Here are the recent updates on the programs.
1. The agricultural and research project is in its second year. For the past two years, students from Grades 6 through 10 have been learning organic farming methods without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides along ways to protect the environment and importance of trees.
Annually around 120 students (12 years to 17 years old) have been participating in this program. Through these classes, these children are more aware of the environment, they love nature and are concerned about Earth as a whole.
Another aspect of the agricultural project was chicken farming. The foundation has learned a lot in the past two years. From losing nearly half of the chicken due to sickness, injury and environment, the foundation has had 98% success rate. We are able to share this knowhow with the community so that they do not lose their precious resources. This project currently supports a living for a family of 4 and provides education for a child.
The products from the farm provide nutritious meals for 40 children that are sponsored by the Bishwa Seva Foundation through our Mission Educate and Kid’s Kitchen Programs along with some teachers.
2. As a part of our vocational training program, our first phase of the sewing training has concluded. We started with 10 women but due to request from the community, our teacher was able to accommodate a few extra women. 14 women successfully completed the program. Most of the women were uneducated and came from poverty and they lacked opportunity. Many of them are single women who have to support their families.
Most vocational programs in Nepal train women and leave them on their own. Bishwa Seva Foundation is taking the approach to buying machines, renting a space and providing a platform to practice their skills. A graduation program is scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd.
We are taking a step further. With our team’s request in Nepal, we are authorizing two more months of additional training so that they will be able to practice and train on more advanced skills.
3. Beautician Program:
Due to the higher cost per student, 10 women have started their classes in beauty training.
These classes focus on three basic training,
1. hair cutting and trimming
2. make-up application
3. hair threading
We understand your concern about chemicals used in beauty products. Unlike the use of various products in places like the US and other developed countries, we are working in a small village in Nepal with the lack of proper equipment. People only apply make-up or get their hair done for special occasions (weddings, birthday parties, and other functions). We have also advised our team to use natural products so that we can share the awareness of chemicals use and the harms it causes.
4. We have 6 more vocational training that are scheduled in the next couple of weeks. These programs include training on making pickles, doll making, Training to make soap and toiletries, candle making, agricultural training and knitting training. We had some delay in the program due to the month-long festival season along with the heavy flooding that hit the area in September. These classes are scheduled to conclude by the end of January. We will present you a detailed report including students names, teachers who conducted each class, the total budget along with all the other details.
5. Special Visitors from the U.S.
We were please to have visitors traveling to see the foundation. Our board of director Kathleen along with guests Diane, Kim, Cindy, Jane and a few other travels, visited the school and were able to see the students and the projects. They have brought back updates. Join us in our meditation classes or come and see us at the Volunteer and Sponsor appreciation dinner on December 13th.
