Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1: 17
One of the principal goals of Black Kite Coffee is the inclusion and development of women on the margins, regardless of religious background: to love as we have been loved by Christ.
Women in Nepal
Historically, Nepal has been and still is, heavily influenced by the Hindu belief system of patrilineal descent and female subordination to men. Whilst there has been much progress towards greater gender equality, there remains much work to be done (Nepal’s Gender Inequality Index score was 0.743 in 1990 and 0.487 in 2021; the UK index score is 0.083 for comparison i.e., closer to 0).
Obtaining barista qualifications and experience is one route into work for many young women and can also help secure employment in Nepal and abroad, helping to raise families out of poverty.
The Black Kite Coffee team
Our first two trainees, Salome and Roshni, continue to work for us. Both girls are from difficult family backgrounds and needed regular work and skills development. Salome continues to be our afternoon barista whilst she prepares for work in South Korea next year. Roshni has become our trainee baker, as we prepare to launch sourdough bread and other bakery items to our cafe offering. She is receiving training from HIllary Titus of Peak Leadership Development.
And so we welcome our two new trainees: Sargam and Jasmine, both of whom have just completed a one month professional-level barista training programme with Himalayan Java (see photo). Their next goal is to complete a week of paid work experience with Black Kite Coffee, before we help them decide on next steps.
Jasmine’s story
I was born ỉn a small house in Pokhara. By nepali standards, our family was quite small, consisting of only my father, mother and my younger brother. When my brother was eight months old, my mother became paralyzed. Whilst she can walk a bit better these days, she is not able to work outside the home.
I attend Pokhara Baptist Church and have just left school. I need to think of my future and help my family financially: I am thankful to black kite for giving me this opportunity.
My dream is to own my own business: a cafe. First, I want to build a stable life for my brother and me - working as a barista will certainly help with that! After that, I hope to use my own business to help other people too!
Sargam’s story
I’ve had a fun childhood, with many experiences that have shaped who I am today. My mum has house-keeping and gardening work in Pokhara, but my father became ill working abroad and had to return home. I am excited to gain practical experience, learn more about coffee and develop as a barista. My income will also help support my family.
I am currently in the second year of my bachelor's degree in Management. Outside of studies and work, I enjoy creating online content, coming up with concepts and creative writing. I like being creative and turning ideas into something that people can connect with. I also like trying things outside my comfort zone.
My biggest goal is simple: to keep learning, become independent and to be a kind person wherever life takes me.
This month’s photographs:
Sargam (left) and Jasmine (right) proudly holding their brand new Himalayan Java certificates.
Salome, celebrating her 23rd birthday this month.
Roshni, developing nicely as one of our barista team.
