Doctors for Peace, thanks to the contribution of the San Zeno Foundation, has activated in Kathmandu, Nepal, a training course and introduction to the profession of carpenter-carver in favor of young Nepalese from disadvantaged families residing in the poorest and most remote areas of the country, and Tibetan political refugees who, having grown up in a local Buddhist monastery and returned to secular life, they found themselves without professional qualifications and therefore unemployed.
In the Kathmandu Valley, there is a rich tradition of carpentry, particularly in solid wood carving. However, the family-run artisan network has not stood up to competition with the large industries of furniture and fixtures in chipboard or plywood.
Doctors for Peace has chosen to invest in the revival and redevelopment of the ancient tradition through a two-year training in basic carpentry and carving. The courses, held by master Sonam Dorje and two skilled Indian carpenters, took place within the company “Kalinta Gift Manufacturing Pvt Ltd”.
The young people learned to produce small gift items, furnishings, decorations, furniture, utensils and furnishing objects in general. Specific training was dedicated to the production of small solid wood furniture with decorations (handles, corners, external hinges) in brass, bronze and iron.
Scholarships have been established and tool kits have been provided in order to ensure the future sustainability of the activity. All participants found a place in the local world of work