Cyclone Thane – 29th & 30th December
Atelier Shanti was the first structure of rehabilitation of former leprosy patients, cured, in southern India, we, Volontariat, are very proud of that. It started in 1966 to give dignity to men and women, rejected by the society because of the stigma of their illness.
Over time, have been welcomed, too, people, physically disabled (crippled, polio victims, a cardiac patient, a young woman born with one arm, etc.) and socially disabled women with dependent children.
So far, our exclusive "customers", the helping committees of France and Belgium, were able to give them a regular work through their voluntary work and dedication.
But, in recent years, for various reasons, including competition with Chinese textile production at lower prices (and often lower quality), the number and volume of orders fell significantly, resulting in an irregular planning production, especially for sewing and embroidery sections.
The year 2009 is already catastrophic for the future of the Atelier and its workers: even if they are still at work on this month of October, only one order remains to be honored. For the past months, it is mainly the committee of Toulouse who, through their sales, kept our head above the water level, a hearty thank to our friends in Toulouse. But now, the drowning is near!
We need, urgently, orders for sections of sewing and embroidery. The workers of these sections will be jobless from this week. For the weavers, there are still two months of work, but then what to do with them?
We must go, no doubt, to other forms of trade: would not be the time to start an online sale system for some well chosen models? Can we ask some of the committees to sell, even at loss, their stock of old fabrics or made ups, so that they will get cash for new orders?
Or should we give up and close the Atelier Shanti?
THEIR future depends on what WE will decide.
