Location: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
In the tea garden regions of Jalpaiguri, life begins early.
By sunrise, workers many of them women make their way down narrow, uneven paths with baskets on their backs. These plantations are home to entire communities who have lived here for generations. But beyond the rows of tea bushes lies a more pressing truth: for young people growing up in these estates, options are limited. Access to formal education or vocational training is rare. Most youth either join the same cycle of daily-wage labour or migrate in search of uncertain work.
This is the gap Parinaama Development Foundation hopes to address.
On July 3, 2025, we launched a Skill Development Training Program aimed at empowering underprivileged youth in this region, helping them access better livelihood opportunities through hands-on, relevant training.
Why This Program Matters
While the tea tourism industry is growing in parts of North Bengal, very few people from the surrounding communities are part of that growth. Most young men and women lack formal training in hospitality, digital services, or even basic business skills.
This program is designed to bridge that gap by equipping youth with practical skills that align with the region’s tourism potential, local economies, and their aspirations.
Looking Ahead
This initiative is part of Parinaama’s broader mission to make development inclusive and community-driven. By starting where people are, and working with the strengths they already have, the foundation hopes to create lasting change.
Tea garden communities have long been overlooked when it comes to youth opportunity. This program is a small but important step in changing that narrative.
Support the Journey
If you’d like to help expand this work or collaborate on similar programs, we welcome partnerships and support.
