March 2022 Trip to Nepal and project update
Gita and Debbie went to Nepal from 28 March – 8 April 2022.
They started in Kathmandu where they had meetings with a potential training partner for the economic empowerment programme and the construction team for the soap factory.
On 31 March they travelled to their beloved Chitwan together with Laetitia Gruwel, a communications specialist who joined the 6 Degrees team in December 2021.
It was wonderful to reconnect with their local project manager Sushila Dhamala, the Musahar ladies, drivers, nature guides and the SVSI team. Fortunately, they were also able to catch up with Taylor Smythe before she left for the UK. She shared with them the latest updates on the farming and shared valuable insights on what she had seen and learned over her six weeks stay in Chitwan. She has been an amazing supporter and contributor to the farming project.
Taylor invited Maria and India, two friends from the UK to Chitwan. They gave an initial soap making training to a group of 17 women, all from marginalised communities. They also left all the soap making equipment so the ladies can continue practicing making soap. They were especially impressed to see the self-confidence the Musahar ladies had gained and their strong commitment and drive to continue working day in day out on the farm and their enthusiasm in making soap.
Debbie and Gita also helped the Musahar ladies to harvest carrots for a few hours and tried to communicate in basic Nepali with them, which was hilarious. They laughed a lot and promised to make carrot cake. In the afternoon they visited the Musahar villages and were invited to their homes. They were welcomed with beautiful flowers and the women were so proud to show off their homes. Debbie and Gita already see some positive changes in the villages and are looking forward to start the social empowerment programme for the two Musahar villages in the near future.
A jeep safari with graduates from the wildlife guide training is always a must! Together with Aakriti and Kajal they had a wonderful jeep safari in Chitwan National Park where they saw a lot of animals and birds, especially peacocks as it was mating season.
Sushila, their local project manager once again organised a picnic with the drivers, nature guides and Musahars ladies, but this time two female cooks were hired to do the cooking.
Debbie and Gita strongly believe that connecting the different groups of women that they are supporting, helps create lasting bonds between these women so that they can support each other in the future. It was once again a very special experience to be with all of them the whole day, singing, dancing, and preparing food together. All the women interacted with each other, sharing their stories and challenges. They also started sharing their problems and issues with Debbie, Gita, and Laetitia. The mere fact that they opened up by sharing their problems showed Debbie and Gita the trust they feel which is a huge step forward! The carrot cake was also a big success; all the ladies wanted the recipe!
As a follow up on the permaculture design course that Kusumi and Sushila successfully completed in Kathmandu, they presented their vision and long-term plan for the organic farm on 4 April. The design was very detailed including a well thought out plan for the next 3 years.
During their stay, Debbie and Gita had many good discussions with SVSI and discussed new ideas for cooperation.
On their last day Debbie and Gita sat together with the Musahar ladies for a final farewell meeting. The chicken farm was discussed and the Musahar ladies made it clear that they do not want a chicken farm. They suggested to transform the current chicken house into a low-cost soap making facility. Once the operation is running smoothly, new plans can be made for the future eco soap factory.
The Musahar ladies asked many questions. Their key and most touching question was why we keep supporting them and keep coming back. Seeing their commitment to make a better future for themselves and their self-confidence grow every time we see them, is exactly the reason why 6 Degrees will continue to support them as they are the change makers for their community and future generations.
It was a very emotional farewell with lots of hugs and tears. Debbie and Gita cannot wait to go back again later this year.
