Sewing, Carpet Knotting, Motherhood and Birth Courses
The sewing and carpet knotting courses were established on the initiative of local women's groups. They did not want to be dependent on the tailors in the district headquarter and prefered to learn the craft themselves. Further, they wished to learn new knotting methods for their carpets.
Sewing courses
In the year 2003 we began with our first course. Monlam Baiji and Pasang Baiji from Pungmo learned tailoring and sewing in Kathmandu during the winters. They lived together with Yeshe Sangmo, one of our supported Thanka painters, in Bouda and were taught by a trainer. Their advanced training was beneficial for the entire village. The school had bought a sewing machine and in the winter 2004/05 a further women's group was supported to take sewing courses. The success of the first winter course became visible soon: Monlam Baiji and Pasang Baiji thanked the Tapriza school and sewed the school clothing for the year 2005 free of charge. In future the clothes will not have to be sewn in Kathmandu, but can be done locally and made-to-measure. In 2006 a contribution was given to two women from Phoksumdo, who did a sewing course in Kathmandu in the winter. Since then the school uniform are, if possible, done or adjusted by the women who had gone through the trainings. It is easier for the school to organise the clothing and it generated an income for village women.
Carpet knotting
In the year 2003 we bought 22 tool kits for a carpet knotting training and gave them to the Ringmo and Pugmo 'sister groups' (Didi-Bahini Samoa). The Pugmo group held a two month training for ten students. They learnt fast and could quickly weave own carpets. Luckily, Pasang and Pagtsan, two women from Pugmo, had already completed a training in Dunai which was financed by the WWF in 2001. This time they can pass on their knowledge to others. The successful program was continued.
Motherhood and birth courses and education
see projects to health and hygiene