About the Project

We are working on this project through Wharton's International Volunteer Projects, which aids NGOs all over the world. Here is some information on the NGO we are working with, The Bhutanese Women's Refugee Camp:

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Founded in 1992 by refugee women leaders

•BRWF’s mission is to promote self-reliance, skills development and income generation for women living in the seven Bhutanese refugee camps of southeastern Nepal

•BRWF’s projects include:

•Micro-Loan Scheme – A micro-loan program with over 500 borrowers, providing vital access to small loans for refugee women

•Vocational Training – Various skills-building activities exist in the camps, ranging from shawl weaving and tailoring to garland-making and baking.

•Women’s Empowerment – Several initiatives currently underway to empower women through education, training in leadership, money management

•Handicrafts – As part of fund-raising, BRWF seeks to sell shawls, handbags and other handicrafts made in the camps

Project Scope:

Duration: ~3 weeks

• Evaluate Micro-Loan Program and recommend strategies for sustainability, greater impact

• Assess fund-raising options to reduce dependence on UN donors, with emphasis on promoting revenue streams for handicrafts made in the camps

• Evaluate overall financial management and record-keeping, and recommend ways to promote efficiency, cut costs