Trustee Monitoring Visit 2024: A Journey of Collaboration and Support
Below we present the travel blog of 3 of our trustees from our most recent Monitoring Visit. Take a peek through the lense into how we ensure the quality of our work in Nepal is maintained.
Destination: Nepal (Kathmandu and Surrounding Areas)
Dates: 14th March 2024 to 22nd March 2024
Trustees: Lynne McCutcheon, Andrew Small, & Alex Maher
Greetings from Nepal! As trustees of New Futures Nepal, we recently embarked on a journey to Kathmandu and its neighbouring regions, immersing ourselves in the vital work of our partner organisations. Here's a deeper dive into our experiences:
Disabled Welfare Association (DWA)
Our journey commenced with a visit to the Disabled Welfare Association (DWA) in Kathmandu. The highlight was attending the blessing ceremony of our new project Mandala House, a momentous occasion symbolising hope and progress. We also conducted a thorough review of Disabled Welfare Association's financial records, ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations. We held in-depth discussions with Tilak Shrestha, President of the Disabled Welfare Association, about the health and well being of the children living at the Hope Centre as well as the invaluable team members, and were updated on changes in social welfare law. We were also brought up to date about many changes in employment legislation being introduced by the Nepali Government.
Disabled Welfare Association Trustees reviewing plans for Mandala House.
Nirmala Foundation
At the Nirmala Foundation, we had the opportunity to participate in their Yoga & Hike project alongside the children from the DWA Hope Centre. This hands-on experience allowed us to witness the positive impact of the Foundation's holistic approach to community development.
Subsequent discussions with executive members delved into potential collaborations and grant opportunities, laying the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at empowering local communities.
The trustees shared a meal with the executive members of the Nirmala Foundation and talked about the future of this wonderful new organisation.
New Futures trustees with Everest Mera Foundation Chairman Dilip Kulung.
Everest Mera Foundation
Our journey then took us to meet the Everest Mera Foundation, where we learned about their multifaceted efforts in education, health, and industry in rural Nepal. Discussions with Chairman Dilip Kulung shed light on the foundation's initiatives to uplift marginalised communities and foster sustainable development. We explored strategies for empowering local youth through education and vocational training, which would create a solid foundation for future partnerships aimed at driving positive change.
Bhaktapur Parents’ Self-help Group
In Bhaktapur, we met with the Parents’ Self-help Group to discuss their budget projections and funding challenges. The group supports 37 families that have children with disabilities, half of whom are collected each day and brought to the daycare centre. The remaining families are supported with home care services. Our dialogue centred on ways to support their efforts towards self-reliance and resilience. It was evident that the group's dedication to community empowerment was unwavering, underscoring the importance of collaborative partnerships and education in addressing local challenges.
Leaders of the Bhaktapur Parents’ Self-help Group.
Swastha Samaj Nepal
We visited Swastha Samaj to meet again with the organisation and carers that provide daycare and education support to two of the Hope Centre children, the sisters Kumari and Pramila. Our discussions with the management team revolved around their relocation plans and infrastructure development initiatives. We reaffirmed our commitment to supporting their mission of providing essential services to vulnerable people, and we took away copies of their building plans for future consideration.
Hope Family Trust
Our journey concluded with a visit from Kiran Chettri of Hope Family Trust (HFT), during which we reviewed the financial records of the Trust, and discussed future plans regarding Hornbeam House. We expressed our gratitude for his dedication to serving vulnerable communities and reiterated our commitment to supporting Hope Family Trust’s endeavours. It was clear that our partnership with the Trust was built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared values, underscoring the power of collaboration in creating positive social impact.
New Futures trustees with Kiran Chettri of the Hope Family Trust (HFT).
In summary, our journey back to Nepal was both enlightening and inspiring, reaffirming our commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives and driving sustainable development in the region. As trustees of New Futures Nepal, we remain dedicated to empowering communities and fostering positive change, one step at a time.
Warm regards,
Lynne McCutcheon, Andrew Small, & Alex Maher
Trustees, New Futures Nepal