What is the Knitting Training project? 

The Knitting Training will provide training in knitting to five survivors of acid and burns violence in Kathmandu, Nepal.  For this project, we will be providing funds for ASTITWA Nepal to hire a professional trainer, buy training materials, and provide transportation to a group of survivors of acid and burns violence to learn knitting. Survivors will learn how to make items including scarves, sweaters, mittens, and more. 

Which partner center is this project with? 

This Knitting Training is being conducted with ASTITWA Nepal, our partner center in Nepal, . 

How many survivors will benefit?

5

How will this project benefit acid attack survivors? Why is funding this project important? 

Knitted products are quite popular in Nepal, as many purchase them from their local markets and tourists keep them as souvenirs. Especially within the colder months in the year, knitted products are at large demand within the market. By giving survivors the opportunity to learn knitting, they will be able to make these products and sell them in the market, thereby generating income for themselves and their families. By being active in the market, this in turn will allow survivors to enhance their economic independence and entrepreneurship. 

In addition, skills based trainings, such as the Knitting Training Project, are a pivotal part of ASTITWA Nepal’s organization and they help to empower survivors to learn advanced skills and become self-sustainable. Knitting can also serve as a therapeutic exercise for survivors, as it requires one’s full attention and mindfulness on the design of the product. This can contribute to mental relaxation and lessen the stress and anxiety that survivors often feel. Lastly, knitting is a form of artistic expression and may allow them to explore their identity and rebuild their sense of self. 

How does this program fit within your mission? 

We have chosen this project so that we can (1) support survivors of acid and burns violence in Nepal and (2) activate the potential of individuals in our community to provide meaningful solutions. By providing microloans to survivors, we help them provide for themselves financially.  By putting students in charge of the fundraising process, we give them the ability to learn about nonprofit management, work with international partners, and realize their potential as human rights activists.

How will you measure outcomes? 

We will create an impact report to be filled out by ASTITWA Nepal.  We will measure whether these training sessions were effective in enhancing the survivors’ skills, their creation of products, and their overall profit generated through selling in Nepal’s local market.