Craftizen Foundation provides craft based livelihood programs to Adults with Intellectual Disability (ID), Underprivileged Women and Traditional Artisans.

We provide end to end support across the crafts value chain including skill training, design development, capacity building and market linkages to enable dignified and sustainable livelihoods to the communities we serve.

Through our initiatives, we aim to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage, promote social inclusion, and empower communities to break the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Our programs are currently being implemented in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Appeal

India’s largest Vocational Training Program for Adults with ID – Petalists Livelihood Program

India has the world’s largest population of persons with intellectual disabilities (ID).
Yet, 50% of adults with ID remain excluded from income and employment opportunities.

Running a partner NGO centre for adults with ID costs about INR 4 lakhs per year and supports 25–30 beneficiaries.
Our goal this year is to sustain 10 such centres, requiring INR 40 lakhs.

This investment powers functional vocational training units by providing:
• Train-the-trainer programs on specialized skills and products
• Essential equipment and training materials
• Production processes with ongoing mentoring
• Design development and product innovation
• Market linkages to ensure steady sales

Through this, adults with ID transform discarded materials: temple flowers, paper waste, fabric scraps, and newspapers into eco-friendly, upcycled products: agarbattis, dhoops, diyas, tealight holders, coasters, candles, medals, trophies, magnets, and keychains.

Today, the Petalists Program operates in 100+ centres across 11 states, supporting over 3,650 beneficiaries. By tailoring skills to individual abilities, the program creates dignified work, regular income, and rehabilitation opportunities—turning waste into value, and challenges into livelihoods for differently-abled artisans.

Find more on craftizen.org