Newspaper-made crafts to the rescue of trafficked women

Artemis Fountain Foundation is an NGO that works for the welfare of victim of trafficking. Over a period of time these women have developed unique newspaper made handicrafts which now has become source of livelihood for 25 women, trafficking victims now rescued and trying to come back to mainstream society. ART CUBE, an annual showcasing these artefacts was held on July 22 at the Taj Gateway. A new item Potochitra made from newspapers was launched on the occasion. How news papers are helping to get livelihood to some needy families was the subject. The products, purses, flower vase, Jewellery boxes, bags and so on can also be bought via www.artemisff.com.

The organisation has tried to find many different livelihood projects for them like masala grinding papad making, achar making but every time they approached small scale hotels or restaurants it was found that they see they rescued victims as a taboo. The artefacts make for excellent gift items and also reduce carbon foot print .

Artemis Fountain Foundation, as a group is working extensively to the cause of girl child education, women's empowerment. The foundation was chosen as the World Bank Global Summit CSR Partner for 2016 in India. The Fortuna Holy Academy - which hosts approx 192 children in pre-primary school and coaching mode (from Class V onwards) is located about 40 km from Kolkata. The NGO now plans to complete the half built school – Fortuna Holy Academy and to create the Handicraft Hub at Tollygunge which will be source of livelihood for many abandoned and trafficking victims who have been rescued. The city will then be host to an artisan hub of real artists with a sustainable livelihood for them in next two years.