Self employment programs for the rural women:

MTN continues to administer a practical training program for village girls and widows. In these outlying villages, literacy, hygiene and moral training is administered along with sewing classes. In addition, village women are also taught to read and write. This nine-month training program teaches young women to make clothes for men, women and children.

Once a woman has successfully completed this program she is encouraged to return to her community and share her newly acquired knowledge and skills. Pastor Paparao Yelchuri, who played a major role in the establishment of this institute, readily acknowledges that in India women are treated as second-class citizens. He also related that the Indian woman is seen as someone whose primary role in life is to bear children and look after the home. At the institute, however, these women receive much love and attention and come to understand the principle of equality between men and women, which greatly enhances their self-esteem.

When these once beaten down women return to their villages, they have a positive effect on their entire communities. These trained women bring back new ideas about health, hygiene and are vocal proponents about the importance of educating children. This program has given "life" to over 5,000 previously downtrodden and disadvantaged women who, with this practical training and a little encouragement, have become leaders in their villages and have helped to increase the quality of life for many others.

Please give serious consideration to giving to this program so MTN can continue to help these women better their own lives and many others as well.