One of my earliest memories (age 6-7) is attending
anthropology classes with my mother. This is where I became captivated with Jane
Goodall, monkeys, and Africa. This interest continued into my college years where I took so many African Literature, Anthropology and History classes that I earned a minor in African Studies. I am astounded by village life, the
simplicity,
tradition, and community.As an adult, my attention expanded to South Asia.
While raising a family, I quietly began researching how I
might bridge my personal experiences and dreams with a desire to contribute. I found myself drawn to novels and memoirs set in Nepal and
India. Drinking in the stories about daily life, traditions, etc... offering my support to a few organizations along the way.
Volunteering
Like many of us, I donate to a few organizations. Have volunteered at local non-profit - while meaningful, the organization wasn't related to my personal interests. Volunteering
In late 2015 I joined Mahila Partnership, a grassroots non-profit serving women and girls. Mahila
Partnership provides local support to remote villages, mostly unreachable by
larger nonprofit/post disaster organizations.
I never expected to find a opportunity to volunteer from home, with the flexibility that complements my daily schedule. My efforts focus on business operations, and outreach. I'm thankful to Theresa, a friend and fellow volunteer, for helping me find my way!
Nepal Village Life
Post the 2015 earthquakes, there is a fuel shortage in Nepal. Markets often lack food and cloth, and it’s very hard for people to get to the market to buy or sell.
Chamrangbesi, a village we support, is so remote that you need to walk four hours after reaching the end of the road.
Priorities
for the villages we support are lead by Sabita, our local partner:
- Women’s hygiene and education
- Sabita and her students deliver health/hygiene education
- Teaching the women how to sew and open a sewing cooperative. They will learn how to make sanitary pads and dresses.
- Gardening: Continued greenhouse, and soil/crop education. Since 2011, the village varieties have increased from potato and maize to over eight vegetables.
- Open a health clinic
Yesterday I just about fell out of my chair after hearing
that the women in Nepal villages are wearing threadbare dresses. Losing
everything in the April 2015 earthquakes, most women own only one or two
dresses which they wear while tending to their families, community, and working
in the garden.
Sabita, our local partner, sent the following message last week: ‘... Is this possible for giving a gift of
Kurta Suruwal, A dress they wear everyday?’
Opportunity awaits! May I ask you for an $18 donation?
Can you imagine telling Sabita that MANY people bought
dresses for the women? My heart
fills thinking about how many lives we are touching.
With gratitude and love,
Mari
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