Uganda
Building women to be self sufficient
The women of Entebbe, Uganda are incredibly resilient as they battle through AIDS/HIV, poverty and raising their children as single mothers. Our mission is to assist these women to become self-sufficient without needing to stay in a toxic situation or living with their kids on the streets.
After completing a two-month intensive sewing and small business course, the women can create businesses of their own as well as create product for our hair scrunchie initiative. We sell the hair scrunchies through our online store, in yoga studios, hair salons and boutiques across Canada, America, Italy, Austria and India. The women have now sold over 4,000 pieces.
Nepal
Supporting women to expand their community
We teamed up with Blue Butterfly to support the women of Didi Bahini Boutique. The owner of the studio, Nirmala, brings together women from her village and supports them while they find work.
Prakasa led a one-month intensive sewing course to teach new techniques, garments and educate in business skills.
We continue to support these women by producing and selling their fashion Kimonos. To date, we have sold 100 pieces. The women are now linked with a company "Herb and Henna" from California and have been hired to produce a clothing collection for them. 8 women have now been trained.
India
Vocational Training School
The Khushi Skills Development Centre provides certified sewing and crafts qualifications for students and their mothers such as our popular beautician course. It's here some of the older students make dolls and make the mediation cushions and yoga mat bags. Using organic materials or recycled saris, Kushi helps their students create a sustainable life for themselves, their families and the planet.
For each item that is sold, the seamstress receives the money directly to support their family. In this way, Khushi tries to create a sustainable income for the families.