Celebrating 35 Years of Empowerment: Sreepur Village Anniversary in London

SREEPUR Village, a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of marginalised single mothers and their children in Bangladesh, hosted an anniversary lunch recently at the esteemed RAF Club in London’s Mayfair, in celebration of their 35^th Anniversary.

Founded by Pat Kerr, MBE, Sreepur Village has been providing shelter, education, healthcare and vocational training to more than 5,000 families in need since its inception in 1989.

To commemorate this remarkable milestone, Sreepur Village was delighted to welcome all the way from Bangladesh, founder and Overseas Director, Pat Kerr, and Maya Halder who joined us via Zoom, two remarkable women whose unique journeys with Sreepur Village are equal in embodying the spirit of hope and empowerment.

Maya grew up in the nurturing and secure environment of Sreepur Village. Her journey from a young impoverished child in need to a thriving and confident leader is a testament to Sreepur’s unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and providing multiple opportunities for change, growth and independence.

The anniversary celebrations, graced by distinguished guests, and new and long-time supporters, featured a series of moving speeches, a retrospective on Sreepur Village’s achievements, as well as a successful raffle and auction, which included a selection of wonderful prizes that businesses and the local community members kindly donated, such as an afternoon Tea for two with champagne at the Ritz, a pink pearl necklace with diamond encrusted lotus flower clasp, a candle by the renowned Chandler Rachel Vosper, and a wine tour and lunch for two at Chapel Down.

The event began with a heartfelt welcome from Sreepur Village’s communications officer Natalie Manning, who highlighted the enduring mission and the transformative impact of the organisation and was followed by speeches from Sreepur Village’s Chair of Trustees, Janette Porter, Founder, Pat Kerr and Trustee, Sabbir Karim.

Janette Porter, Chair of Trustees for Sreepur Village concluded by saying:

“Over the years, Sreepur Village has woven a tapestry of lasting legacies, each thread representing a life touched and transformed. From healthcare initiatives to livelihood programs, our small charity continues to make a big impact on mother-led families taking ownership of their social and economic developments. We are thrilled to have been joined today by so many supporters, old and new,  who have enabled us to reach this magnificent milestone of 35 years of empowering lives at Sreepur Village.”

The event concluded with Sreepur Village unveiling a limited edition collection of 35 hand-woven Jamdani scarves. Crafted with care by their mother artisans, the exquisite pieces encapsulate the rich craftsmanship of Bangladesh’s weaving heritage. Each scarf not only serves as a symbol of Sreepur’s journey but also embodies the spirit of empowerment and creativity that defines their village.

By purchasing a Limited Edition Scarf, you not only acquire a beautiful hand-woven accessory but also contribute to the sustainable development initiatives of Sreepur Village, ensuring that our legacy of empowerment endures for generations to come. Each scarf comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Sreepur Village’s founder, Pat Kerr.

For further information, please visit: www.sreepurvillage.org.