FLO Chennai, under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Amulya Rao, launched the Sustainable Tailoring & Livelihood Centre at Arpanam Trust as a strategic initiative under its Life Skills Initiative. Rather than creating another training programme, the initiative establishes a permanent community-based skilling hub that will continue to support women through continuous learning, production, and livelihood opportunities.
The tailoring machines were generously sponsored by FLO member Ms. Neeta Fagun, whose vision of empowering women through skill development has made this centre possible. Her contribution represents an investment in long-term livelihood creation rather than a one-time donation. Arpanam, a facilitation centre supporting Tamil Nadu Skill Development initiatives, provides the right ecosystem to expand government-aligned skilling programmes and strengthen industry partnerships.
The centre has been designed to offer continuous training through multiple modules, enabling women to progress from basic tailoring to advanced skills, production, entrepreneurship, and market readiness. The next phase of the initiative will facilitate access to buyers and institutions so trained women can take on commercial and bulk tailoring orders, creating regular income and sustainable livelihoods.
The event brought together 40 participants, including FLO members, partners, and community stakeholders, to share the larger vision of building a sustainable livelihood ecosystem. The programme also demonstrated how the Life Skills, Outreach, and Circular Economy verticals can work together to maximise social impact through collaboration and shared resources.
More importantly, the centre creates continuity. It establishes permanent infrastructure, partnerships, and systems that future FLO leadership can continue to strengthen and expand. This ensures that the impact of the initiative extends well beyond a single term, creating a lasting legacy for women, families, and the community.