I am Usha Gurung and I am 81 years old. I had been in this organisation from its establishment in the year 1975. Before coming to this organisation I used to weave in my home and used to make school bags and sell them in the Pokhara market. Those bags used to be simple and single coloured. I heard this organisation and came here and here they taught me to weave multi-coloured clothes. I am very satisfied for what I got from this organisation because from the money I earned working here I have been able to support my daughter's study, her marriage and now she is happily married. Today I am a happy woman and my daughter asks me to take rest but still I cannot stopping coming here and work. Whatever I got in my life, I got from this organisation.
“Hello, my name is Samjhana, I am 19 years old and I have been working for the Women’s Skills Development project for a year and a half. My mother and I live together, in a very small room built out of corrugated tin, located in the town centre. My parents divorced when my mother was pregnant and I have never seen my father. My mother is mentally ill and has never been able to be successfully self-supportive. Being an only child it has been my duty to work to put bread on the table. I was able to attend school until the age of 15. During that time I also worked in a shop in the early morning and after school. Life was too hard and my mother and I could not support ourselves. I found out about the Women’s Skills Development Project as one of my close friend’s mothers was working there at the time.
"I am Sita Thapa and I am 25 years old. I began training at the Women's Skill Development Project when I was just 14 years old. Although training for me was a long and difficult process, I worked very hard to learn the skills that would enable me help support my family. You see, my father died when I was just 2 years old leaving my mother to raise my 2 older brothers, my older sister and me by herself. It was not easy for her because she and my oldest brother are both deaf and dumb. I had to do my part and contribute to the well being of my family. Times were tough, but we managed. Once my training was complete, it took just over 2 years; I began working full-time in the weaving group.
I have really enjoyed my visit here and am very impressed with all the work and your success. We are extremely fortunate to have a partnership with WSDP. Thank you so much for your hospitality and support.
David O' Cornor Peace Corps 23rd September 2003
How heartening to see this venture doing so well in such lovely surroundings. With every best wish for the future.
Richenda Georg British Ambassador for Nepal 26th February 1992
I wish this project every success in assisting the women in Pokhara, Nepal.
Piscille Williams New Zealand Ambassador for Nepal.
I am impressed with your efforts of operating this organization. I hope your new products (natural dye) will be successful.
Toru Waito JICA HQ. Japan.
We wish the friendship between China and Nepal to continue for generations and generations. We admire greatly your remarkable achievement.
