We’re thrilled to share inspiring news from the Lydia Vocational Training Programme in Nepal. 3 months ago, 12 courageous women completed the Lydia Advanced Tailoring Training, gaining not only expert sewing skills but also leadership development, life skills, business planning, and awareness of gender-based violence.
On May 7, 2025, the graduates celebrated their achievements at a joyful ceremony held at the Lydia Vocational Training Center in Kathmandu, where they received certificates recognizing their hard work and growth.
Mastering Skills, Opening Doors
The programmes’s curriculum was comprehensive and empowering. Graduates mastered the art of sewing 15 types of women’s and children’s garments, from elegant evening gowns and ethnic saris to designer blouses and partywear — all crafted with quality and care.
Many women are now ready to launch home-based tailoring businesses, open shops, or find employment in the fashion industry. The training also included valuable lessons in business planning, sourcing materials, pricing strategies, and customer engagement — essential tools to turn their skills into sustainable livelihoods.
Beyond Sewing: Leadership and Confidence
At Lydia, empowerment goes beyond the sewing machine. Participants developed leadership skills to uplift their communities and churches. They learned about gender-based violence, their legal rights, and prevention strategies, fostering resilience and self-advocacy.
Strong bonds formed among trainees, trainers, Lydia alumni, and International Needs staff — creating a network of encouragement and shared dreams.
Celebrating Talent and Transformation
The graduation ceremony was a highlight, featuring a lively ramp walk where graduates and children modelled beautiful garments made during training. It was a heartfelt display of creativity, skill, and newfound confidence.
Special awards celebrated outstanding effort:
- Dhanusha received the Tailoring Excellence Award
- Lanka was honoured with the Discipline Award
These women are stepping into their futures with hope and determination.
2025 Highlights: Witnessing Impact Firsthand
Earlier this year, supporters from New Zealand joined a Women’s Discovery Trip to Nepal. They met graduates like Asha, who now runs a thriving tailoring and training center in Kathmandu. Asha’s story of faith, resilience, and leadership deeply moved the team, who prayed with her family and purchased garments she made — a tangible way to support and celebrate her success.
Rachel Honeybone, INNZ’s Ministry & Resource Coordinator, shared, “It was a joy to witness friendships, stories, and a shared vision for empowering women. I encourage any supporter to join a Discovery Trip and see the impact firsthand.”
Hear more on our podcast where Rachel unpacks the journey and the power of transformation made possible through your support.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Needs
As Lydia’s success grows, so do the opportunities — and challenges. The rising costs of training materials, residential care, and management require additional funding. Demand is growing, with more women eager to learn and graduates seeking support to turn skills into income.
Key areas for support include:
- Purchasing electric and specialty sewing machines for graduates|Business start-up grants to help launch home-based shops
- Funding for government-recognized CTEVT certification, boosting credibility and employability
- Expanding training to rural areas with combined basic and advanced courses
Your continued partnership can help Lydia expand its reach and deepen its impact.
New Cohort
We’re excited to announce that a new cohort started August 11, 2025, with 12 women from remote villages embarking on their own journey of empowerment.
Thank You
Thanks to supporters like you, women such as Asha, Dhanusha, and Lanka are crafting new futures filled with courage, dignity, and hope. Together, we’re stitching strength from struggle — one woman, one stitch, one dream at a time.
If you want to learn more about supporting Lydia or joining a Discovery Trip, connect with us at [email protected].