Girls: Better after quake

Building on the foundation laid by the first batch of Youth Champions, this reporting period focused on deepening youth leadership and strengthening community ownership within the Chepang community of Gandaki Rural Municipality, Gorkha. The transition from one batch to another marked not just continuity, but growth - where young leaders began stepping into mentorship roles and collective action became stronger. 

In early November, an inception meeting was organized with local government representatives and key community stakeholders. The purpose was to initiate the second phase of the project and seek their support in selecting a new batch of Youth Champions. Their involvement ensured transparency and strengthened local ownership. The process reflected growing trust between the community and the project. Following the consultation, 20 Youth Champions were selected from four wards where Chepang families reside, with five champions from each ward to ensure equal representation. In addition, one Local Coordinator from each ward was selected from the previous batch of Youth Champions. This transition was meaningful, as former champions stepped into leadership roles to guide the new cohort. 

One of the former champions shared her reflection: 

“I had earlier worked as a youth champion. Now I am selected as a local coordinator. From what I recall, while conducting sessions in school and communities, I used to learn from local coordinator and schoolteacher when I had difficulties. Although everything I learnt here was what I had already known from previous time, I am thankful that this session helped me recall and revise all the things, I had nearly forgotten few things.” 

                                                                – Babita Chepang, former youth champion (Now a local coordinator) 

To equip the newly selected champions with the necessary knowledge and facilitation skills, a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) was conducted. The training focused on key issues affecting adolescents in the community, including menstrual health management, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and family planning. The sessions were participatory and confidence-building, encouraging open dialogue and critical thinking. For many participants, the training became a space of reassurance and empowerment. One of the Youth Champions expressed: 

“At the beginning I was scared if I might really understand what will be taught here. But in reality, what I learnt from here was really helpful and I aim to take these to community and school. I on behalf of ward 6 would like to extend thankfulness to the organization.” 

                                                                                                                             – Sajina Chepang, Youth Champion 

Beyond formal training, Youth Champions actively created safe spaces within their wards. During this reporting period, two safe space meetings were conducted in each ward. These meetings provided opportunities to prepare for awareness sessions, discuss challenges, and support one another. The safe space meetings strengthened teamwork and built confidence in addressing sensitive SRHR topics. Under their leadership, two awareness sessions were conducted in each ward over the past four months reaching around 200 adolescents (both boys and girls). The sessions addressed menstrual health management, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and family planning. Through interactive discussions, adolescents were encouraged to ask questions and openly engage in conversations that are often surrounded by silence and stigma. To maintain quality and provide supportive feedback, the Visible Impact team conducted monitoring visits to one awareness session in each ward. These visits focused on strengthening facilitation skills and ensuring accurate information delivery. 

This reporting period reflects a meaningful progression - from participation to leadership, and from awareness to collective responsibility. Former Youth Champions are now mentoring others, safe spaces are fostering peer support, and community engagement continues to grow. The initiative is steadily nurturing confident young leaders who are willing to challenge harmful norms and create open dialogue within the Chepang community. 

• GBAQ_Photos__Feb_25.pdf (PDF)
  

Visible Impact has been continuously working to empower adolescent girls and women through leadership development and education on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in sensitive regions affected by the earthquake. TheChepang community, an indigenous group known for their deep connection to nature, in Gorkha district, one of the most affected areas by the devastating earthquake of 2015, has been one of key beneficiary groups. Our MHM for Chepang Girls initiative has been able to strengthen the girls’ understanding of key issues in SRHR and helped them develop the confidence and skills to advocate for change within their communities. 

Building Leadership within the Community 

Twenty Chepang girls were trained as Youth Champions, gaining valuable knowledge on SRHR, menstrual health management (MHM), early marriage, and teenage pregnancy. Each Youth Champion received mentorship from one of four local coordinators, community members who provided continuous guidance and support. Each coordinator worked closely with five Youth Champions, creating a collaborative learning environment that enhanced both leadership and teamwork. The coordinators also received a monthly stipend, which provided them with income while they oversaw and supported the activities of the girls. 

Improved Knowledge and Confidence 

The training led to measurable progress. Participants including Youth Champions, local coordinators, and a school representative showed an average knowledge increase of 35.8% in SRHR-related topics. This improvement reflected the effectiveness of participatory learning approaches and demonstrated the participants’ ability to translate information into practical understanding. 

“I was really happy to participate in the training. It was my first experience, and I learned many new things. I will be delivering sessions in my school and community with the same enthusiasm as our facilitators.” 

- Participant, MHM Training for Chepang Girls 

“Earlier, I felt embarrassed to even say that I was having menstruation. The program helped me realize that it is completely natural. We should not feel ashamed to talk about reproductive health.” 

- Participant, MHM Training for Chepang Girls 

Strengthening School Environments 

In addition to the capacity building programs, four schools were equipped with menstrual-friendly facilities, including repaired doors, sanitary pad supplies, and toiletries. These upgrades created safer and more supportive environments for girls, helping to reduce absenteeism during menstruation. The initiative also encouraged open dialogue on menstrual hygiene, reduced stigma, and promoted healthier practices among students. 

Community Awareness and Participation 

Through activism and intra-school competitions, more than 500 individuals including adolescents, parents, and teachers were sensitized on menstrual hygiene, early marriage, and teenage pregnancy. These efforts strengthened community engagement, encouraged intergenerational dialogue, and reduced stigma surrounding SRHR. Adolescents developed leadership skills and became more confident in advocating for their rights and wellbeing. 

Education and Skill Development 

The project also supported participants in enhancing their educational and technical skills. Five Youth Champions and two local coordinators completed basic and diploma-level computer courses, improving their digital literacy and future employment prospects. Additionally, one local coordinator received financial support to pursue higher studies in Arts, contributing to her personal growth and academic development. 

Recognition and Local Support 

Local officials and community leaders observed noticeable improvements in the girls’ confidence and public speaking abilities. During mid-term and dissemination meetings, they shared that the girls were now more outspoken and comfortable expressing their opinions. 

“Initially, these girls were unable to speak up or even introduce themselves in front of us. We have seen tremendous progress - they now confidently express their thoughts. Early marriage and teenage pregnancy are common in this community, but by engaging these 24 girls in activism, you have helped prevent them from following that same path.” 

- DipakTimilsina, Chairperson, Gandaki Rural Municipality 

“I was very happy to see these girls making efforts for a brighter future. I know how challenging it is for them to continue their education due to poverty. After Babita (a Youth Champion) completed her Secondary Education Examination, I assured her that if she faces any financial difficulty, I will support her through a scholarship.” 

- Ward Chairperson, Ward No. 7, Gandaki Rural Municipality 

Impact 

The initiative helped nurture a generation of confident young women who are capable of leading change within their communities. Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, the Youth Champions and coordinators built the knowledge and confidence needed to challenge stigma, promote education, and inspire their peers. 

Visible Impact’s community-based approach strengthened local ownership and leadership among the Chepang people. The experiences and skills gained by the girls and their mentors are expected to have lasting effects, contributing to a more informed, empowered, and equitable community. 

Moving forward, the initiative seeks to broaden its reach by introducing vocational training opportunities that foster economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. With the continued partnership of donors and stakeholders, Visible Impact remains dedicated to creating a brighter and more equitable future for young marginalized girls in Nepal.