Organised by the international charity, Action Aid, Shirley, SICL Finance Director, will travel to the western region of Nepal which has endured many years of bonded slavery called the Kamaiya system. The families were liberated from this oppressive way of life in the year 2000 and were provided some land but no shelter. Even after 10 years of liberation, many are still living in unhygienic, temporary shelters, unable to afford to build a proper house. The Kamaiyas are agricultural labourers with their earnings barely adequate for one day. The problems facing these people are overwhelming with malnutrition and disease prevalent in the re-settlement camps.
Since 2002, Action Aid Nepal has been involved relentlessly and has helped build 588 houses in Kamaiya Settlements with a further three hundred in the process of construction. In total Action Aid aims to house at least 15,000 families. The project will help improve the livelihood of the community, health of the families will improve and children will be able to go to school. By owning their own homes the freed Kamaiyas will finally live a life of dignity.
Shirley is aiming to raise money in support of Action Aid for the project and all monies raised will go directly to the charity as she is financing all costs of the trip herself. If you would like to make a donation, please visit:
www.myactionaid.org.uk/ShirleyFirth/shirley-firth-nepal