She Belongs: A Daughter's Right to Be Family

How Console Mission Began

In 2010, when Console Mission was consulting to get registered as an NGO, a question was raised: Why one more NGO? Our team was not aware of the existence of several NGOs. The person who raised the question was a native English-speaking nationality. Truthfully, it was not only that person's concern—everyone outside Nepal was questioning the impact that NGOs could make, given their large numbers.

That made me thoughtful. I set up an initial five-year period to understand the need for Console Mission. The question was clear: Why, despite numerous NGOs, is sustainable change still in question? That question became Console Mission’s research question.

Questions That Guided Our Journey

• Why does the change brought by NGOs through their projects not last?

• How were projects implemented that did not continue after the end?

• Why are NGOs working in the same place and for the same cause?

• Why are volunteers not fostering within NGOs? Why do they change professions so quickly?

To reach a conclusion, Console Mission conducted surveys, interacted with beneficiaries, and observed the vulnerable and victims. It was challenging to find or meet victims, but Console Mission did it—by partnering with a Home that helps those living on the street, mainly women and girls. These were not only elderly mothers, but also young girls, some of whom had returned to Nepal from brothels. When they went back home, they were kicked out by their own children—because they had left them when they were young.

The Vision Behind This Project

This project is now on the GlobalGiving online fundraising platform. It focuses on building a house for teenagers and young people coming from rural areas who have no financial capacity to pursue further study. It is mostly linked with the community learning centre called Our Study Place (an initiative of Console Mission).

OrStdPlc began in the community, mainly in rural areas. Those who graduate from school need to come to town to join vocational colleges and trainings. This place—called the Self-Managed Home—gives them a space to live and learn life lessons by managing the home together.

Pilot Phase: 2019–2023

This project was tested from 2019 to 2023 and did well. At first, beneficiaries were managed at a Safe House, but it was found unsuitable for this group. This group does not belong to the already victimised. The Self-Managed Home was designed to prevent such anti-social issues.

Current Status

The fund collected is kept safe in Console Mission’s bank account. We are hoping to raise more through this channel. Before launching on GlobalGiving, Console Mission shared this idea with existing INGOs in Nepal and with those concerned about human trafficking and the need for girls’ education.

Why Girls?

Console Mission identified that if girls receive quality education—both formal and informal, at home and in the community—they become agents of drastic change. Once a daughter becomes a mother, she doesn’t just move from her parents’ house to her husband’s or in-laws’ house—she takes her qualities with her. What she learned at OrStdPlc—self-discipline, the ability to speak up, and the skill to identify what is right and wrong—goes with her.

Console Mission found that it is not impactful or essential to speak up on issues like child labour or child marriage on behalf of others. These are their problems. Legal action may settle things temporarily, but psychological distractions—revenge and other evils—remain. Therefore, it must be none other than the individual herself who speaks up for her rights. Only then can NGOs, individuals, or concerned organisations support effectively.

What This Project Provides

This project focuses on creating a place where girls can stay while studying. It also connects them with others from similar backgrounds—those coming from outside to study in Lalitpur, the hub city—so they can get help whenever needed.

Their needs include:

• Psychological and emotional support – Console Mission plays the role of guardian.

• Representation of academic progress – advocating for their educational journey.

• Financial support – for non-scholarship students who face expenses for trainings or travel.

• Safety from human traffickers – having a home linked with police authority keeps them protected.

Urban Challenges

This project is based in an urban area, so construction costs are high—higher than what is presented. But Console Mission is hopeful to receive discounted rates, especially for land, which is costly in urban settings.

This project is based in an urban area, so construction costs are high—higher than what is presented. But Console Mission is hopeful to receive discounted rates, especially for land, which is costly in urban settings.

Links:

• Empowering girls through education and safe housing.