Jahanara Cottage Industries was founded in 1954 and is one of the oldest organisations in Bangladesh. It was started with the aim of rehabilitating local women and to provide "dignity through labour". Jahanara now has two schools, which train rural women in painting, weaving, knitting, woodcarving and basket weaving. They use local materials such as bamboo, jute, cane, reeds and coconut fibres and over 300 men and women benefit from the work. As well as a fair wage and good working conditions, Jahanara offers adult literacy classes and day care for children.