The program operates out of Sagarmatha – our purpose-built Vocational Education and Development Centre opened in November 2006. The Centre relies solely on the generosity of individual and corporate donations; it has no other funding source.
Sagarmatha was established as a result of the great generosity of the South Australian community; through their financial and in-kind support of the 2004 Mt. Everest Appeal. Sagarmatha is the Nepalese name for Mt. Everest; it means ‘Goddess of the Universe’.
The Centre offers a range of varied recreational, skill development, educational and job preparation courses each week. The critical aim of the Centre is to ‘educate women out of homelessness’ through participation in the on-site courses offered, assisting them to move on to further study, facilitating access to employment and directing them to volunteering opportunities.
In 2007 15 women found employment or moved on to further study. The program has around 100 attendances each week.
In 2008 Sagarmatha will have an additional focus and strength available to members through the recent employment of a part-time registered psychologist with extensive experience in working with the long term unemployed.
If you would like to be a funding partner of this program we invite you to complete the Donations Form.