KATHMANDU, Dec 30 - The death of Bhogendra Bahadur Limbu in Mangalsen, Achham, when the Maoist rebels overran the military barracks, not only took away Dil Kumari Limbu’s soul mate but also the only breadwinner of her family.Dil Kumari is not an exception in facing such an inconsolable grief. With the armed struggle going on in the country, there are many others who are in a similar plight.
To make Dil Kumari and others self-reliant, the Army Wives Association (AWA) initiated the sewing training-cum-adult education programme.
Wives of ex-army personnel are contacted through district divisions and those interested are brought to Kathmandu for the training.
Trainees are facilitated with the basics including accommodation, meals, entertainment, and health check-ups during the 3-month-long training.
If the trainees have children below school-going age, they are allowed to bring one child with them during the training period. All the requirements of the child are met, including weekly visit by a paediatrician. They even have childcare facilities while the mothers are in class.
"If they have more than one child or in case of school-going children, they have to make provisions for them on their own at home or wherever convenient," said Sharmila Rana, treasurer of AWA. She added, "Due to the lack of space and expenses, we cannot permit more than one child per person."
Founded nearly a year before with the concept of Kamala Thapa, president of AWA, the training centre, constructed in a former kitchen of the Chhaunni Barracks has already produced two batches and is currently training the third group.
Presently, 27 army-widows, including Dil Kumari, are receiving training at Chhaunni. Professionals from Namuna Institute of Fashion Technology are training them.
"The training has given me hope. Previously, I used to feel helpless but now I think I can do something for my children and myself," said Sabitri Karki who hailed from Nuwkot. "After the completion of the course, I plan to open a small tailoring shop of my own back home."
Likewise, Ganga Adhikari who heard about the training from her two friends namely Dilmaya and Pratima plans to join them after the training. Her friends who also received the training from the centre are running small tailoring establishment of their own.
The cost for this good cause is solely met by what comes as donations from generous contributors. "Pakistan Embassy is one of our major donors," said Himali Chand, Member Secretary of AWA.
According to Chand, the wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan donated Rs. 300,000. Similarly, Madam Musaraff, wife of president of Pakistan, made a contribution of U.S. $ 5,000.
"We not only provide training, but also give them a sewing machine and NRs 5000 so that their skill doesn’t go waste," said Chand. She further said, "Donations are pouring in as we are going in an authentic way. But we still need more for furthering this project in a smooth manner. "Other remarkable works of AWA include Bijeswori School opened for the girl-children of lower ranking personnel, who otherwise are excluded from education opportunity. According to an AWA member, "The school currently caters to day-scholars only. We
are planning it into a residential school soon so that even those from remote areas are benefited."
To make Dil Kumari and others self-reliant, the Army Wives Association (AWA) initiated the sewing training-cum-adult education programme.
Wives of ex-army personnel are contacted through district divisions and those interested are brought to Kathmandu for the training.
Trainees are facilitated with the basics including accommodation, meals, entertainment, and health check-ups during the 3-month-long training.
If the trainees have children below school-going age, they are allowed to bring one child with them during the training period. All the requirements of the child are met, including weekly visit by a paediatrician. They even have childcare facilities while the mothers are in class.
"If they have more than one child or in case of school-going children, they have to make provisions for them on their own at home or wherever convenient," said Sharmila Rana, treasurer of AWA. She added, "Due to the lack of space and expenses, we cannot permit more than one child per person."
Founded nearly a year before with the concept of Kamala Thapa, president of AWA, the training centre, constructed in a former kitchen of the Chhaunni Barracks has already produced two batches and is currently training the third group.
Presently, 27 army-widows, including Dil Kumari, are receiving training at Chhaunni. Professionals from Namuna Institute of Fashion Technology are training them.
"The training has given me hope. Previously, I used to feel helpless but now I think I can do something for my children and myself," said Sabitri Karki who hailed from Nuwkot. "After the completion of the course, I plan to open a small tailoring shop of my own back home."
Likewise, Ganga Adhikari who heard about the training from her two friends namely Dilmaya and Pratima plans to join them after the training. Her friends who also received the training from the centre are running small tailoring establishment of their own.
The cost for this good cause is solely met by what comes as donations from generous contributors. "Pakistan Embassy is one of our major donors," said Himali Chand, Member Secretary of AWA.
According to Chand, the wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan donated Rs. 300,000. Similarly, Madam Musaraff, wife of president of Pakistan, made a contribution of U.S. $ 5,000.
"We not only provide training, but also give them a sewing machine and NRs 5000 so that their skill doesn’t go waste," said Chand. She further said, "Donations are pouring in as we are going in an authentic way. But we still need more for furthering this project in a smooth manner. "Other remarkable works of AWA include Bijeswori School opened for the girl-children of lower ranking personnel, who otherwise are excluded from education opportunity. According to an AWA member, "The school currently caters to day-scholars only. We
are planning it into a residential school soon so that even those from remote areas are benefited."
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