Silence, India
In 1979 a small group of deaf artists in Kolkata grouped together to establish Silence, with the dream of economic self sufficiency.
Originally given some support by well wishers and funding agencies Silence is immensely proud that for more than the past 10 years the organization has been self sufficient. Silence not only creates craft products, they also train disabled people in Information Technology and data entry. They employ around 100 people, 75% of whom are handicapped.
In SILENCE, they believe that the differently-able should be treated with respect and not with sympathy; given a proper foundation each one can lead a decent life with dignity and respect.
FAIR TRADE:
Fair Trade is another activity that SILENCE is passionate about. SILENCE believes in Fair Trade and is an international partner of the World Fair Trade Organization. SILENCE sincerely believes that each one should have a right to a fair wage and one shouldn't be deprived of it. Additionally, SILENCE disapproves of middlemen and it tries to eliminate them in the supply-chain model so that the legitimate producer of product or service gets a fair deal.
PRODUCTION:
SILENCE believes in self reliance - both for its members and the organization. It has been operating production-units for quite some time, with the sole aim of creating profits for its members and the organization. Candles, Incense stick, Costume jewelry etc. are a few of the handicraft items being produced from the units.
These products are mostly for exports to the foreign market. The products are also sold through an exclusive SILENCE Store in Kolkata.
Training:
SILENCE has a Training Institute in Kolkata for the differently able people. SILENCE gives training on Art & Craft, Commercial Art, Computer Data Entry, Computer Hardware Maintenance etc. in collaboration with Jadavpur University and Govt. of West Bengal.
Most of the students get employment after attaining the courses; many of them get absorbed in SILENCE and they start earning their living by working in SILENCE, while many have opened their own production units.