The NDO Board and management proposed a pilot project on traditional woolen products in Nagar seeking the financial and technical support from Planning and Development (P&D), Northern Areas.
This project has shown its results in the Pilot Phase by reviving the fast vanishing traditional artisan work with wool and wood. This includes spinning, weaving and cutting work for the traditional Woollen Patti by an innovative idea of involving the local women, introducing modern technology and value adding methodology as well as marketing. It was the first time in the history of Nagar that women could give a finishing touch to the work of weaving the patti. Traditionally women could only spin the thread, while the men were supposed to know the job of weaving. It will be a great step for women's emancipation in the future.
Similarly the woodwork involved in making wooden spoons, forks, trays, pots and so many other catering utensils of traditional design by local male artisans was supported and enhanced.
Alhamdullillah, the pilot project in these two arts has shown a landmark response from the market point of view and the revitalization of local culture, women knowlegde and poverty reduction.
The two female Master Trainers trained a group of 20 ladies of different ages (of who had nothing to do but the traditional role as house wives) in the future of the market of the traditional products of Nagar and Northern Areas. This project was established in the NDO Handicraft Centre, Jaffarabad in the auspices of Project Manager representing P&D. She visited the facility frequently and remained in verbal contact through meetings with the chairman of the NDO directly. Due to her tireless efforts and encouragement the project was successfully completed within a period of six months in July 2008.
