Welcome to Avacayam, Our Disability Livelihood Program
Baskets made from Waste Plastics & Fabrics
These vibrant patterns, coupled with canvas as an inner lining are converted to functional as well as aesthetically pleasing baskets for storage or laundry purposes.
We upcycle multi-layered packaging (MLP) waste, like Chips packets, Chocolate wrappers etc. into creative products. Perfect size for storing away seasonal clothes or can be used for dirty laundry.
Durable is the word of the day!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead
PAPER MACHE - FRIDGE MAGNETS
These fridge magnets are made from discarded paper. Our Artist with Disabilities upcycle waste paper into these beautiful faces..
A creative outlook on waste generated, our work focuses not just with the challenges of equitable environment development but also pays equal attention to the human development as well.
Bringing the two extremely significant challenges together.
How It All Started
"During the early years of the organization, our work solely focused on the education of the mentally challenged. We tackled issues related to mental health and societal integration through education and skill development.
However, the reality of life echoed through the parents of the disabled.
"What is the point of education and training when no one will hire them?"
This statement rattled in my heart for quite sometime. One day, as I was stuck in a traffic jam near a bridge, I saw people as well as priests throwing plastic bags with things in it into the river. It turned out to be flowers and other items of worship and the banks of Yamuna were cluttered with items that were meant to appease the gods.
I was infuriated. I wanted to do something about it. Thus our flower recycling work started. We started approaching temples in early 2001 and started the very first flower recycling drive in India.
Though it was a successful initiative, concerns of the parents of the beneficiaries resurfaced. Then an idea germinated in my mind and AVACAYAM - a Disability Livelihood Initiative was born."
- Dr. Madhumita Puri
Avacayam - the "Go Natural' initiative of Society for Child Development.
It is staffed entirely by people with disabilities. Our aim is to create a platform of equal opportunities for people with disabilities by creating job opportunities.
Our other arm, Trash to Cash skills people with disabilities (especially those from low income communities) to recycle waste materials that we collect from factories into handicraft items for everyone to enjoy.
So, come and see our new creative endeavors and join us in creating a healthy new world.
Mobile School for Children with special needs
donate to Prabhat
Did you know that India generates 34 lack tones of plastic waste every year. Join us and together we will recycle plastic waste.