There is something to be said about a community that comes together to help one another after tragedy strikes. That’s exactly what happened when a category 7 earthquake hit Nepal. In the time since it’s devastation, it has been the people that have been helping one another rebuild. One of the most badly affected areas was Bhurunchuli Village where 55 homes were lost and are still trying to rebuild with the help of Bottlers Nepal Limited (BNL), The Rotary Club of Jawalahkel and CREASION, an organization whose goal is to get the younger generation to “extend their feelings of compassion into actions”.
Not only are they helping rebuild the homes lost with materials strong enough to withstand future earthquakes (by using steel rods running through each brick and a metal roof), they also made the homes a bit bigger.
Each home costs around $5000 to build and they actually make the bricks themselves. Yep, the bricks are made by some of the women villagers.
Another way in which they are improving the village is by building a bath house (or padhero) that will allow the ladies a safe and private place to bathe and a close place to wash their clothes. That padhero will also serve as a place where women can come together to chat and support one another.
Before a project begins, the village people perform a religious ceremony to bless it. While we were there, we not only got to see the Padhero Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony, we actually got to be a part of it by adding some rice and flowers onto the area and spreading some concrete.
Seeing the community come together after such a tragic earthquake is inspiring and I am confident they are all the stronger because of it.
Since 2013, Coca-Cola Nepal has provided free business skills training through Coca-Cola’s 5by20 program, locally referred to as ‘Shopkeeper Training and Resources’ (STAR) for Nepali female retailers. It provides traditional Nepali retailers with the skills, tools and techniques required to succeed in Nepal’s constantly changing retail scenario.
Under the 5by20 initiative, the Company is working to help economically empower 5 million women across our global value chain by 2020. This initiative aims to empower women in our global business system by providing access to business skills, financial services and assets, and support networks of peers and mentors. The program is focused on driving women empowerment through entrepreneurship for inclusive growth.
To date, 2848 Nepali female retailers have been trained across Nepal. We will observe part of a training program for 18-20 women at the plant. Afterwards, several women who have already received business-skills training will share their stories of success.
Coca-Cola sponsored my travel, accommodations and other expenses for my trip to Nepal. All opinions are my own.
What a remarkable opportunity you were given.