Outreach


Our 2020 outreach plan was to start cultivating special partnerships with the women of Rajasthan. Instead covid hit us hard. Not only were all our events and festivals canceled, but our owner, Natalie, was diagnosed with cancer. We are looking to restart new fundraisers as we get back on our feet

We have provided a few sewing machines for the women to explore crafting and contribute to the household income for their families and community. Often Indian women are not taught high level of tailoring, only basic hand sewing. They are expected to care for the home and children. Men are taught the skilled tailoring. Sabai continues to break the mold by encouraging women to explore their interests. Sabai's curtains are made by this lovely group of women of all ages! Our owner, Natalie, has hand sewn and designed on the household floor with this family, a place to create, gather, & feel empowered.

 

 

 

 

indian women sewing on the floor

 

In 2019 we raised $1,500 to put a roof on a women's community center in the village of Nepal. Not only did we provide a roof, but we were able to purchase the supplies for a floor and bars for the windows!

 

Pumdi, Nepal is a village is very special to me. This is the home village of a few Nepalis that have supported Sabai and I over the past few years. In 2018 one of their main patriarchal leaders of their village passed away at age 65. Leaving behind his wife, 3 grown married sons who live in the city, and 2 younger daughters. His unexpected death left a village in grieve and shock. During this time they invited me to be a part of the deep and ancient 12-day mourning ritual. A honor I will never forget. 

 

With their loss of Babu Pariyar, leaves a hole in their community weave. He was an avid farmer and provided for this village family. Our mission was to help them finish their community center as a place where all can gather.  



In 2017 Sabai raised $500 for 3 months of teaching, supplies, workbooks, etc. This fundraiser is a continual effort for long term learning. Please consider contributing to this fundraiser to provide Nepali adults with the basic tools of reading and writing in their own language and in English. These tools open up numerous doors and opportunities to make a better living for themselves and their families.

After living in Nepal for three months and immersing myself in these families, I’ve notice the biggest barrier is the lack of opportunity for education as a young child. Over the past generation many NGOs and volunteer organizations have stepped up to help the Nepali youth reach education. However the generation before does not receive any help, to my knowledge.

Deepak Dai & Kalu Dai: I had the honor of witnessing a truly life changing moment.... I watched two grown men have their first reading and writing class. Deepak's wife had set up a table, three plastic chairs, two used notebooks, a battery operated light, and flowers in water on a table. When class was done she sat at my feet and cried while she told me how thankful she was. She showed me her daughter, with mental challenges, lying on the floor, writing her ABCs, eager to be like her Dad. I saw his son sitting by his side eager to teach. I've never seen Deepak so proud and focused. After class he continued to work for another hour, rewriting his recently learned letters. He didn't want to stop! The family was beaming, excited about the new journey.

Nikita is diagnosed with seizures and moderate mental retardation. The collected funds will pay for extra one-on-one attention, speech therapy, and skills training. She is unable to attend school and talks about going all the time. She can't quite understand why she is not able to attend... me neither...

Ctal is their teacher. She is a Nepali elementary school teacher and lives nearby. I've seen her advocate for the needs of others. Once a man mocked and laughed at Deepak and Kalu for learning "child's work". She stood up for them and promptly kicked the man out. She brings ideas of mediation and homework to help with their learning. She is kind and patient, a true gem.

In 2016 we raised $1000 for the village of Kuesenda in north Gorkha, in the epicenter of the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal. I had the privilege to trek up to the village to hand deliver the funds raised and witness their tragedies personally. An unforgettable experience and a family for life! The village has offered a home visit to anyone who participated in this relief fund!