Florence Hand-Knitted Cardigan in Navy

Kumbeshwar Technical School (KTS) is an educational & vocational training centre based in Kathmandu, Nepal. People Tree partners with KTS to support over 2,000 artisans producing hand-knitted and embroidered cardigans, jumpers, hats, gloves, scarves and accessories. Artisans are mostly women who learn new skills and work part-time, allowing then to care for children.

In 1984, KTS opened a primary school and introduced a carpet-weaving training programme. The KTS organisation today includes a free nursery and primary school for 250 children, an orphanage, and vocational training in carpet weaving, hand knitting and carpentry.

KTS supports Fair Trade income-generating programmes for its producers, through the sale of high-quality Fair Trade carpets, knitwear and furniture, which fund and sustain the KTS activities. KTS also runs a day-care centre, for the children of trainees, producers and staff.