Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nepal worked in partnership with Global Peace Women (GPW) Nepal to initiate Project Saksham (Nepali for “capable”) in an effort to promote women’s leadership and education. The values-based education program was made possible through GPW’s Global Women Dream Grant.

Project Saksham volunteers and children during group activity

Every child will build and nurture their character and values at home from a young age. Yet, the girls that are a part of Project Saksham are residents at Chhahari Girls Hostel and separated from their families. The project, therefore, aims to bridge that gap and enable the girls to participate in values education to prepare them to become responsible citizens and leaders while providing them with unique opportunities.

Sixteen girls from ages 10 to 17 reside at Chhahari Girls Hostel. GPF and GPW volunteers go to the hostel to provide lessons in a 12-week course on moral and innovative leadership. The volunteers participate in their own training course before teaching at the hostel in a separate program designed to provide them with their own transformative experience and prepare them to become mentors for the younger girls.

Mentors work with girls at hostel in Nepal during leadership program

Pragya Subedi, a volunteer and mentor shared her experience:

Volunteer for Project Saksham helps at Bal Sarathi Academy

“Being a volunteer in Project Saksham, I have seen many good changes in me. I can see myself grow and strive to be better. I have seen myself growing beyond my periphery. Teaching the girls has brought patience in me. I have felt happiness in teaching and imparting to them what I know and the love they give me in return is priceless. Through it all, I have learned a lot in 2 months, and seeing the girls applying the learnings and values we taught them in their daily lives feels overwhelming and I believe they will live their lives happily.”

The project was originally designed specifically for girls but has been extended to accept all school children at Bal Sarathi Academy. Currently, the project serves more than 40 children and employs the help of 13 volunteer mentors.

Learn more about our peacebuilding projects in Nepal.