This is 22-year-old Prema, one of 16 young women currently enrolled in Lily’s Leaves’ six-month basic tailoring course in Sarlahi, Madhesh Province, south Nepal.

Lack of childcare has not stood in the way of Prema gaining the skills she has long aspired to. Each day, she straps her 18-month-old son, Prince Praja, to her back and makes her way to class, literally balancing motherhood with focused training and hands-on practical work. Her determination, commitment and enthusiasm have made her an inspiration to the other women on the course.

By local community standards, Prema has already achieved a great deal educationally. She passed the demanding Secondary Education Examination (SEE) and completed Grade 11 before her studies were interrupted by marriage and motherhood. Throughout, however, her real passion lay in tailoring and fashion design – opportunities that simply did not exist in her home area. It was only after moving to Sarlahi District following her marriage that she discovered this life-changing opportunity.

This course marks a turning point for Prema. On completion, she plans to return to college to finish Grade 12. With a strong academic foundation combined with practical vocational skills, her ambitions are now within reach. She will have the means to become self-sufficient and to earn a sustainable income, giving Prince the chance to live like a king.

Prema’s training is being funded through supporter generosity in The Big Give. You can make a gift towards this wonderful work through this link – this Christmas your donation will automatically double in value, at no extra cost!

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