IMPACT OF DANFE REPORT ( JULY 2015 - MAY 2018) www.saath.org.np
CONTENT 1 BACKGROUND 2 CLEAR STATEMENT ABOUT THE PROBLEM 3 OUR MISSION 4 OBJECTIVES OF DANFE 5 FINDINGS DURING PROJECT 6 DANFE S IMPACT 7 CHALLENGES AND LESSON LEARNT 8 DANFE S BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 9 SUCCESS STORIES 10 OUR TEAM 11 JOURNEY SO FAR 1 1 2 2 3 3 10 10 13 15 16
1. BACKGROUND Danfe is a livelihood project designed for the young women who are affected by the earthquake/post earthquake in Nepal in 2015. The earthquake proved devastative in terms of human loss, property loss and also the loss of opportunities for many. Thus, the project provides opportunities for young women from the earthquake-affected regions through tailoring training. Since July 2015 SAATH began providing training to 5 young women as part of the pilot project. After the successful execution of the pilot project and receiving the support from Development and Peace Caritas Canada, a full-fledged project was commenced in the year 2016 to 2017. Further with the support of Caritas Spain the project has been ongoing till date. The livelihood project is designed to empower the young women to support them to identify their capabilities and make them believe in themselves. The project provides them with skill based tailoring training, which will eventually pave way for income generation in the long run. A WOMEN AT DEVASTED HOME - PHOTO TAKEN DURING OUR EMERGENCY RELIEF WORKS FROM OUR PILOT PROJECT OF 2015 2. CLEAR STATEMENT ABOUT THE PROBLEM The 2015 earthquake in Nepal was devastative in terms of human loss along with loss of property to a great extent. According to World Vision International Nepal 2017 Close to 9000 people lost their lives, more than 22000 were injured, 600,000 houses destroyed. There after, Danfe reached out to the beneficiaries from Makwanpur, Rasuwa, Kavre and Sindhupalchowk. In later years we focused in Sindhupalchowk, as it was one of the most affected district. It is comparatively larger in terms of area and households residing there. Even though Sindhupalchowk lies in close proximity to the capital, it is difficult to access by road. It is also one of the least developed districts. 1
Thus, it is one the more remote district in Nepal largely impacted by geographical topography. It is also one of the least developed districts. More than 90% houses were destroyed in Sindhupalchowk. The reconstruction work still continues to this date. From the GESI perspective most of the women population are more likely to suffer inexplicably during such disasters and in aftermaths. The vulnerability is triggered by the social, political and economic circumstances of women that are uprooted in our Nepali society. Besides, the status of women in Sindhupalchowk has been undermined to a great extent highlighting the fact that Nepal predominantly has a patriarchal system. With modernization and education we are slowly incorporating equality and rights, that being said we have a long way to go. The patriarchal society confines and limits women in all spheres. Women are not given equal opportunity, which has a great impact in their livelihood. This norm further accelerates a greater vulnerability during such disasters. Sindhupalchowk is also one of most trafficking prone district in Nepal. Every year girls who come from marginalized background are lured into the hands of traffickers and sold mostly to brothels in India and other countries. Due to the lack of education and awareness and also poverty, trafficking in girls is still a major social issue. Dalit communities who are equally affected by the earthquake also are still in need of support. Being a marginalized group faced with discrimination and lack of opportunity their voice is overshadowed. With such training prospect they are able to ensure their livelihood. Therefore, gender equality and social inclusion lies as the core priority for Danfe while steering the project itself. 3. OUR MISSION To empower marginalized young women affected by earthquake/post earthquake by providing skilled training and employment opportunity through strengthening the production and marketing of Danfe Products as well as sustainability of social enterprise. 4. OBJECTIVES OF DANFE To provide tailoring training for marginalized young women (17 years to 25years) from earthquake affected areas Provide on the job training opportunity for 2-5 girls from the every project for post production To aware and inform the selected beneficiaries about girls trafficking and other social issues through capacity building workshop and life skill training To make them capable to become young independent women who are able to play active role in decision-making To empower them to make them financially stable and help them support their family through training and business management class To make Danfe self-sustainable over the period of 5 years through Danfe outlet and Danfe Endowment Fund 2
5. FINDINGS DURING THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION As Sindhupalchowk is a large district, the population count is also equally large. Hence, there are many young women and girls who have been marginalized and have been deprived of any form of formal education due to which they lack the skill to become enable to get involved in productive income generating activities apart from the substantial agricultural practices. It has been 3 years past the earthquake of 2015, but the longer terms impacts can still be felt and realized such as lack of proper infrastructural development, lack of permanent shelter and low level of security as many families are still residing in temporary shelters that has degraded their livelihood conditions economically and socially. Most beneficiaries are school drop-outs which puts them at further risk. They are also deprived of equal opportunity for employment. Besides, coming from a Dalit community accelerates the problem The potential beneficiaries consider the training provided by Danfe as the livelihood opportunity for themselves as well as their families. 6. DANFE S IMPACT The impact Danfe has been creating over the time period of 3 years has been moderately good. That being said we believe we have just begun and that we have a long way to go. The impacts that we have created are both measurable and non measurable. Below are some of the impacts and outcome. 3
