Calcutta Foundation

12/08/2026

08/08/2026

Some journeys begin with a simple decision: to learn, to try, to believe that something better is possible. 💜
At Calcutta Foundation’s Apni Kutir, that first step is helping women turn their skills into opportunities - and opportunities into livelihoods.
For Supriya, Papiya, Mousumi, and Pinki, learning has meant something different for each of them. It has helped one rediscover her confidence, another turn her passion for Mehendi into an income, another build a career in the beauty industry, and another take a step closer to her dream of opening her own boutique by strengthening her computer skills.
But beneath each story is something deeper—a growing belief in their own abilities, the confidence to support their families, and the courage to dream a little bigger.
Because empowerment is not just about learning a skill. It is about knowing that you can use that skill to shape your own future. ✨
Swipe through to meet four women who are doing just that—learning, earning, and moving forward, one step at a time.

11/07/2026

A single skill can change a life.
A needle that stitches hope. A cone of mehendi that paints confidence. A makeup brush that inspires self-belief. A computer that unlocks new possibilities.
Through our vocational training programmes in Sewing, Mehendi, Beautician and Computer Skills, Calcutta Foundation is empowering women across 29 centres to transform aspirations into livelihoods and potential into purpose.
Today, our collective impact speaks for itself:
⭐25,854 direct beneficiaries
⭐1,03,412 indirect beneficiaries
⭐ 5 years of transforming lives
⭐Presence across 5 states
⭐₹30 Crore cumulative annual community income generated
⭐70% income generation rate
Because when someone learns a skill, they gain more than a way to earn - they gain confidence, dignity, independence, and the belief that a brighter future is within reach.
Every learner. Every skill. Every story matters. 💜

07/07/2026

Once a learner, always a part of the Apni Kutir family. 💜
Our Alumni Meets across Atabagan, Behala, Baruipur, Garden Reach, Khardah and Topsia celebrated the inspiring journeys of our former students and the strong bonds they continue to share with the Apni Kutir family. Their stories of determination, growth and success encouraged our current learners to dream bigger and believe in their own potential.
Many of our alumni have built successful careers after completing their training.
Today, several are self-employed entrepreneurs while others are working as beauticians, computer trainers, mehendi artists and trainers, nail art trainers and skilled professionals after training in sewing, beautician, mehendi and computer courses.
The events concluded with certificates of appreciation, meaningful conversations and joyful reunions. A total of 314 alumnae joined the celebrations across all 6 centres, making the Alumni Meets a memorable reminder that every opportunity has the power to transform lives.

05/07/2026

Some conversations are too important to stay within four walls. They belong on the streets, with the people. 🎭
Through VIRAL, a powerful Nukkad Natak initiative, we took important conversations directly into communities..challenging perceptions, encouraging dialogue and inspiring people to rethink the issues that shape our everyday lives.
Together, we reached 520+ people across 9 communities in West Bengal - Topsia, Garia, Atabagan, Baruipur, Chetla, Behala, Sodepur, Khardah, and Rajarhat - creating spaces where awareness, empathy and collective action could grow.
This advocacy initiative was presented by Calcutta Foundation and Meer Foundation and conceptualised and performed by Empathree, using the power of street theatre to make conversations accessible, engaging and impactful. Because lasting change begins when communities come together to listen, reflect, and speak. 💜

15/06/2026

At Calcutta Foundation, we believe that financial literacy is a critical life skill that enables individuals to make informed decisions, build resilience and plan for the future.

In partnership with Dhanvesttor, we have been conducting a series of financial literacy workshops across Apni Kutirs. Through these sessions, women are engaging in conversations around savings, government-backed schemes, financial planning and the power of compounding.

The enthusiasm, curiosity and active participation we have witnessed across centers reaffirm the importance of making financial knowledge accessible to all.

This is only the beginning. We look forward to continuing these sessions across more centers in the coming months and helping more women take confident steps towards financial independence.

Thank you to the Dhanvesttor team for partnering with us on this meaningful initiative.