Spearheaded by the Darjeeling Mary Ward Social Centre, Ethical Enterprises has been very active with lots of community involvement. Despite limited tourists returning to the tea plantations, significant impacts are being made.
The Panighatta sewing project is popular as sewing can provide a good source of family income. Currently, there are 17 students enrolled in the class. Eleven women have purchased sewing machines, enabling them to work and provide for their families.
The Sukna jute products were recently awarded at a government fair, acknowledging the work accomplished. Sixty women are currently involved in jute making, working four days per month. Each product takes approximately one month to complete. The project enables female students to remain enrolled in their formal studies. Four women recently completed high school and have since pursued nursing training. A past project participant is now employed as a jute trainer.
Educating for the Elimination of Forced Marriage is making great strides in the goals set for 2022, despite lingering COVID-19 challenges. Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) has engaged with over 50 schools across the country, utilising online platforms where in-person school access was restricted. To address forced marriage, they have conducted awareness training with more than 60 community organisations, including State and Federal Police and the Australian Red Cross. ACRATH has also facilitated training with community groups, focusing on family violence to help them recognise and manage forced marriage cases. ACRATH continues to work closely with the women who have been forced to marry against their will and advocate for national schemes for survivors.
The construction of the Loreto Ostico Community Centre, which will bring life-changing benefits to the Timorese village of Ostico and the wider community, is coming along in leaps and bounds. The intricacies of building in a remote area with limited infrastructure can be complex. Uncontrollable setbacks occurred earlier in the year due to severe storms and supply chain delays, slowing construction. With the roof installed, internal works are set to continue despite the upcoming wet season. Once complete, the centre will deliver inclusive and equitable learning opportunities and provide a place for meetings and community events. Investing in education will ensure the people of Ostico reach their full potential and lead to transformative change in the community.
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