Vocational Training
Stitching, crafts, cooking and small-business skills that turn learning into earning.
#EkBehtarShuruaat
A better beginning for women and girls in Odisha
Saanchi is a training centre of the Draupadi Devi Welfare Organisation in Barbil. We teach practical skills, spread menstrual-health awareness and make affordable sanitary pads, so women and specially-abled people can lead independent, fulfilling lives.
- DDWO has worked for children in Odisha since 2002
- 2002
- students reached by DDWO schools
- 5,000+
- DDWO schools, from pre-primary to secondary
- 4
- the year Saanchi opened its centre in Barbil
- 2023
About Saanchi
Promoting awareness, encouraging action
Saanchi works with women, specially-abled people and marginalised communities around Barbil. Through skill workshops, soft-skill classes and health campaigns, we help people build the confidence and income to stand on their own feet. By breaking the silence around menstruation, we are working towards a brighter future for everyone.
- Empowering women through education
- Skill development and vocational training
- Sanitary pad production by local women
- Self-sufficiency and independence
- Health and hygiene awareness campaigns
Health Education
Menstrual-health sessions in schools and villages that replace myths with facts.
Sanitary Pad Production
Local women make Saanchi pads at our Barbil unit, creating steady work close to home.
Support for Specially-abled Children
Therapy, personal attention and a joyful classroom at the DDWO School for Specially Abled.
Vocational training
From learning to earning
Transforming skills into opportunities
We believe that learning practical skills opens doors to confidence, creativity, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Skills we offer
- Stitching and textile crafts
- Home décor and utility products
- Art and creative crafts
- Lifestyle and personal care
- Culinary and cooking skills
- Packaging and small-enterprise skills
Why learn with us
- Practical, skill-based learning
- Experienced trainers
- Creative and entrepreneurial development
- A supportive learning environment
- Opportunities for self-employment
Skill · Confidence · Creativity · Independence
Made by local women, for every woman
Saanchi sanitary pads
Our production unit in Barbil makes sanitary pads from eco-friendly materials and sells them at affordable prices. Every pack supports work for women in our community and opens a conversation about menstrual health.
- Made in BarbilLocal women make and pack Saanchi pads at our own unit.
- Eco-friendly and affordableMade with eco-friendly materials at a price families can manage.
- Awareness with every packWe share pads during hygiene workshops in schools and communities.
Be part of the change
Community involvement
Support Saanchi by volunteering, buying our products and spreading awareness about our mission.
- Join an awareness programmeHelp us run menstrual-health sessions in schools and villages.
- Empower womenMentor trainees, teach a skill or help women find work.
- Support specially-abled childrenBack education and therapy at the DDWO School for Specially Abled.
- Distribute padsHelp Saanchi pads reach the women and girls who need them.
Stories and health know-how
From the blog
The Role of Skill Development in Building Self-Sufficient Communities
Skills help communities earn, cope with change and rely less on outside support. How skill development builds economic independence, social progress and sustainable growth.
4 min read
About Saanchi: Empowering Communities through Education and Skill Development
How Saanchi, a DDWO training centre in Odisha, helps women and specially-abled people build skills, confidence and independence through training, health awareness and pad production.
2 min read
How Often Should You Change Your Pad?
Most people should change their pad every 4 to 6 hours, and never wear one for more than 8. What changes that timing, the signs it’s time to change, and simple hygiene tips.
5 min read
Moments from Saanchi and DDWO schools
Gallery
Be at the forefront of social welfare
Volunteer with us or visit the centre in Barbil. We would love to hear from you.