6.1 SKILL BASED TRAINING AND LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITY TO MARGINALIZED YOUNG WOMEN Danfe since its inception has been able to provide tailoring training to 54 young women (2015-2017). At the end of 2018 additional 50 girls will receive the skill-based training. Thus a total of 104 girls have attended the training until the end of 2018. More than 90% of the beneficiaries come from Dalit community, which has been further relegated from the disadvantaged population. The training secures the livelihood of these young women giving them an opportunity to become financially independent. 79 MARGINALIZED YOUNG WOMEN AS BENEFICIARIES 6 ARE LEADING 10 THEIR TAILORING SHOP HAVE JOBS AT LOCAL SHOP 6 WORK AT DANFE PRODUCTION 17 ARE HOME BASED WORKER 25 ARE UNDER GOING TRAINING AT DANFE 06 WORKING IN KATHMANDU REMAINING ARE ENGAGED SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD 4
The salary scale of our beneficiaries have varied over the period of time. Initially when we started the project the beneficiaries were on the job training. They were training as well as making some income to support themselves. All these young women belonging to the age group of ( 17-25 years ) were not the sole bread winners in their family. They were making an effort to become independent and make a living while supporting their parents at times of need. Over the time period they have become more skilled which gave them opportunity to earn more. SALARY PAY SCALE OF DANFE BENEFICIARIES RS 9000 - RS 15000 FULL TIME JOB RS 8000 FOR FULL TIME JOB RS 6500 - RS 7000 FOR ON JOB TRAINING 2015 2016 2017 6.2 GEOGRAPHICAL REACH Danfe envisions reaching out to the marginalized population that requires immediate intervention. Since the initiation of the project we have reached out to the beneficiaries from Kavre, Makwanpur, Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa, Kathmandu. We felt the need to focus on specific regions for better impact and result. Since 2017 we have been working in Sindhupalchowk. In the long run we aim to reach out to other disadvantaged populations in other regions. 5
Rasuwa Sindhupalchowk Makwanpur Kavre 6.3 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Besides training Danfe also offers on the job training to its beneficiaries. This provides further range of possibilities and opportunities to the marginalized population. Since 2015 Danfe have provided job opportunities for a time period ranging from 3 months to 2 years to 13 girls. Besides full time job opportunity we have also been providing opportunities as home based workers to 17 girls. Providing further opportunities motivates them and develops their confidence. ON JOB TRAINING 6.4 CAPACITY BUILDING AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT Danfe is not just about tailoring training rather it is about way of life. Skilled training is important, but we believe that capacity building is most important thing and one of the major aspect of Danfe. The life skill training has been very productive as it ensures the holistic personality development of the beneficiaries. It has greatly been reflected in their leadership capacities, communication skill and so on. Informal sessions make them informed and aware about various contemporary social issues. This has helped them in decision-making and also taking a stand against any form of discrimination or violation. Issues like women rights, girls trafficking, dowry, sexual and reproductive health right etc have been discussed in the past. We also have weekly education class which has been helping the girls who are school drop-outs or unschooled. We are confident that this also paves way to empowering them from the core in addition to the skill-based training that they receive. 6
INFORMAL SESSIONS AND LIFE SKILL SESSIONS 7
6.5 SUSTAINABILITY APPROACH Besides empowering young women, Danfe also aims to become a sustainable social enterprise in the long run. With the aim of sustainability we are working project based through the support of various past/present supporters like Caritas Canada and Caritas Spain. In 5 years timeline Danfe envisions to establish itself as a self-sustaining entity. Danfe Endowment Fund has been set up for the same objective. Since 2017 after the inception of the outlet we have been able to raise of sum of USD 33000 in our Danfe Endowment Fund. 6.6 PROMOTING NEPAL MADE PRODUCTS Get Local Go Local has been the motto for Danfe, where we seek to give opportunities to young women and at the same time promote Nepal Made goods. We have seen immense possibilities in this particular line of work manufacturing clothes, bags to both local and international customers. The idea of Nepal made goods is to promote local market, encourage buyers and give job opportunities. With an average of 10 customers a day, we made 3900 item in 2017 alone. With increasing number of customers we are looking to expand the outlet in different parts of Kathmandu and Nepal in few years time. 6.7 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT TRAINING Along side with the training aspect Danfe also envisions to equip our beneficiaries with the know how of business/enterprise aspect. As the aim of the training is to make them financially independent, providing them with business management training is crucial. Since 2015, till date, 54 women have already received the training, 6 are leading their own tailoring enterprise, 10 have jobs at local shops, 6 work with Danfe, 17 are home based workers, 25 are undergoing training, 6 are working in local shops in Kathmandu and the remaining are working elsewhere. It is through the Business Management training they are able to learn the essentials of working culture, which is very significant. 8
