Haven Belts
August 2024 was the first visit to CHoE and Nepal for one of the Eifion Trust’s younger family members, Augustus Jackson, accompanied by his friend, Bridget Kent, both students at Durham University. On arrival and after time spent at CHoE, they decided to look at starting a fundraising initative to raise money for fun outings for the children. They came up with the idea of an affordable, unisex, multi-generational product that could be easily shipped from Nepal at a relatively low cost and would be distinctly Nepalese using sustainable natural materials. Something they felt confident they could market back at their university.
With the help of their new found CHoE friends, they researched the export process from scratch, sourcing materials, creating original designs, visiting small family workshops and overseeing the production and shipping. In the UK, they have successfully marketed and sold lots of Haven Belts and in doing so gained invaluable experience and knowledge and contributed to the happiness levels at CHoE!
Augustus Jackson on his first visit to CHoE
Upon reflecting on my visit to CHOE and the time Bridget and I spent in Nepal, I am struck not by memories of the place, but, more importantly, of the kindness, deservedness and openness of the children, carers, and families. I truly believe that the Eifion Trust’s projects in Nepal have changed lives beyond recognition and continue to do so every day. Whilst, from many miles away, it is easy to minimise and compartmentalise these projects into remaining products of Grandpa Barry’s efforts, this understates the value of establishments like CHOE to the presents and futures of real children, real families, and real communities just like ours in the UK. Coming away from this trip, both Bridget and I are anxious to return the hospitality of those we met and find new ways of working together with them as their peers. This vision of cooperation will be at the heart of our future fundraising efforts.
