ABOUT

My name is Bharti Manav and I am from the Kishanganj district of Bihar. I am 19 years old and am currently a member of the Swayam Seekhi (Self Learner) program at Project Potential which works with rural youth. I come from a small village where we are told from childhood that we must get government jobs, be teachers, doctors or engineers - but these are far reaches for village youth. Few people deviate from this path, instead following employment where it is available. It is not common to imagine working for ourselves, but I have always wanted to push the boundaries and through exploring alternative modes of employment with organizations like Project Potential, I have had the opportunity to start my own jewelry making enterprise.

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The jewelry made for Manavi (meaning both “natural” and the “feminine energy”) uses local, natural materials like bamboo, jute, rocks and seeds. These materials are naturally beautiful and biodegradable, thus creating little waste after use and they are readily available in our area. With this project I am also training the female tea labourers of Bhelatupi, Bihar to make jewelry as a form of additional income and to build their creative confidence. By contributing to my project you are helping me provide for myself, my community and the environment.

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To volunteer in alternative teaching, permaculture farming and creative confidence building please email namaste@projectpotential.org

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To volunteer directly with Manavi Natural Handicrafts please email bharti2015singh@gmail.com

Thank you for your support!