KASIN has long recognised the fantastic work that KTS has been doing in Kathmandu. Jane Southward, one of our trustees spent a month volunteering as a teacher trainer at the KTS primary school and you can read her her blog here.
KTS was initially established to assist the local Pode community of street sweepers because, as a caste of untouchables, these people had been denied education and employment opportunities. The rest of society shunned them and it was virtually impossible to break free of the traditional caste occupations of street sweepers, butchers and small farmers. A childcare project for street cleaning workers was established, followed by adult literacy classes and a nutrition and health clinic, which included an immunisation programme.In 1984, KTS opened a primary school and introduced a carpet weaving training programme for adults.
The KTS organisation today encompasses a free nursery and primary school for 250 children. KTS provides vocational training for women and young men in carpet weaving, hand knitting and carpentry. KTS supports Fair Trade income-generating programmes for its producers, through the sale of high-quality Fair Trade carpets, knitwear and furniture, which fund and sustain the KTS activities. KTS also runs a day-care centre for the children of trainees, producers and staff.
KASIN and Kids of Kumbeshwar UK are providing the salary for two teachers at the Primary School at KTS. The trustees of KASIN have visited the school to talk with the children and were impressed with their wellbeing and ambitions. Donations will go towards ensuring that this support can continue.
Our Success Story: “My name is Chandra Jyoti Thapa. I lost my father when I was 4 months old and my mother when I was 9 years old. It was a very difficult time in my life. There was no one to look after me since all my brothers and sisters were very young. Then, one of my teacher heard about KTS and its facilities for children like me. So, I came to join the KTS orphanage and school through my teacher when I was 9 years old. I was admitted to Class 2. I lived in KTS orphanage while continuing my studies with the full sponsorship from KTS. KTS helped me to continue my study from grade 2 to Bachelor Degree. Currently I am working in KTS Primary School as a teacher. I really appreciate the support of the KTS team and respect Kiran sir from the depths of my heart. Without the help of KTS I could have never been in this position. I am very grateful and I would like to thank KTS team for their contribution, support and help for last 16 years.”- Chandra Jyoti Thapa
If you wish to set up a regular donation to help the children at Kumbeshwar, you can download this form
Gift Aid Form