2026 various projects
2026 • VARIOUS PROJECTS
Saano kosheli will continue to provide useful gifts
such as reusable, washable sanitary pads (1,674 in total so far)
and educational programmes on menstruation (which remains a taboo subject)
but also supports other projects and emergency aid actions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
At the end of 2025, we have decided to stop selling our beautiful, handmade products from Nepal. You will therefore no longer find them at local summer and Christmas markets. However, our humanitarian association, Saano kosheli, will of course continue to exist, and our humanitarian projects and initiatives will also continue.
If you wish, you can continue to support us financially via the DON/GIFT button (HelloAsso). Alternatively, if you would prefer to support us by bank transfer, please contact info@saano-kosheli.fr; we will send you our bank details as soon as we receive your email. To make a donation by cheque, please send it to the association’s head office: Saano-kosheli, 418 Route de Condat, 63580 St-Genès-la-Tourette.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 AND 9 SEPT ’26 • AIMED EMERGENCY AID ACTION FOR 415 PEOPLE
The emergency aid action aims to meet the urgent needs of disaster-stricken families in terms of hygiene, shelter, sanitation and education. Access to the affected area was completely impassable, as all roads and bridges had been washed away or destroyed. However, Maya and her team managed to reach the site.
It took several days of preparation to purchase, gather and pack all the equipment. After working tirelessly, the team was able to set off in fully loaded truck along tracks that remained extremely difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, they encountered many obstacles from the local authorities, but they managed to deliver the humanitarian aid parcels to those in need themselves. Maya: “As a rescue worker, you feel powerless in the face of so much grief and trauma caused by natural disasters.” Many families have lost all their possessions and their livelihoods. Children have learnt that their parents are missing, but do not yet understand that they will never see them again. Many are still living in uncertainty, without ever receiving any answers. Everyone has experienced their own trauma, to which little attention is often paid. Lending a willing ear is often all the team members can do at such times.
For the survivors, a period of uncertainty begins: where can they sleep, how can they get food and drink, where is the nearest school? How can they get their lives back on track after such a disaster?
Maya and her team have been able to provide practical assistance to 415 people and their families directly affected by this terrifying catastrophe:
• SHELTER AND EMERGENCY AID: one tarpaulin and one blanket per family
• HEALTH AND HYGIENE KITS: packs of reusable and washable DFGN sanitary pads, disposable sanitary pads, hygiene soap, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, underwear, bras, cloth face mask, storage bags, bin bags …
• CHILDREN’S WELL-BEING AND CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION: nappies, wet wipes, writing and drawing materials
2026 various projects
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Maya, from Days for Girls Nepal, extends her warmest thanks to Saano-kosheli,and other donors for their prompt response and generosity. “Thanks to your commitment, this emergency relief operation was able to get off the ground and has enabled hundreds of families and their loved ones in Dhading and Nuwakot to regain their dignity, feel protected and perhaps even find a glimmer of hope.”
Dheri dheri dhanyabaad – thank you so much for your support
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 AUGUST ’26 • A WEDNESDAY MORNING • as a result of a devastating mudslide, there are:
1,355 dead
5,053 people missing without trace
43,000 women and girls affected
17,000 schoolchildren involved
20,000 homes damaged
12 schools destroyed
and the entire infrastructure washed away (drinking water, electricity, telecommunications, roads, bridges, etc.)
Saano Kosheli is taking action alongside Maya. Our Nepalese colleague and her team are putting together emergency aid parcels*. As soon as it is possible, they will travel in a convoy with other NGOs to the affected area. *Blankets, hygiene kits (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, etc.), sanitary pads etc.
In recent years, Saano Kosheli has focused on the exceptionally vulnerable position of women and girls within Nepalese culture. Even in crisis situations, we remain committed to meeting the specific needs of these women and girls. Pregnant women, young mothers, breastfeeding mothers and menstruating women and girls require special care. Where shelters do exist, they are often overcrowded. There is no privacy, no toilets or washing facilities – or far too few of them – people smoke and drink, and it is unsafe.
2026 various projects
If you would like to support us, you can make a donation via the button (via Hello Asso) or contact us directly (info@saano-kosheli.fr) to request our bank account details.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
• JUNE• June 2026 • PROGRAMME OF DISTRIBUTION AND EDUCATION, TARGETING GIRLS AND WOMEN FROM THE CHEPANG INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY •
The programme attracted 142 participants, a figure well above the original target of 100 people set by Saano Kosheli. To respond quickly and effectively to this enthusiastic turnout, another organisation donated 42 additional packs of sanitary towels.
The training took place in a safe, engaging and dynamic atmosphere, in which crucial topics – ranging from reproductive anatomy to human trafficking – were discussed openly, whilst packs of reusable and washable sanitary pads were distributed.
The primary goal of this programme is to provide every participant with a sustainable solution for managing her period safely and with dignity
2026 various projects
PACKAGE CONTENTS: Each of the 142 women and girls received a complete pack of reusable and washable sanitary pads from DFGN* (Days For Girls Nepal), which are designed to last for up to 3 years.
