Welcome!

The story is simple. Roshna, in the center above, met Peggy (on the left, below), in Bhaktapur, Nepal, in November 2006. At the time, Roshna was 13, spoke 4 languages (was learning a 5th), and wanted to be an eye doctor. We arranged to prepay several hours of internet time at a local cafe, set Roshna up with an email address, and taught her how to use Google.

Her mother, Maiya, wanted to meet us; the photo below was taken in their tiny flat. What it lacked in electricity was more than offset by the generosity, kindness and affection that filled their home. She insisted on giving us each a hat she knitted: the photo shows the hat she gave to Peggy.

In order to make ends meet, Maiya, a single mom with 2 kids, knits hats and gloves. The quality of her work is not reflected in the money she earns. As a piece worker for a local factory in Kathmandu, she is paid less than a quarter per knitted item. We proposed to sell whatever items she might be able to send us and send the entire proceeds of each sale to their family.  (We absorb all costs of sales--like this website, credit card processing fees,  management,  accounting, etc) in order to maximize the wealth transfer. Think of it as Robin Hood goes legit: you get a lovely hand knitted something, and girls in Nepal get to go to school. 

If  you educate a boy,
you educate an individual
–if you educate a girl,
you educate a community.

(from "A brief history of the Central Asia Institute" by Tara Bishop)

If you aren't ready to get a knitted item,  you can as an alternative make a small donation to this family toward the education or internet fund for their three children (2 girls, one boy).

If you know of others who like the idea of using small amounts of money to make a big difference, please pass this web address on to them.

If you wish to learn more about microbusiness, microloans, and helping raise 1/3 of the world's population above the $2/day level, see the Nepal page.

We are very interested in your ideas for enriching or transforming this social entrepreneurship model. We realize this is the first step in a journey of a thousand miles, the goal of which would be to help individuals and families, everywhere, participate more fully in blessings now enjoyed by a small fraction of the world's population, while simulataneously creating and maintaining a sustainable relationship with the earth. The existing paradigm of consumption and waste does not further this goal. Good ideas transformed into action are required. Your help most welcome.

Thanks!!