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Sponsor Stitches of Tibet

Stitches of Tibet (SOT) is a non-profit vocational training program initiated by the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) in 1995. The project provides opportunities for Tibetan women become self-reliant. Priority is given to those refugees who have recently arrived from Tibet. An eighteen month course is given to approximately ten women in traditional Tibetan tailoring skills, western shirts and trousers.

Due to the current increase in unemployment of Tibetans in exile because of school dropouts, lack of academic or vocational qualifications, an influx of newly arriving refugees, unskilled and illiterate women, and single mothers with nos ource of income, TWA initiated "Stitches of Tibet." SOT serves as an income generating project that will eventually become self-sustaining. Every eighteen months approximately ten trainees are selected. TWA ensures that 80% of the positions are reserved for newly arrived refugees and 20% of the positions are reserved for exile based. Priority is given to those applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds.

During the eighteen months of training, the women receive an education in Tibetan, English and tailoring. There is one full-time paid tailor and Tibetan and English language volunteers. As some of the women have not recevied any formal education, it is crucial for them to learn how to read and write in both Tibetan and English.

Since 1998, SOT has been running by selling the products produced during the training period and additional handicrafts. This project aims to eventually become totally self-sufficient by generating income through selling items produced by the trainees. Former trainees are now working in well-established handicraft and tailoring centers in various Tibetan settlements.

This project has been running with great success, as it is well accepted and received by the Tibetan community, however there is only a small fund to cover the expenses. TWA is able to provide a Rs.500 (approximately $12 USD) monthly stipend to each woman while she is enrolled in the program, but this is hardly enough to fully fund their daily necessities. Since 1997, this project has been running out of TWA's own fund and the little income generated is not enough to cover all expenses.

SOT is a project that promotes economic stability for Tibetan women living in exile. The positive effects of this program greatly improves the lives of many children and families living in exile. With more women being educated, our Tibetan community grows stronger and more empowered.

If you are interested in sponsoring a woman in the SOT program or would like to provide funding for the overall functioning, please contact

For more information please contact our central office.