Volunteering England - Volunteering magazine online - 06.02.06

Web Designer would like to meet SW volunteers

Do you know of a small group of volunteers, up for a new challenge?

In April 2004, Sonia Rockett was introduced to the Laligurans Women's Skill Development Centre in Nepal.

This was a newly formed organisation helping to create opportunities for women with no income, by producing and selling traditional goods such as colourful woven bags.

Economic independence for such women directly benefits the future of their children. However the tourist market was, and still is, particularly slow due to internal political conflicts.

Sonia tells Volunteering magazine how she was asked to build a website for the women to enable them to export their handcrafts.

"As a volunteer, I had limited time and resources, which reflected in the quality of the web site and sadly I had real issues with releasing a site, which was not up to my usual high standards. Some 18 months later I was extremely embarrassed to still not have completed their website.

However, it is now available to view at:

www.laliguranswomenskill.org.np

Why? Because I started again - kept it simple, so simple that I am now collaborating with Kumani, an Afrikan Youth Project from Bristol, to build similar websites for other community groups in developing countries.

It is not difficult. It just takes time, commitment and it would be suited to volunteers who enjoy using computers. The project offers a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, build self-esteem and focus on other people’s needs.

During 2006, I am aiming to work with a further two groups based in the South West, developing similar projects and training to meet their requirements. Should you be interested or need any further information, please visit www.sensorystore.co.uk/developing.htm or contact me direct on 0796 816 3903 or email

I look forward to hearing from you."