Some of the substantial impacts that has had practical implications but difficult to evaluate has been in more personal changes. Some of which are as follows: HELP THEM BOOST THEIR CONFIDENCE 01 03 05 07 09 02 DEVELOPED THEIR COMMUNICATION SKILL 04 PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS ENHANCED THROUGH COUNSELLING 06 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR FAMILY 08 SELF WORTH AND DIGNITY 10 REINTEGRATION IN THEIR COMMUNITY 12 11 9 BUILD THEIR CAPACITY AND ACQUIRE NEW KNOWLEDGE BUILD THEIR TEAM BUILDING SKILLS WHILE WORKING WITH OTHER MATES DISCOVERED THEIR HIDDEN TALENTS THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS PREVENTION FROM TRAFFICKING / VULNERABLE SITUATIONS SOCIAL AWARENESS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING
7. CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNT During the project our team had to face several different challenges and meanwhile various learnings were also achieved while facing such challenges which has been mentioned as follows: a. As most of the girls had never been to school due to which teaching tailoring to the beneficiaries was a little challenging in the beginning. It has been realized hence that extra classes for the beneficiaries to teach them basic mathematics and English helps tremendously. b. Some of the beneficiaries had gone through minor health related issues for which proper budget had not been allocated in the project. The team feels that allocation of budget for the purpose of health checkup and cure as needed. c. As the beneficiaries belong to varied backgrounds and have had different experiences, it was a challenge for them as well as the team to work together with them in a group. To resolve this issue, counseling session especially group counseling proved to become a boon. d. Sometimes the beneficiaries would want to go back to their families due to their family related issues. In such cases, it becomes imperative to allow the beneficiaries to take a break and go back to their families and communities, which rejuvenates their energies. e. As there is still the practice of patriarchy in Nepal especially in many rural parts, our beneficiaries come from similar circumstances where the role and status of women is highly undermined and marginalized. As such, it is important to empower them in order to boost up their confidence. For this the informal sessions and interaction series have been very helpful as the issue of gender equality with major focus on human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights related matters are discussed. The girls after attending such sessions feel that they have a greater role to perform as a skilled young and empowered person reintegrating in their respective communities. f. The estimated costing of the fabrics and raw materials have been found to be more than expected. This has been realized as the price of the raw materials fluctuate with the period of a year and the production of new items often, it is necessary to have a greater margin in terms of allocating the budget for raw material production. Through these challenges and the learnings gathered, the SAATH team aims to further improvise the efficiency of the project Danfe in the year 2018. 8. DANFE S BUSINESS MANAGEMENT The Core of Danfe lies in its social enterprise venture. We as a team are a strong believer that to this time and date NGO should rise above the rooted belief system of being donor dependent. This being said it is full of challenges and obstacles nevertheless. The social enterprise side of Danfe gives us ample amount of opportunity to move towards the sustainability aspect. In the next 5 year plan Danfe envisions to establish itself as an independent entity which is financially self sustained. For the next five years we are certain to bring in several projects that is supportive of our objectives and way of working. With such encouraging funding through donors and supporters we will have established ourselves as a full-fledged enterprise. In the meantime we have established Danfe Endowment Fund. The whole concept behind the endowment fund is to collect all the revenue generated at the outlet and deposit in the fixed account, which ultimately generates interest. To date from the start of the outlet we have been able to generate a sum of USD 33000 in our endowment 10
fund. Over the period of next 5 years the operating cost for the project and the funding and support from donors will manage the outlet. Thus, there will be opportunity to increase our endowment fund in the meantime. Upon termination of funding we will be able to run the project in small scale as well as operate the shop through the endowment fund. Eventually as the production will grow, the endowment fund will increase which will eventually accommodate more beneficiaries in years to come. At present we have only one Danfe Outlet catering to the needs of the customer. In 5 years time with the support of like-minded donors we aim to increase the number of outlets within and outside Kathmandu in order to reach to a greater mass and generate more revenue. As we aim to expand, eventually we have to work in a factory setting, which will boost the production. The factory setting will advance for bigger production unit with essential tailoring equipment for ensuring better speed and better quality. Some of the features of the outlet are as follows: Promote local tailored goods Take orders according to the requirement of the customer Organize monthly events to attract more customers Encourage customers to Know your Tailors to create a linkage between customer and tailor All the fund generated from the outlet will be deposited in the Danfe Endowment Fund Online/Offline/International marketing through various platforms $ 33000 $ 23000 2017 MID 2018 DANFE ENDOWMENT FUND 11
