The spadework to establish a vocational unit for the mentally retarded was laid during 1990. Pathway has been introducing various skills in this area. Making of ball pen refills and marketing the same was taken up very successfully. Similarly many other things such as making urns for lighting deepavali lights, making of attractive candles, envelopes and many other things were done.
Pathway with the assistance of Misereor M.V of Germany implemented well organized a fullfledged vocational unit at Koothavakkam, Kancheepuram district. This comprised of setting up of a large industrial shed of 5000 square feet with some area earmarked for residence of trainees, kitchen area, besides dining hall and bathrooms were built.
In 1991 This unit was inaugurated with a large wood working unit equipped with various machineries such as wood working lathe, planners, cutting machine, electrical saw and other equipment. In addition to this a number of hand operable plastic injection moulding and blow moulding equipment were also installed. Many eligible boys were taken for training in wood working and carpentry as well as in injection and blow moulding.
After years of training it was felt that woodworking and carpentry was fairly well suited to our adult mentally retardates. Three batches of more than 25 adult mentally retarded boys have been trained in this unit. This unit has three well-qualified instructors in wood working who have proven to be assets for the organization. Boys have been trained in various aspects of woodworking and this unit has turned out considerable work in the following ways:
- Production of windows, doors and other building needs
- Production ofTeaching aids and gadgets
- Production of high class furniture
- Production of class room furniture and requirements
- Turn key operation in interior decoration
In addition to the above, recently, weaving was also introduced. Boys are being trained to work in the production of towels, napkins, etc.
