Sabina, A student-turned-teacher at “Our Study Place”

Sabina completed Class 10 in her village, and wasn’t sure what to do next. Her sister had gone to the city for tailoring training, but Sabina wasn’t keen to follow her. Instead she chose to study education at the vocational school in her district.

As she studied and reflected on her own educational experience, Sabina was aware of the difficulties faced by children whose parents are uneducated. They get behind in their schoolwork and have nowhere to turn for help. She decided to take time between her own classes to tutor the neediest ones in her village.

Once she completed her courses, Sabina arranged parents’ meetings to explain the benefit of starting an after school program like “Our Study Place” which DDHCFN partner Console Mission had started in other villages. They were supportive, and so a new “Our Study Place” opened as a result.

Sabina currently runs the program with the help of a friend and with support from Console Mission where she gets supplies and a stipend for rent.

Binita’s Wish

Binita comes from a village in the hills outside of the capital city of Kathmandu. She cares for two children and raises vegetables in a small patch at home. Her husband is a driver, but he has been out of work for a long time, especially during the pandemic. Like so many families in rural Nepal, they have struggled to make a living.

Console Mission, one of the partner projects of DDHCFN, offers a three-month training in sewing and basic business skills to women in need. When Binita heard about the chance to learn to sew, she jumped at it. She has successfully completed the course, and dreams of starting her own small tailoring business.

The one thing Binita needs, however, is a sewing machine.

DDHCFN has a mini-project called the “Sue Didi Sewing Kits,” named in honor of Dick’s wife Sue, who loved to sew. Trainees who have completed the sewing courses provided by DDHCFN partners (like Console Mission, Rise and Shine, and Sahara) and who demonstrate skill and commitment may apply for one of these kits. It includes a foot-pedal sewing machine, thread, scissors, fabric and other tools of the trade.

The director of Console Mission spoke with Binita about her wish… click here for a clip of that conversation.

Thanks to gifts to DDHCFN, Binita’s wish will come true — She’s getting her own sewing machine!