A report from Janelle Payne, Every Daughter Matters, via Malcolm Baird, Brighton North
The Rotary Clubs of Brighton North and Kathmandu in Nepal, working in partnership with Every Daughter Matters is providing skills to young women that they can apply in their everyday lives, hence improving the opportunity to escape poverty and exploitation. The following is a letter of thanks from Janelle Payne, Head of International Partnerships and Projects, Every Daughter Matters.
Dear Rotary friends,
When the computer training centre was handed over to ASSN in May, it marked the beginning of a new learning opportunity at the Butwal Safe House. I visited today and was encouraged to see how the space is being used. Your partnership has given young women a place to develop skills they can apply in everyday tasks and, potentially, in future work.
A choice of practical skills
Young women living at the Safe Home can choose to engage in sewing and tailoring, hairdressing or computer training. These options allow each person to explore an area that interests her as she considers her next steps. Computer training has proved a popular choice: 13 young women have undertaken it to date.
Learning by doing
The training is moving beyond basic computer literacy towards practical use. Participants are developing proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint. They also practise preparing bills and vouchers and creating advertisements which involves skills in Photoshop and editing. Each task gives them a chance to turn what they learn on screen into a skill with a real use. To quote one of the participants, Pramila, “I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn computer skills. I am especially enjoying learning design skills.”
Her enjoyment of design is a reminder that training can help someone discover an interest as well as develop a skill. Students who graduate receive a certificate recognising their learning. We hope the confidence and practice gained here will support each woman as she plans her future, while recognising that every path beyond the Safe Home is different.
The partnership at work
The Rotary clubs helped establish the centre with five computer sets, furniture and a power backup system. ASSN continues to manage the training within its Safe Home programme, with Every Daughter Matters working alongside the local team. The May handover was an important milestone; seeing the training in use today shows what the investment continues to make possible.
Thank you to the Rotary members in Nepal and Australia for making this opportunity available. I hope you enjoy the attached photographs.
Warmly,
Janelle Payne | Head of International Projects and Partnerships
Every Daughter Matters
www.everydaughtermatters.org.au
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 |  computer at the Centre |