THIS APPEAL IS NOW CLOSED. THE TARGET AMOUNT HAS BEEN REACHED (AFTER INCLUDING GIFTAID WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOTAL RAISED OPPOSITE). MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED - THE PROJECTS ARE WELL UNDER WAY.

LVCF was instrumental in setting up the Chirah sewing centre in 2012 and providing the sewing machines, as well as providing ongoing funding for a fully qualified teacher and funding for two embroidery machines.The Chirrah sewing centre is going from strength to strength and we are delighted to be able to continue supporting this very popular initiative. Women are now queuing up to benefit from the six monthly training courses and interest in the centre has spread across the valley. Dermot visited the area with a group recently and received a wonderful welcome - he was left in no doubt of the great potential this community-conceived initiative still offers.

Two thing that is now desperately needed, a bathroom facility and two more embroidery machines. The centre is housed in a single room and currently has no toilet or basin for the students to use. Classes are long (you can imagine!) so this is as an essential next step in the development of the centre. Also, we have only provided 2 embroidery machines so far - with this appeal we will be able to at least double the number of machines, so that there is less need to share. Finally, if we raise the full amount of this appeal, we can extend the funding of the teacher's salary by 6 months to June 2014.

Please support us on with this latest appeal for a not-so-glamorous, but all too essential little building project, plus the embroidery machines and teacher's salary! Any donations are as ever very gratefully received indeed.

Feedback on the Chirrah sewing centre:

‘Chirah Sewing Centre has turned into an institution of vocational training, the first ever in Bagrote. Many young ladies are keen to gain training. Nowadays, they come from every village of the valley and ask for permission to get admitted. There is a long list of prospective trainees. This kind of practical training besides schooling is very valuable for any local lady to gain additional experience and income or save costs by sewing for her household members. This small project seems to bear many qualities as it is very well accepted and meets the needs of many local women.’

Monika Schneid (Founder of Monika Girls School, Bagrote Valley), 17 Oct 2013