Livelihood & Economic Empowerment

ATSWA Trust has been promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment since 1999, enabling women, youth, persons with disabilities, fishermen, and marginalized families to build income security and long-term resilience. Through structured skill development, enterprise promotion, SHG strengthening, and crisis-responsive economic protection, the programme has impacted thousands across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Between 1999 and 2016, with support from Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM), over 1,000 women and youth received income-generation training to establish micro-enterprises. In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, 1,000 tsunami-affected women (2005–2010) were supported with employment and self-employment opportunities. Livelihood strengthening efforts have also included the distribution of 16 fibre boats with engines to fishermen in Pazhaverkadu, 421 alternative livelihood supports, and revolving funds to 750 Self-Help Group members.

ATSWA Vocational Skill Training Centre (2016–2025)

Established in 2016, the ATSWA Vocational Skill Training Centre institutionalised employability pathways through certification-based skill development under NCVRT and Skill India frameworks. The centre has delivered training across nine major trades, including Diploma in Nursing, Lab Technician, Beauty & Wellness, Cosmetology, Tailoring & Aari Embroidery, Cutting & Designing, Tally & Computer Applications, Mobile & Electronic Repair, Electrical & Appliance Repair, and Driving.

Currently, the centre operates structured programmes in five NCVRT-certified trades. Between 2022 and 2023 alone, recent skill development partnerships trained over 1,000 youth across retail management, healthcare assistance (GDA), tailoring, telecom services, and employability-linked certification programmes.

Inclusive Skilling for Persons with Disabilities

Through inclusive training initiatives such as the Pankh Retail Management Programme (2023–2026) and partnerships with disability-focused institutions, ATSWA has ensured employability pathways for youth with disabilities. 70% of trained youth secured employment or self-employment opportunities.

Women SHGs, Seed Funding & Micro-Enterprise Augmentation

ATSWA has strengthened women’s collective economic leadership through structured Self-Help Group promotion and seed capital support. 750 SHG members have received revolving funds and enterprise development assistance. Recently, 50 women entrepreneurs received seed money support to expand or stabilize their existing businesses, reinforcing sustainable income pathways.