To empower people with disabilities, Draktsho has launched its entrepreneurship foundation that will provide financial support to aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities. The initiative aims to address the employment challenges faced by Draktsho graduates. Initially meant only for students of Draktsho Vocational Centre, the organisation plans to expand the programme to all persons living with disabilities in the country wanting to start a business. The initiative was launched last Friday.
The initiative aims to enable people with disabilities with economic independence and foster a more inclusive society. Under the new initiative, students will have to pitch their business ideas and the chosen ones will get a loan of Nu 100,000.
“There are a lot of barriers to the availability of loan services and insurance schemes for persons living with disabilities. So, to break this barrier, we have decided to come up with the Draktsho entrepreneurship foundation. We will be providing a loan and insurance scheme for persons with disabilities and their families. We will also provide startups and also provide technical support whereby they can successfully venture into businesses,” said Tshewang Dendup, Program Officer, Draktsho vocational training centre.
He added that the foundation will not charge interest on the loans if the business is not successful.
At the launch, four beneficiaries were chosen to receive the loans. The business ideas included three tailoring shops and a carpentry and furniture unit.
“Even if we have the skills to operate a business, it is very difficult to start one due to financial challenges. If we were physically able like others, it would help ease this burden. However, for people like us who are physically impaired, financial aid is very helpful,” said Dorji Penjor, a graduate of Draktsho.
“I want to start a tailoring business with this grant. This way, I can stand on my own feet without depending on others,” said Pelden, Production Unit, Draktsho Vocational Training Centre.
“This will definitely benefit him because he likes to produce so many things. He even likes baking, producing bags and dolls. He does a lot of work at home so this will benefit him with so many things that he wants to produce. So I am really grateful for him,” said Pem Lhaden, a parent.
Draktsho Vocational Training Centre currently has more than 100 students, with almost 50 students in Thimphu and around 70 students in Draktsho East which is located in Trashigang.
Tashi Yangden
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
