Literacy and Livelihoods for 445 Women in Nepal

Our Tharu and Limbu books are in press and will be delivered to our office for distribution early next year. Each book contains 30 local and traditional stories, which were collected from the Tharu and Limbu communities by local project staff. It's powerful when those who know the stories and have retold them countless times see them written down and understand that there will be no danger of the stories being lost. Because the Tharu and Limbu world is changing, each story is not only written in the local language, but also in Nepali (the national language) and English. Children will be able to practice their reading skills in three languages using stories from their own villages. This is much better than reading stories from outside their culture. These books will also be used in adult literacy classes. At that point, we expect to hear a lot of discussion over the details of the stories. These books will allow community members of various generations to continue engaging with stories from their own culture, while learning new literacy skills. The acquisition of coveted literacy skills through these stories puts new value on local culture. Both the Tharu and Limbu communities are excited to see and read their own stories in written form. They are eager to make sure their traditions and stories, which up to now have only been passed on orally, are written down for future generations. It's this kind of enthusiasm which makes it a pleasure for us to partner with these two communities. Of course none of it would have been possible without your support as well. Thank you for your continued support to these minority communities in Nepal. Please continue to check our website, http://www.ldcnepal.org/ for updates on our progress, and share the link with friends and family.

We are excited to share progress in Tharu communities in Dang. We are encouraged by the community activities and progress of women led groups made possible through your contributions. Thank you. Highlights 276 Tharu women are associated in eight community cooperative groups and other women are interested in joining or starting a group to improve their socio-economic status. Groups meet each month to share progress and make plans for the coming month. The Get-One Give-One, goat gift program is run through these groups and this month 26 families received a baby female goat from group members who received goats last year. Each groups consists of about 26 women who received three days of self-help group management training from our staff. This training is focused on good record keeping, planning and implementing skills for community activities. Challenges Group members are requesting basic literacy classes in their own language (Tharu) and then in Nepali, the national language. For three literacy classes need funds to recruit one project supervisor and train three class facilitators. In addition the each class will require teaching and learning materials. Thank you for your continued support to these women communities in Nepal. Please continue to check our website, http://www.ldcnepal.org/ for updates on our progress, and share the link with friends and family.