Greetings from Nepal, it's that time of year again with all the Christmas hustle and bustle happening back home in Aus.  In Nepal life goes on as usual and I have to admit it's rather lovely to have the cool weather, the odd Christmas carol happening and no crazy Christmas rush.

Our Umbrella Australia team have been busy (hence the lack of news) with Geraldine (board member) assisting our sewing ladies with Kurta & menstruation kit production. Bridie is now visiting and volunteering with Centre for Awareness Promotion (CAP) Nepal, a non-profit organization based in Kathmandu. 

The primary aim of CAP is to emancipate women and girls gender based violence and discrimination; to rescue and prohibit the trafficking of women and children and to reform cultural malpractices. CAP Nepal also works abolish commercial sexual and labor exploitation of women and children. 

Umbrella Australia are assisting in a small project which is being established by the British charity 'One Golden Angel' who are funding the first emergency shelter for trafficked (in most cases) girls, rescued from the adult entertainment industry.  Some of these girls are as young as 10 and actively working in the most horrific circumstances.  Our small project is to provide welcome packs which consist of menstruation kits, kurta (traditional dress), toiletries, drawing book....even lolly pops. 

THE GOLDEN ANGEL EMERGENCY SHELTER for rescued trafficked, abused, and sexually exploited children, is the first of its kind in Nepal and will open in January, 2017.

Our DFG sewing ladies are helping in the preparation of these packs and in a small way we are bringing a smile and some hope.  There is the opportunity to purchase a kit at: http://umbrellaaustralia.org/new-products/the-golden-angel-emergency-home-welcome-gift-pack all funds raised at our Conversations at Blackbird are contributing to this project.

We are also about to undertake our post earthquake school build, planning has started and the funds donated to us from schools in Australia will be supporting the project.  Once everything is signed, sealed and delivered we will be publishing all the details.

On behalf of myself and the board members at The Umbrella Foundation Australia I wish you and your families much joy and love for a Merry Christmas and 2017.  We have the opportunity of seeing first hand the many vulnerable situations children & their families are facing here in Nepal.  It is your kindness and trust that allows us to make a small change and for this we thank you.

Linda Harwood