Some 30 women and girls are busy working away at sewing and embroidery in this 400 square foot hall. The Human Development Foundation set up this training center in May 2001 at Village Jurio Ghuto, 228 Kilometers from Karachi, under its Economic Development Program.

The hall was donated by Firdous Begum, a local resident and all expenses, including the trainer's salary, are being met by HDF.

This is the fifth training center set up by HDF. The other four centers are operating in the villages of Wikhyo Khaskheli, Chaudry Abdul Ghafoor, Usman Solangi and Khalil Haider Metlo.

A total of 100 women and girls are being trained in the five centers with each course lasting six months. So far, 50 people have completed the training program. A majority of the graduates have started receiving orders for different kinds of embroidery, especially for rillis, a traditional bedspread.

"I completed the training course two months ago. Now I receive 10 to 12 orders every month," said Rukhsana, a 21-year old woman from the village of Usman Solangi.

She says she earns Rs 1500-2000 ($US 25-35) per month. Her younger sister has also joined the training center. "This training has enabled me to join hands with my father who is a poor peasant and cannot earn enough money for our domestic expenses," Rukhsana said.

Asked how she financed her business, she says HDF provided her with a sewing machine and the rest of the materials she was able to purchase on her own.

The sewing machines are given to HDF by the Sindh Population and Welfare Department under its annual grant program to welfare organizations.

So far, HDF has distributed 20 sewing machines on behalf of the government to women from seven villages. "We have also arranged for another 20 sewing machines which will be handed out soon," said Mr Abdul Wahid Khoso, acting team leader for HDF.

Naziran, 20, from Village Chaudry Abdul Ghafoor has yet to complete her training. However, she has started earning Rs 1000-1200 ($US 16-20) per month by selling hand-made children's clothes.

"Me and my sister, Tahira, who is also at the same training center, make the clothes at home and most are bought by people in the area," she said.

Sakina, 32, from Village Wikho Khaskheli, is another beneficiary of the training program. Her husband Ghulam Ali is a salesman at a medical store at Tando Muhammad Khan. Barely two months ago, their household of eight people was supported by a monthly income of Rs 1500 ($US 25). Now their combined income is Rs 3000 ($US 50) after Sakina started selling rillis and embroidery from home.

"My husband was in favor of my admission to the training center but my mother-in-law really supported me in this regard," Sakina said. "I completed my training in six months while my mother-in-law looked after my four kids from morning to afternoon. My husband is very happy since our monthly income has now doubled."