An exemplary multi-stakeholder approach to the Social Entrepreneurship programme was conducted on 20th July 2022 at St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam. The project of manufacturing eco-friendly toys from textile waste is implemented under the aegis of HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture and Livelihood) Kochi Project of Cochin Corporation, the Federal Bank CSR initiative- Hormis memorial foundation, Bhume Women’s Collective, Teresian Innovation and Business Incubation Centre ( TIBIC), St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam and TiE Kerala.
The momentous event witnessed the transfer of cheque of Rs. 8,36,400/- from Sri. Joy Thomas, Vice President and Regional Head of Federal Bank Lmt. to Adv. M. Anil Kumar, Mayor of Cochin Corporation. The project is sponsored by the Hormis Memorial foundation – Federal Bank CSR initiative and will be utilized for the purchase of machinery for the textile shredding unit. The project is part of HEAL Kochi initiative of Cochin Corporation and will be implemented via Bhume Collective, incubated of St. Teresa’s College. Bhume collective creates eco-friendly toys for children of Cochin city and will facilitate income generation to Kudumbashree units.
Adv. M. Anil Kumar, Mayor of Cochin Corporation spoke on the significance of attitude change in dealing with innovative projects and social issues. He highlighted the significance of nurturing Women entrepreneurship and to nominate Cochin as a location where entrepreneurship thrives and is nurtured comprehensively. He stressed on fostering startups, linking SDG goals and acquiring CSR funds for social innovative projects.
Mr. Manu Jacob, Councillor, Cochin Corporation stressed on the significance of Women entrepreneurship and appreciated the efforts of St. Teresa’s College in supporting Social entrepreneurship projects.
Mr. Joy Thomas, Vice President and Regional Head of Federal Bank Lmt. spoke on the initiatives of Federal Bank in supporting and funding waste management, pollution control, entrepreneurial skill development, child and women empowerment.
Dr. Nirmala Padmanaban, Dean of Extension and Incubation, St. Teresa’s college expressed special gratitude to Cochin Corporation and Federal Bank for their extensive support of social entrepreneurship projects of St. Teresa’s College. She highlighted the significance and activities of Bhume Women’s Collective and its strategic position in dealing with textile wastage of the city.
The event was followed by a talk by Ms. Vinodini Sukumar, Charter member TiE on Women Entrepreneurship: Opportunities and Challenges.