft-launch week, March 2026.
Why Assam, Why Now?
Golaghat district has long been home to displaced tribal communities with exceptionally deep roots in traditional handloom craft — particularly the Mising and Deori communities whose weaving traditions date back centuries. Despite this living heritage, consistent income from craft has remained elusive due to lack of market access, outdated equipment, and absence of formal business training.
Our field coordinators first identified the opportunity in early 2024, following a community needs assessment. The response from local artisan families was overwhelming — over 80 households expressed immediate interest in enrollment before the center even broke ground.
What the Center Offers
- 12 Power Looms & 8 Frame Looms — sourced through our procurement partnership with a Varanasi-based manufacturer
- 6-month Intensive Vocational Course — covering weaving technique, quality control, and fabric finishing
- Business & Digital Literacy Modules — equipping artisans to sell on online marketplaces, manage accounts, and negotiate with buyers
- Childcare Pod — enabling mothers of young children to participate without interruption
- Monthly Stipend — ₹3,000/month per active trainee for the duration of the first course
Phase 2 Plans
Subject to continued donor support, we plan to expand the center with a dedicated dyeing and finishing annexe by Q4 2026, which will allow artisans to produce finished, market-ready goods entirely on-site — further increasing margins and reducing dependence on external processing units.
“This is not just a building. This is proof that when someone believes in you, you can produce miracles. My grandmother wove these same patterns for herself. Now I weave them for the world.”— Rebika Mising, Inaugural Batch Artisan
The first enrollment batch of 52 artisans officially began their training on March 3, 2026. We invite donors, volunteers, and organizations interested in partnering with us to reach out through our contact page.