Jaisalmer: Strengthening Indo-French cooperation in education, vocational training, traditional craftsmanship and women’s empowerment was at the centre of French Ambassador to India Dr Thierry Mathou’s two-day visit to Jaisalmer on Nov 9 and 10.During his visit, the Ambassador explored opportunities to deepen collaboration between France and Rajasthan, with a special focus on enhancing educational opportunities, developing professional skills and creating sustainable livelihood avenues for girls and women in the border district.A major highlight of the visit was the GYAAN Centre, an integrated initiative of CITTA India that brings together education, livelihood generation and cultural engagement in the Thar Desert. The initiative comprises three interconnected projects — the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School, a Livelihood Centre currently under development and a proposed Cultural Centre.At the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School, which has received the prestigious UNESCO Prix Versailles Award, Ambassador Mathou interacted with students and educators and learned about its distinctive educational model.The school integrates conventional academic subjects with design, textiles, craftsmanship and creative learning, providing students with opportunities to develop practical and vocational skills alongside formal education.An important milestone during the visit was the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between French Ambassador Dr Thierry Mathou and CITTA Foundation India Director Chaitanya Raj Singh Bhati to promote skill development and strengthen vocational training opportunities in Jaisalmer.Under the proposed collaboration, the French Institute in India (IFI) and CITTA Foundation India will facilitate expert missions from French institutions to the school. These will include Les Ateliers Alix, founded by renowned fashion designer Mossi Traoré, bringing specialised French expertise in fashion, haute couture and craftsmanship to students.The partnership aims to combine France’s experience in fashion and traditional craftsmanship with locally rooted education and skills. It will focus on preserving traditional textile and craft techniques, improving professional training and creating wider livelihood opportunities for girls and women.The collaboration is also expected to strengthen the economic empowerment of women in the region by connecting traditional skills with contemporary design, professional expertise and potential livelihood opportunities.GYAAN Centre initiative seeks to create an integrated ecosystem where education, vocational skills and cultural heritage complement one another, helping young girls become economically independent while preserving the rich artistic traditions of the Thar region.The visit marks another significant step in strengthening the Indo-French partnership at the grassroots level, with a shared emphasis on education, skill development, cultural preservation and inclusive economic opportunities.
