The training for the second batch of artisans began on 12 May 2003 and concluded on 12 July 2003. A total of 33 participants attended the programme. They were from the same AHVY/ UNDP clusters as in the first batch and the breakup of the batch was as follows:
1. Syntien Cluster, Mawsynram under ROILANG                            12
2. Syntien Cluster, Mawsynram under INGON                                  8
3. Nengsangre AHVY Cluster, Williamnagar under INGON              2
4. Sohra Cluster, Cherrapunjee under MEGHALOOM                     6
5. Jowai Cluster under ROILANG                                                    1
6. Local participants                                                                          4
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                                                                                             Total   33

The tasks given for the project included: Imparting training to a group of artisans to develop a range of specified products with emphasis on finish and quality using industrially developed tools, techniques and technology provided at the CFC. The product category included:

1. Tea bags

2. Napkin Holders

3. Packaging for cosmetics and wine

A routine and structure of the training for the two months was prepared by the designer in consultation with the Chief Functionary, Ms.Hasina Kharbhih and were prepared as follows:

ROUTINE

10:00 – 10:30 Attendance and discussion of the day’s assignment

10:30 – 12:00 Training

12:00 – 1:00 Lunch recess

1:00 – 3:00 Training

COURSE STRUCTURE

WEEK      TASK

1               SAMPLE DEVELOPMENT – Weave
                  patterns/ traditional products

2               PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION

3                JIGS/ PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES/ WORKSHOP SKILL

4 - 8           PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT -Working with specifications
 

PROCEEDINGS

The Trainees:

The second batch was a mix of skilled as well as unskilled individuals. The ones from Mawsynram were the more skilled while the rest were part time artisans or totally new to basketry. To enable better learning andparticipation among them, the following procedure was implemented:
• Identification of skill- the participants were categorized into three categories of

Experts:     Mastercraftspersons or artisans with exceptional abilities and skills. (7)

Skilled:      Craftpersons who are skilled and have the ability to developfurther. (12)

Unskilled:   People who are learning the craft. (10)
 

Among them seven Experts, twelve Skilled and ten unskilled were identified.

• Formation of seven groups, each group consisting of members from the three categories.
• Allocation of specific tasks for group members.

The unskilled members began with preparing the material; preparing the splices- maintaining size and finish

The skilled were given prototypes to be developed while the Experts were given the task of making the specified products and also to guide the other members of the group.

A final evaluation of the groups was made on the basis of performance of each participant. The Performance was divided into

• Status

• Skill

• Dedication to the work

• Understanding

• Interaction/Participation

• Progress

On the whole the performance of the batch has been very good. They were hard working and very enthusiastic about new products. Some of them are very skilled and need to focus on conceptual skills while others need to work more. What was seen as the only drawback was the sharing of ideas which was less prevalent in the entire two months.


The Products

In all a total of 221 complete products were made during the two months of training. During the training a number of products were either sold or sent for display to the Harrogate Fair in the UK and also to the deputy Commissioner of Handicrafts in Delhi as prototypes. The development of the prototypes was divided into three stages:

1. Concept development - various concepts were explored regarding the specified products. Different weaving  
    techniques and material combination were explored. Here the progress was step by step approach. A concept
    leading to the development of the next until a desired state was reached and was finalised for the next stage.

2. Development of Jigs - Once the concepts were finalized, appropiate jigs were developed by the craftsmen
    themselves for the next stage. There were four main jigs that were developed.

3. Prototype Development - Using the prepared jigs, the actual prototypes were developed.

The final prototypes were of 8 types with variations.

Product Variations

Tea bags                   1
Napkin Holder          2
Wine bottle bags       2
Cosmetic Packaging  2
Handbags                 3
Spectacle case          1
Wallet                       1
Dry food basket        1

The number of Final prototypes are quite less compared to the amount of products that have been produced. The reason for this was that even after specific instructions were given not all the participants were able to come up with the given requirements. This can be attributed to several factors:

Material: The bamboo used in the training was suitable for the artisans as it was of the same species they use in the village. The Artisans were asked to procure the material by themselves as they know how to choose the most suitable ones. Due to environmental conditions ( climate, geography, etc...) and the usage of the material by the artisans, the main problem with the material was the treatment. The bamboo which is used in the green stage tends to mould. This would require either pre-treatment of the bamboo before using it or at the final stage when the product is complete.

Machinery & Tools

The machinery and tools provided at the CFC are very useful if used properly. They have been designed to perform specific functions, most importantly to ease the workload of the craftsman. Almost all of the bamboo machinery at the CFC are in working condition. The ones that are working need more adjustments and maintenance to ensure better performance. What is really required is a workshop or technical training on these machines that have been installed to test the machines on the amount of possibilities they offer and the proper use and maintainance that is required for them.
 

The tools can be divided into two types:

Power tools: Electrically operated, these tools come in a variety from ones that can handle heavy work to small compatible ones. They are very useful as they ease and speed up the work to be done and are relatively easy to understand as to how they are to be used.

Hand Tools: These tools come in a Kit designed at IDC Mumbai. The kit has been specifically designed for bamboo work and contains a variety of tools that are very helpful. Not all the tools were used at the training programme except for the ones that the artisans felt the need for. According to the trainees some of the tools were not useful, for they did not suit their style of work. An interesting obsevation was that some of the tools were used effectively but not as the intended function of the tool.

The Tool Kit is very useful as it has tools that take details into consideration. It would take some time to get used to the tools as the artisans make use of only two tools in their work, an axe and a knife which are multi purpose.

The Training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participating artisans. It was attended by members of the various organizations directly or indirectly involved with the CFC The Chief Guest for the occassion was Mr. S Dkhar, Assistant Director, Development Commissioner of Handicrafts (NER). The training ended with tea being served and participation in a group photo session of everyone who were present on that day.