Roshna, on the right, met Peggy, on the left, in Bhaktapur, Nepal, in November 2006. Roshna was 13, spoke 4 languages (was learning a 5th), and wanted to be an eye doctor. We arranged to prepay several hours of internet time at a local cafe, set Roshna up with an email address, and taught her how to use Google.
Her mother, Maiya, in the center, wanted to meet us; the photo was taken in their tiny flat. What it lacked in electricity was more than offset by the generosity, kindness and affection that filled their home. She insisted on giving us each a hat she knitted: the photo shows the hat she gave to Peggy.
In order to make ends meet, Maiya, a single mom with 3 kids, knits hats and gloves. The quality of her work is not reflected in the money she earns. As a piece worker for a local factory in Kathmandu, she is paid less than a quarter (yes $.25) per knitted item. We proposed to sell whatever items she might be able to send us and send the entire proceeds of each sale to their family. (We absorb all costs of sales--like this website, credit card processing fees, management, accounting, etc.) Think of it as Robin Hood goes legit: you get a lovely hand knitted something, and girls in Nepal get to go to school.
A few examples of items they have sent us are shown here. If you would like one, please fill out the purchase form. The items are constantly changing. None is identical. Contact us for our current inventory. All proceeds go to the Shakya family to help Roshna continue her education (she starts college in the fall of 2009). Each item is $24 which includes free shipping to U.S. mainland addresses.
The intent of this person to person project is not to build a manufacturing/distribution empire but to support a family.
Roshna entered nursing school in Bhaktapur starting in fall 2009. She is in a three year program. The educational costs fall in to two categories: an annual cost (about $750) and a monthly cost (about $40). Various fundraising efforts (the hats, a chili cookoff, donations, etc.) are ongoing to ensure that she is able to stay in school.
Should you travel to Bhaktapur, Nepal, a lovely place to stay is the Bhadgaon Guest House, where we met with Roshna and her friend Listha.
If you educate a boy,
you educate an indivdual
--if you educate a girl,
you educate a community.
(from "A brief history of the Central Asia Institute" by Tara Bishop.)
Should you wish to be support education in developing countries, particularly for girls, please consider a contribution to the Central Asia Institute, founded by Greg Mortenson, who wrote Three Cups of Tea. Another option for supporting kids is the Room to Read program started by a former Microsoft employee, John Wood.
Thank you!
© 2010 Centripetus