DANFE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE - STORE 12
9. SUCCESS STORIES Name: Binda Senchari (Bka) District: Sindhupalchowk, Chautara 2, Gidane Danfe Batch of 2016 I come from Sindhupalchowk, one of the remote areas in Nepal. Irrespective of being so close to the capital city (3-4 hours drive) it is still untouched by development. I have to walk almost an hour and half in order to reach to the closest market in Chautara from my village. As a child, I have seen so much of poverty that I began to feel this was it. I did go to school for a while but because of my health problem; I was not able to continue. After my father passed away 8 years ago, my family condition became worse. Sometimes I feel that we are the most unfortunate people. 5 years ago my mother fell off stairs, since then she is unable to work. I have 3 younger siblings. Last year after the earthquake my brother was compelled to migrate outside country for job. The situation is not favorable for him either. We took a loan of almost $ 2000 to send him. We still have to pay back the loan of $ 3000 that we took when my father had cancer. After the earthquake hit our village, things became worse. My younger siblings still go to school, so we have to support them for education. My mother cannot earn anything and my brother is not able to support us yet. Life is an everyday challenge for our family. But irrespective of all the hardship, life goes on. This is what I have learnt in my life. We cannot just give up because we fail at many levels. I think the day when people came from SAATH in my district; I began to see some hope. I wanted to be a part of this training, as I knew it would open possibility to lot of things in future. I came to Kathmandu for the training, I learnt a lot more through weekly education class, informal sessions etc. I also developed some communication skill. Before coming to SAATH, I was an introvert but now I am able to speak to new people. And I am proud about that. I made many new friends. My trainers taught me with lots of patience. After the training I went back to my home and today I run my own enterprise. I am earning enough to operate my shop and support my family. It is definitely a proud moment for me. I cannot be happier. Today I am independent, today I thrive. 13
Name: Rekha Tanuwar District: Sindhupalchowk Batch: Pilot Project 2015 I had no such aspiration in life. I dropped out of school early on. With no education background I thought my life would turn out like many other girls in my community. Along with my parents I have four more siblings. Big family size meant fewer opportunities. Our main concern was fulfilling our basic needs. And education for us was not a basic need. So my family could not afford to continue my education. The earthquake made our situation worse. Our only shelter was gone. Life felt meaningless and worthless. We were doomed in our misery. When I first got an opportunity at Danfe, I felt something good could come out. And I was right. It has been almost 3 years that I have become a part of Danfe. I am one of the beneficiaries from the pilot project in July 2015. I got an opportunity to get training. And today I am working at Danfe ever since. My work has taught me a lot of things. It has given me a sense of pride that I could otherwise never dream of. This was my platform and I believe I have become someone today. Someone that I am proud of. Today I can make my own decision, make a living and also support my family. At Danfe they always said we are not here to change lives but only help us realize our own capacities. And today I have realized that I am also capable of something. I think I have become a good tailor. That s what they tell me at my work. I can stitch almost anything today. Soon I will go back to my own community and family and start my own tailor shop. With the knowledge and expertise I am confident that I will be able to run my own shop. 14
8. OUR TEAM Danfe comprises of a team of professional individuals who have had past experiences and expertise in their work area. We believe it is through the team effort of like-minded individual that leads to the overall success of any project or enterprise. The organization will be however running in a cross functional system, so all the management team will be equally responsible for all division. As the demand grows we will subsequently add the professionals in order to meet the requirement. Example a professional Business Manager, Marketing Consultant and so on. Given below is the team structure of Danfe Executive Director Project Coordinator Finance Administration Marketing Production Training Trainer Assistant Trainer Marketing Coordinator Supervisor Marketing Interns Designer Operation Sales Representative 15 Procurement
9. JOURNEY SO FAR 2015 JULY PILOT PROJECT TRAINED 5 BENEFICIARIES WITH 1 TRAINER RECEIVED FUNDING FROM CARITAS CANADA IN 2016 RECEIVED CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FROM CARITAS CANADA IN 2017 TRAINED 30 BENEFICIARIES IN 2016 TRAINED 19 BENEFICIARIES IN 2017 STARTED FIRST DANFE OUTLET IN 2017 HAS EMPLOYED 13 GIRLS AT DANFE TO DATE RAISED $33000 TILL DATE ESTABLISHED DANFE ENDOWMENT FUND RECEIVED FUNDING FROM CARITAS SPAIN IN 2018 50 MORE GIRLS WILL RECEIVE TRAINING BY 2018 AND THE JOURNEY OF DANFE CONTINUES 16
www.saath.org.np Email: info@danfeworks.com Phone: 977-1 - 6200083 Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, Nepal 17