In order to maximize our effectiveness, Nepal SEEDS works within clearly defined geographic areas where we are able to develop and maintain strong relationships with local community leaders based on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. A strategic focus on such areas enhances cumulative benefits through the integration of different but related projects (e.g., education, health and sanitation, and environmental). KP continues to evaluate new areas and develop new relationships that may lead us to new areas as the organization’s resources grow. Nepal SEEDS is committed to the local partnership model, and entrusts locals with the responsibilities of identifying, implementing, and maintaining projects in their own communities.
Geographic Focus
Community Partnerships
Community members within the focus areas are now developing plans for the future. Every year community representatives present Nepal SEEDS with more sophisticated, detailed, and well-articulated proposals that build on existing projects. To assist in identifying new projects and ensuring that existing projects function well, Nepal SEEDS in-country infrastructure includes District Coordinators. The District Coordinators, all Nepali citizens, visit each of the projects in their districts on a regular basis to monitor and to maintain communication with our community partners.
Regions Supported by Nepal SEEDS
Chitlang
Chitlang is a VDC (Village Development Committee) in Makawanpur District situated southwest of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu with approximately 6,000 inhabitants.Nepal SEEDS completed three water projects in Chitlang that provide clean water to 596 households, and has constructed numerous composting outhouses. Chitlang is also the location of the first group of our pilot biogas projects. In Chitlang Nepal SEEDS also provides the salary for a local teacher, Indra Maya Balami, as well as instructional materials for Kalidevi Primary School. Chitlang exemplifies the central role that strong local leadership plays in developing a strategy for integrating health, educational, and environmental projects within a single community.
Sisneri
Sisneri VDC is also located in Makawanpur District, southwest of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, with a population of 3,500 inhabitants. Nepal SEEDS completed two large water projects in Sisneri that provide clean water to over 800 villagers, and constructed 71 composting outhouses. A school was included in the water and sanitation project, so it now has both boys’ and girls’ toilet facilities as well as clean water. In addition, Nepal SEEDS provides a teacher’s salary and teaching materials to Bandevi Primary School where 195 children are enrolled in grades K through 5.
Bhorle
Bhorle is located in Rasuwa District, situated to the north of Nepal’s capital. The majority of Bhorle’s population of about 6,000 people is Tamang. In Bhorle, Nepal SEEDS has completed five water delivery systems that benefit 1,860 people, and constructed several hundred composting outhouses that are used by over 1,700 people. In 2009 Nepal SEEDS provided funding to construct a Women’s Community Health Center which benefits 800 local women and their children. Nepal SEEDS provides teachers’ salaries and school supplies for three schools in Bhorle: Jana Kalyan Primary School (enrollment of 126), Suryodaya Primary School (enrollment of 91), and Jwalamukhi Primary School (enrollment of 46). One of the teachers, Mayadevi Poudel, has been working with Nepal SEEDS for the past 10 years and has played an integral role in developing the local education system.
Nubri
The Nubri Valley, situated in Gorkha District, has a population of roughly 3,500 ethnic Tibetan inhabitants. Nepal SEEDS sponsors numerous projects including the Kyimolung Health Clinic, and provides teacher’s salaries and instructional materials for six schools. In response to local concerns for maintaining cultural traditions, the children receive some of their instruction in Tibetan, the indigenous language that is inextricably tied with the area’s historical and Buddhist religious culture. To improve health conditions, Nepal SEEDS supports three health clinics and has sponsored several Women’s Health Training programs to instruct people on principles of health, sanitation, and hygiene.
Tsum
The Tsum Valley in Nepal’s Gorkha District is populated by roughly 3,000 people. Tsum is home to numerous Buddhist temples and pilgrimage sites, including a cave where Milarepa, the venerated 11th century saint, once meditated. Tsum benefitted historically through its proximity to Kyirong, once a thriving regional trade and cultural center in Tibet. The decline of trans-Himalayan trade networks and Tibetan cultural institutions has hurt the local economy. In Tsum, Nepal SEEDS supports the Shenpen Clinic and Tsumchet Clinic, both run by local nuns trained in Sowa Rigpa traditional medicine. Nepal SEEDS also provides teaching materials for 75 students at Buddha and Chule-Nyile Primary Schools.