Greetings cards are a new area for Ladli. Using bought hand-made paper products, an important local industry, the boys design and create cards. Some of these incorporate their drawings, others include sewing or decorations – skills they have also acquired in Ladli. The cards are of a high standard and very popular.

The decorations are cut out of thin, soft tin. By pressing a pen or ruler on the back of the metal, patterns and impressions can easily be made. The children get a real thrill from this activity and enjoy experimenting and creating their own designs.

Puppet-making is another key local industry. An experienced artisan teaches the children how to make and assemble a range of puppets, a process that may also call on their sewing skills.

As well as vocational training, the boys are, of course, provided regular educational subjects such as Hindi, English and Art. A hobby teacher also offers alternative activities, for instance, drum-playing. Supporting the local staff in all this, are usually one or two foreign volunteers.