11th May, 2008

Electronics

This workshop was started in June 1996 with students from the electronics course within SISP which ended in May 2006. With 8 technicians they produced electronic starters, stereo amplifiers and FM radios. Due to a lack of sales and oversupply in the market some workers were transferred to the coconut unit and into the sewing workshop. As a result of the difficult sales and fierce competition from the Chinese market this workshop was closed on 31 december 2007.

Fashion (tailoring)

This is the latest workshop to be started. Three full-time workers and some trainees and project students work in this group. They take sewing work from both inside and outside SISP and create their own sewing and handicraft products.

CULTURE and SPORT

On Saturdays our children take part in our cricket and softball teams, led by one of our teachers or a volunteer. They reached the final in local tournaments and second prize in a football league. SISP's dance leader gives dance lessons to children and young people within SISP or children from the region, from families below the poverty line. The classes are on Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4. They danced several pieces at local festivals and tourist events and received high praise. They danced in the semi finals of the Kerala TV channel "Asianet" and hope to reach the final.

Kabeer, dance-leader and choreographer, guides the enthusiastic dance groups of children and young people on Saturdays and Sundays

Boys, especially, take to tailoring...

FINANCES

The financial year in India runs from 1 April until 31 March, the figures below therefore relate to 2006-2007. The figures for 2007-2008 are available only after inspection by a certified accountant in the course of the month of May 2008.

SISP had a budget of INR 2,213,600 for 2006-2007 and has spent INR 4,131,024. This overspend was mainly due to the purchase of land for the construction of the new SISP centre (INR 1,434,405). In addition there was an overspend of INR 400,000 (1 Euro is about INR 55). It went on extra costs for temporary contracts, school, medical help and school fees for the dropouts, the food provisions for families below the poverty line, launching new workshops and the purchase of a computer and related costs.

Fortunately we received additional funds from our donors and income from the workshops.

2008 Planning

Since SISP is fully committed to the construction of a new centre and the move from the old town, in 2008 there will be no extension of the workforce. The operation described above is optimal but without further put additional activities to be included, unless the construction of the budget for micro loans to the groups. We want it creating self-sufficiency as a way to break out of poverty.

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