AACHSNN conducts skill development workshops promoting sustainability and livelihoods (Jan–March 2026)

The Alumni Association of the College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan (AACHSNN) conducted quilting and patchwork workshops from January to March 2026 across Gujarat and Maharashtra. The initiative focused on skill development, sustainability, and women’s empowerment.

Quilting is a traditional textile art that involves stitching together layers of fabric to create functional and decorative products. Today, it is also a powerful medium for sustainable design and livelihood generation, transforming fabric scraps into value-added, marketable creations.

The Alumni Association of the College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan (AACHSNN), successfully conducted a series of three quilting and patchwork skill development workshops across Gujarat and Maharashtra at Nirmala Niketan Institute centres.

Locations Covered

• Koth, Gujarat (10 January 2026)
• Mumbai (21–22 February 2026)
• Karajgoan, Maharashtra (12–13 March 2026)

What Participants Learned

Participants were introduced to:

• Patchwork and quilting techniques
• Fabric selection, colour coordination, and finishing
• Sustainable use of pre-consumer fabric waste and scraps
• Product creation for everyday use and sale

Impact

• Enhanced confidence and self-esteem
• Encouraged creativity and design thinking
• Promoted sustainable, zero-waste practices
• Opened pathways for home-based income generation
• Sparked interest in entrepreneurship

SDG Contribution

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Empowering women with skills, confidence, and opportunities for self-reliance
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promoting livelihood generation through skill-based, home-based enterprises
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Reaching underserved communities, including tribal women and urban slum groups
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable practices by transforming pre-consumer fabric waste into useful products

Through these workshops, participants are not only gaining technical skills but also becoming part of a larger movement towards inclusive growth, sustainable living, and community empowerment.

Voices / Testimonials

“I will teach my daughter what I learnt.”
“We learnt neat finishing and new techniques.”
“This was my first time learning quilting in a proper way. I feel confident now.”
“I didn’t know fabric scraps could become something so beautiful and useful.”

What’s Next

• Advanced quilting workshops

• Online learning modules

• Opportunities for showcasing and selling products

• Continued guidance and networking

Acknowledgements: Preconsumer waste fabrics from Mahavir Textiles