December 23, 2023

Following the launch of a Livelihoods Development Program in November 2023 to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) in partnership with Anaha Trust, Sattva and Matai Society trained a number of IDPs on entrepreneurship and distributed sewing machines and kits to knit, make candles and incense sticks. The work is supported by the North American Manipur Association (NAMA), Manipuri Weddings and the Classic Group of Hotels.

The training and distribution program took place at Imphal Hotel on 23rd December 2023 and included a moment of silence in memory of (L) Shri Laishram Dineshchandra Singh who was instrumental in starting the Program. The event was graced by the Honourable Governor of Manipur, Sushri Anusuiya Uikey, who gave hope and encouraged the IDPs to make the best use of the training and the items being distributed. Also on the dais were Shri Thokchom Kirankumar, District Commissioner of Imphal West District, and Smt. Gurumayum Bidyakumari Devi, Trustee of MaolKeki Foundation. Late Dinesh’s widow, Smt. Sandhyarani Devi, and their children also attended the occasion and participated in handing out the materials to the IDPs from Bishnupur, Imphal West and Kakching districts. The event also featured a brief cultural performance by students of Laihui Ensemble anchored by folk artist Miss Mangka Mayanglambam.

One of the biggest challenges today is to make the IDPs economically self reliant as quickly as possible. MKF raised funds to provide them with basic training on entrepreneurship and supply materials to make handloom and handicraft products which will be sold through various channels. The proceeds will be channelled back to the IDPs to help them grow their means of income. The program is honouring late Dinesh’s memory by implementing what we had started together. Dinesh died in an unfortunate road accident and we hope this program will keep his memory alive while also raising awareness of road safety and the need for people to drive carefully looking out for each other’s safety.

To implement the program through regular engagement, support, monitoring and evaluation, MaolKeki Foundation also recruited two Program Assistants based in Imphal West and Bishnupur Districts. If you would like to partner with us by supporting the IDPs in upskilling or marketing their products, please write to contact@maolkekifoundation.org.

About MaolKeki Foundation
MaolKeki Foundation (MKF) is a pioneering organization established with the purpose of catalysing positive development in Manipur primarily in the areas of agriculture, education and healthcare. MaolKeki Foundation is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, and more information can be found at http://www.maolkekifoundation.org or via the MKF social media pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.