22 Apr Started From the Bottom. Now We’re Here!
So you’re probably wondering what DANFE must be?
If you have been to Nepal and specifically in Patan area, there is a place called Jhamsikhel. There are lot of shops, restaurants, handicrafts stores, clothing stores in the area. In this particular place there is a shop “DANFE”, which sells various items including clothes in various colors which will definitely attract you.
You must be thinking what is so new and interesting about selling clothes, right? Well, here’s the deal:
DANFE was established in response to the devastating Earthquake of 2015 in Nepal. It is not just a store but a livelihood and entrepreneurship program. It enrolls girls who have been affected by the Earthquake and provides them with basic tailoring lessons as well as informal education session. The store is named after the national bird of Nepal, Danfe. The flashy colors of the bird represent the different girls with their different characteristics who are behind all those alluring clothes of the store. This project acts as a platform to enhance their tailoring skills and to get inspired and motivated for a brighter future. The vital point of this project is to involve, empower and support girls from marginalized community affected by earthquake.
So far, you got information on why DANFE was initiated, but there is more to the story.
These girls whom we call “Danfe Girls” come from earthquake affected areas mainly Sindhupalchowk district. The were selected on need basis and are sheltered at a girls hostel in Kathmandu during the training period. The girls come to the training center (which is located on same building as the store) every day throughout the week.
Their daily routine includes learning basic tailoring lessons and involve in informal educational sessions. Other sessions include basic necessary primary education, counseling, and learning basic social norms/values through informal education classes. From the 10 months of training and educational workshop, the girls gets chance to learn and enhance their tailoring skill and gain knowledge on social issues that (could) affect their daily lives. They are also given basic business management class towards the end of training period. Also, to help them showcase their capabilities easily, the project offers 2 months employment opportunities to selected Danfe girls. The job placement starts after the 10 months training period.
The SAATH team started DANFE project with great enthusiasm and we have been successful in what we aimed to do with such fidelity. Youth members have become a crucial part of SAATH and have conducted many workshops and fund raising events which have brought positive outcomes towards the development and publicity of the DANFE.
A handful of past Danfe Girls (trainees) have work to create the products that make up the DANFE store. Located right below the training center, the DANFE store sells everything from women’s and men’s apparel to children’s clothing. However, the products that have been most popular lately are the DANFE tote and canvas bags! With the collaborative help of a local designer, the DANFE store puts out looks for every season.
Most recently, some of Danfe girls (who graduated last year) have started a tailoring business of their own. Not only did their training prepare them to create a business foundation, but it brought these girls together to form something so empowering. For SAATH, connection is essential. From the first day the girls start their training, it is encouraged that they lean into one another for support and companionship. Although they’re shy and held back in the initial phase, by the end of training DANFE hopes to provide life long friendships and possible business relationships.
So many girls have grown into people we thought we would never be able to make them and have improved their skills in such a way that their work has not gone unappreciated. DANFE has seen how the girls have turned from traumatized earthquake casualties to ravishing, colorful DANFE feathers. This has encouraged DANFE to continue their work and make sustainable effects.
In future, DANFE hopes to continue to provide training for women all around Nepal. By bringing these individuals in and giving them proper tailoring and general education, a new generation of powerful and independent women is created. Thanks to DANFE, over the next few years the population of business-owning women in Nepal can grow exponentially.
DANFE is not just a store, it’s a brand created aiming to have recognition worldwide