Yesterday, sixteen women were literally jumping for joy as they received certificates marking the successful completion of a six-month Lily’s Leaves basic tailoring course in Sarlahi District, southern Nepal.

For women whose livelihoods have depended on poorly paid agricultural day labour, these certificates represent far more than a qualification. They provide recognised skills that can open the door to secure employment or self-employment, offering a realistic pathway to a more stable income and a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Each graduate also received a sewing machine, and where needed we can provide a small start-up grant to help them establish their own tailoring business, either individually or as part of a group. These businesses combine tailoring workshops with retail outlets, giving the women the choice of becoming employees or entrepreneurs.

This course was funded by Pipal Tree through the generosity of everyone who supported our Christmas 2025 Big Give campaign. We are delighted that the next course will be funded entirely by our friends at the German charity Himalaya Friends.

Together, we are creating opportunities for women to gain skills, earn a sustainable income and lift themselves and their families out of poverty—one tailoring course at a time. Thank you to everyone who is helping make this possible.