MaolKeki Foundation

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

We have multiple projects funded by different organisations. Azim Premji Foundation enables the formation of SHGs to produce quality handloom and handicraft products, while another with / Sattva provides the necessary support to ensure high quality products and market readiness. Without the combination, producers are left with products customers aren’t aware of, or do not want to buy as the products do not meet quality standards. Or, worse, customers may love the products, but the producers are unable to supply large quantities as they have not harmonised quality at scale. This is why an implementation partner like the MaolKeki Foundation is crucial in empowering sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Earlier this week, our 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 (DEA) team visited the resettlement area at Sugnu, Kakching District, to meet a newly formed Self Help Group ( ) of 10 women who were internally displaced until recently. Last week, our 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 team had delivered loin looms and yarns to support the group in starting their weaving activities so, during the team’s visit, they discussed the necessary production requirements such as thread count, product sizes, etc. while also perusing over the challenges faced while using new looms.

Many members of this group are also skilled in , making handmade dolls, flowers, and decorative items. Before the SHG was formally formed, they had already prepared over 300 crochet items for a fair which was cancelled due to the recent increase in social unrest leaving the products unsold. To support the women and help create market access, the team collected around 154 crochet items during the visit to be sold in other ways, and some of which will be promoted during the upcoming 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 event in , .

The team also visited one of our 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬 (AEs), Mr. Yengkhom Robi who is engaged in production, to check on his progress and extend support for branding, including logo design, product labelling, and market expansion to help grow his enterprise. The team also visited the Lamboikhongnangkhong Relief Camp to check on the progress of five SHGs and review their SHG records and books.

The visits were led by our Head of Projects, Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, and accompanied by Ms. Chingkheinganbi (DEA Project Manager), Ms. Sylvya Tourangbam (DEA Project Assistant), and Mr. Erban Ahmed (Livelihoods Project Assistant who until recently was with the now-concluded AE Development Program).

Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation - AEGF

As part of the ongoing Livelihoods Development Program funded by the Azim Premji Foundation, the team is conitnuing its support to resettlement communities in Sugnu, Kakching District. Earlier on Thursday, team MaolKeki Foundation visited Sugnu to deliver a loin loom and yarn to a group of 11 SHG members comprising of four trainers and seven trainees, all of whom are actively engaged in loin loom weaving activities.

Following the distribution, the team met with members of Anouba Yening SHG who until only a few months ago had been residing at Kangabok Relief Camp. The group members have now resettled in their own in Sugnu and are continuing their handloom work independently. During the interaction, the members shared the challenges they are facing, particularly the limited availability of yarn in the Sugnu and Serou areas, as well as the high cost of yarn in nearby markets. The team discussed these concerns and explored possible support mechanisms to address the issue.

On the way back to the office, the team had a brief interaction with one of our , Mr. Thokchom Nganthoi, at his farm to review ongoing activities and exchange updates. Thursday’s visit was led by our Head of Projects, Ms. Nirupa Sanjenbam, and accompanied by Mr. Kenedy Lourembam (Livelihoods Project Manager), Mr. Erban Ahmed (Project Assistant), and Mr. Kabiraj Pukhrambam (Project Assistant). Team remains committed to strengthening sustainable livelihoods, supporting resettled communities, and building long-term resilience among SHG members.

Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation - AEGF Sattva