KOZHIKODE: In a bid to empower some 750 terminally ill patients to eke out a living in a better way, the 'Neighbourhood Network in Palliative Care' (NNPC), a popular state-supported initiative, has started training them in fabric painting for them and their families. Executed through Footprints, the rehabilitation wing of NNPC supported by students, a training session was held at Institute of Palliative Medicine (IPM) here on Saturday. At present, the patients are trained in making bags, umbrellas, dolls, bamboo pens and ornaments.
NNPC state coordinator Jose Pulimoottil said they selected only talented 26 participants the training. The coloured clothes would be sold out for a better price. "Moves are also afoot to rope in the expertise of fashion designers and other experts in designing the painting works in tune with the modern trends which would be sold out through the student groups on 31 campuses across the district," he told DC. Umbrella making is the main revenue earning project of the movement. Each patient with the support of kith and kin would make up to 30 umbrellas per day of which each umbrella would earn him around Rs 40.
"There are many residents' associations, societies, institutions and other organisations purchasing our umbrellas every year," he said. "Exhibitions and events are the main selling points. Student volunteers from one school sold out 500 umbrellas on a single day at the city bus stand. There are eight persons engaged in electronic choke making." More than 4,000 students are involved in the activities of palliative care through the movement, Students in Palliative (SnP), under NNPC. Last year students have managed to raise a fund of nearly Rs 20 lakh.
