Since 2013 members of S I Bolton have supported a scheme run by Soroptimists in Kathmandu to help girls from extremely poor families continue their education. One of the earliest girls to benefit was Mandira. Her mother was dead and she had to look after her siblings; there was no money to spare for school fees or the basic equipment such as pens and paper, let alone such things as school lunches. This is Mandira in 2020. She not only completed her education but has succeeded in obtaining a much coveted position in the police force. Kathmandu Soroptimists have given her support and the confidence to succeed.

One of this year’s Soroptimist causes is mental health awareness and support. Member Eileen Watson is famed for her delicious fundraising suppers; we enjoyed a party and raised £300 to help Building A New Direction, a local charity helping people whose circumstances have resulted in a loss of confidence and a feeling that no one cares about them and their difficulties.   The comradeship and practical help given really do enable clients to see a future and make a new beginning. Members help each other and share their experiences.

For nearly twenty years Angela and Stephen Rowley have been involved in a project to help villagers in a remote part of Kenya improve their lives in a partnership to bring Clean Water Health Care Education. It started with the first water filter in Nyandiwa and now includes running water, proper toilets and a school room. The village’s first university graduates in dentistry and accountancy have completed their studies. During this summer we collected dozens of packs of knickers for the girls. Sanitary items and knickers mean girls can enjoy full time education all the time and not have to lose a week’s worth of classes each month. After an inspiring and entertaining talk by Angela Rowley we were more than happy to donate the profit from our Quiz and Adventure Evening to this splendid cause. The recent Newsletter from Angela and Stephen after their

Last week four members of our Club visited a local charity – Baby Basics – taking two Moses baskets and items to fill them. Each month between 20 and 30 baskets are given to local young women faced with the daunting problem of providing clothes and essential items for a new baby when they are struggling to house and feed themselves and their families. We were most impressed by the care and efficiency of the charity’s officers. Each basket has a precise list of items, new or carefully washed and ironed, and beautifully arranged and entirely suitable. Here Frankie admires the store of items for future baskets.