• Two holders with waterproof liners and eight absorbent pads form the basis of the washable sanitary pads, which can be comfortably attached to underwear.
• Essential hygiene products such as a small bar of soap and a washcloth for daily care.
• A discreet, made-to-measure storage pouch and a small storage pouch, so that the girls can wash, store and dry their items in complete privacy.
2026 various projects
*DFGN: These packs of reusable and washable sanitary pads are made in Nepal by women (some of whom are themselves marginalised) in Days For Girls Nepal’s fair trade workshops.
“Why is my period irregular?” The counsellors answered this frequently asked question by explaining how hormonal fluctuations during puberty naturally lead to irregular periods, and reassured the girls by explaining that their bodies are still going through a period of adjustment.
PUBERTY, ANATOMY AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH – During the session, periods were presented as a normal phenomenon, described as a natural and wonderful sign of good health. The participants were surprised by the statistics on the total duration of periods, particularly when they learnt that, on average, a woman bleeds for around 3,000 days over the course of her life.
• Puberty: Discussions covered the physical, emotional and mental changes that occur during puberty, with the aim of preparing young girls for these changes without frightening them.
• Anatomy: The facilitators provided detailed explanations of the male and female reproductive systems, including the biological role of the uterus and how the menstrual cycle works.
• Hygiene and health management: Considerable attention was paid to personal hygiene in order to address common health issues raised by the community.
• Vaginal health: Several participants spoke of personal difficulties relating to vaginal itching and a burning sensation. Peer discussions highlighted that proper and regular hygiene practices were an effective way of addressing these issues.
• Involvement of male trainers: Male trainers led sessions on specific topics relating to male anatomy, explicitly raising awareness of the importance of cleaning the foreskin to prevent irritation and infections.
• Transmission of germs: A dynamic and interactive demonstration using glitter visually illustrated how quickly germs can spread, thereby highlighting the crucial importance of proper handwashing.
2026 various projects
RAISING AWARENESS OF SOCIAL SKILLS AND EMPOWERMENT – The training went a step further and also addressed crucial issues such as social welfare, particularly for young girls in rural areas of Nepal:
• Early marriage and pregnancy: The facilitators outlined the biological and social consequences of early pregnancy. The mothers present expressed their deep gratitude that their daughters had received direct information on why early marriage and pregnancy at too young an age are harmful to a young girl’s future and her health.
• Self-defence and human trafficking: The basic principles of self-defence were presented, along with strategies to raise awareness of the risks associated with human trafficking, in order to protect vulnerable young girls in the region.
2026 various projects
CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATIONS – The programme attracted a much wider audience than originally anticipated. The training took place in extreme summer heat.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 • SUMMARY AND VARIOUS PROJECTS
Thanks to the sale of our Nepalese handicrafts at various summer (Fournols, Montaigut-le-Blanc, Sauxillanges, St Genès-la-Tourette) and Christmas markets (Échandelys, St Genès-la-Tourette, Sauxillanges, Vernet-Chaméane), we have managed to raise a substantial sum to carry out further projects.
At the end of 2025, we decided to stop selling our beautiful, handmade Nepalese products.However, our humanitarian association, Saano kosheli, will of course continue to exist and our projects will carry on as usual.
♥︎ SAANO KOSHELI‘S 10th ANNIVERSARY
It is now 10 years since we carried out our first emergency aid action in Nepal. In 2015, the country was struck by two severe earthquakes, resulting in numerous deaths, injuries and widespread destruction. That was the year following our first trip, during which we had been deeply impressed by the immense kindness of the people, despite their poverty. Without hesitation, we organised a humanitarian mission. Since then, we have continued our commitment and provided aid in various ways, working closely with our Nepalese friends.
♥︎ 2025 • PROJECTS ACHIEVED THANKS TO YOUR DONATIONS AND PURCHASES
• Educational programmes for 300 girls and women on ‘menstruation’, a taboo subject (information, empowerment, education, etc.)
• Distribution of 300 packs of reusable and washable sanitary pads (health, liberation, affordability, work, etc.)
These 300 packs of sanitary pads will be distributed to mark International Women’s Day. The women working in a DFGN fair-trade workshop (sometimes themselves marginalised) are involved in the production:
• sewing 2,400 cotton sanitary pads, 600 holders, 300 fabric pouches, 300 cases and 300 washcloths
• purchasing 600 pairs of knickers and 300 bars of soap
• printing 300 copies of instruction cards and 300 menstrual calendars.
Even when we are not in Nepal, our projects are made possible thanks to the cooperation of our Nepalese friends and colleagues, whom we would like to thank wholeheartedly for their enthusiasm, dedication and time.
It is a great pity that we cannot be there in person, but thanks to their reports, photos and videos, we can travel alongside them and share their experiences from afar. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Maya Devi Khaitu for her tireless dedication, her energy and the love she has for her fellow countrymen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
♥︎ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank everyone who has made a donation.
Of course, we would also like to thank everyone who supports Saano Kosheli in any way.
In addition, we would like to thank all the Nepalese craftspeople from whom we sourced our products for their hard work, their dedication and their beautiful handmade products.
DHERI DHERI DHANYABAAD
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
