Lydia Vocational Training in Nepal: Latest intake
In January, Lydia Jewellery Training was conducted for 12 women from marginalized and disadvantaged communities across nine districts of Nepal. The programme, which began on 26 January and concluded on 13 February, was designed to equip women with practical income-generating skills they can use from home.
For many women, leaving home for long periods is not possible due to childcare, household responsibilities, livestock care, or safety concerns. This short-term training created an accessible opportunity for those who would otherwise be unable to participate.
Out of the 12 participants, 11 successfully graduated. Alongside hands-on jewellery making, they received five days of basic business training to help them launch small home-based enterprises.
The women learned to create jewellery items popular in the Nepali market — including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, bangles, rings, and complete sets — using beads, wires, threads, and seed beads. On graduation day, their products were showcased and received positive feedback from staff and guests.
Several women shared how the training had transformed their confidence. One participant expressed that the realization — “I can make and sell from home” — opened a door of possibility that once felt out of reach.
Empowerment That Multiplies
The impact of Lydia training is already multiplying.
The following week, a three-day sanitary pad-making training was conducted for five former Lydia graduates at LVTC. The goal was to begin producing eco-friendly, reusable sanitary pads for sale and for distribution during menstrual hygiene education programmes for adolescent girls and community women.
One former Lydia graduate, Alisha, now works in a sanitary pad manufacturing company. She was invited to return as a trainer — and gladly accepted.
This was more than a skills workshop. It was a powerful example of sustainability in action — a former trainee becoming a trainer, and new participants gaining potential short-term employment or home-based income opportunities through sanitary pad production.
Meeting Emerging Needs: The Programme Is Evolving
Since 2024, the Lydia Vocational Training Centre (LVTC) has been running a 3-month Advanced Tailoring Training programme, serving groups of 10–12 women at a time and reaching approximately 20–24 disadvantaged women each year. The training combines strong vocational instruction with a holistic development approach — nurturing not only technical skill, but also character, confidence, and personal growth.
While the programme has brought meaningful impact, several challenges have limited its ability to expand and reach more women:
- Limited Skill Pathways: A focus on tailoring alone means women with different interests or aptitudes cannot always be accommodated.
- Accessibility Barriers: Some of the most vulnerable women are unable to leave home for 4–5 months due to childcare, household duties, livestock care, or safety concerns.
- Follow-Up Capacity: Ongoing monitoring and alumnae engagement require additional resources.
- Lack of Start-Up Support: Graduates who need seed funding or equipment to begin income-generating work often struggle without initial assistance.
A Strengthened and Diversified Vision
Looking ahead, INNP is intentionally broadening and strengthening the Lydia programme to respond to these realities. The revised approach focuses on widening access, introducing additional vocational streams, increasing income-generation support, and creating flexible training options for women who cannot participate in long-term residential programmes.
From 2026 onward, the annual plan includes expanded tailoring certification, short-term handicraft courses, bag and accessories training, technical skills programmes delivered through partner institutes, and structured Income Generation Assistance for the most disadvantaged participants.
Through this expanded framework, LVTC aims to reach between 100–115 women annually — while remaining deeply committed to holistic empowerment. Every training pathway continues to integrate vocational excellence with character development, leadership growth, emotional care, and spiritual encouragement.
How You Can Make a Difference
As the programme grows, practical support is vital.
You can help by contributing toward:
- Electric sewing machines and specialised equipment for graduates who cannot afford their own tools
- Business start-up grants to help women launch home-based enterprises
- CTEVT certification support, opening doors to recognised qualifications and long-term employability
We also value your prayers as we seek wisdom, provision, and strength to continue serving women with dignity and care.
Every gift, every prayer, and every partnership helps transform opportunity into lasting change.
Learn more about the Lydia Vocational Training Programme by clicking HERE.