Project Saksham, launched in 2022 by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nepal in collaboration with Global Peace Women (GPW) Nepal, is dedicated to instilling strong moral principles in children to foster good character and leadership development. Led by Bambie Panta, the program aims to cultivate peaceful mindsets that encourage harmonious relationships within families, society, the nation, and ultimately the world. By integrating essential values into students’ daily lives, Project Saksham prepares youth to become responsible and ethical leaders of the future. Since its inception, the initiative has reached numerous schools across Nepal, engaging students in values-based education that emphasizes accountability, gratitude, teamwork, and service to others.
Project Saksham successfully concluded its January 2025 sessions, leaving a lasting impact on students, volunteers, and educators in Kathmandu District, Nepal. The program, conducted across 11 schools, engaged 268 students, 20 volunteers, and 11 teachers in interactive workshops designed to foster leadership, teamwork, and values-based education.
Bambie Panta
At the heart of Project Saksham is the belief that universal values bring people together. The program integrates the principles of the Global Peace Foundation into its sessions, teaching students about a mindset of gratitude for the many things that provide support and uplift everyday life, responsibility, and living for the greater good. Through engaging activities, students not only learn about these values but also apply them in their daily interactions at home, in school, and within their communities. The initiative emphasizes character and leadership development, helping students and volunteers understand the importance of teamwork, personal accountability, and ethical behavior.
A key focus of the program is strengthening family relationships. The sessions encourage students to practice gratitude and forgiveness within their households, promoting mutual respect and harmony. By internalizing these values, students contribute to creating strong and supportive family environments, which in turn lead to more cohesive communities. The program also encourages participants to reflect on their actions and take responsibility for their decisions, instilling a culture of ethical leadership and integrity.
Service is another essential component of Project Saksham. Students and volunteers engage in community activities, reinforcing the importance of giving back. Volunteers, trained in facilitation and teamwork, play a crucial role in guiding students through the program. Their 99-hour commitment demonstrates the dedication required to sustain values-based education and nurture responsible leadership.
Throughout January, the program conducted a variety of sessions designed to enhance students’ personal and social development. Sessions on teamwork helped students understand the importance of collaboration and leadership. The prototyping workshop introduced them to creative problem-solving and critical thinking, encouraging them to design feasible projects such as installing emergency sirens in schools and setting up class libraries. Sessions on ownership, responsibility, and initiative taught students the significance of accountability and proactive problem-solving. The importance of thankfulness and living for the greater good was also emphasized, with students reflecting on gratitude’s role in improving personal relationships and well-being. Recreational activities, including group exercises and movie screenings, reinforced these lessons in an engaging and interactive manner.
The impact of these sessions was evident in the students’ increased commitment to practicing the values they learned. They exhibited improved teamwork, greater confidence in leadership roles, and a deeper appreciation for ethical behavior. Testimonies from participants reflected the program’s success. One student expressed how the teamwork session made her realize its significance in daily life, while another participant shared how learning about gratitude encouraged her to strengthen her relationships with family and friends. Volunteers also gained valuable insights, with one facilitator noting that the experience had helped her become more confident in engaging students effectively.
Looking ahead, Project Saksham’s sustainability is ensured through the dedication of students and volunteers who are committed to continuing their practice of these values. With ongoing training for facilitators and continuous feedback from educators, the program aims to expand its reach and further embed values-based leadership among Nepal’s youth, paving the way for a more harmonious and responsible society.
Learn more about GPW’s work in empowering Women and Families in Peacebuilding. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.
