Literacy and Livelihoods for 445 Women in Nepal

I am delighted to share Tharu project visit report. Our small support and regular advocacy is helping to promote Tharu language and address ex-Kamaiya [Tharu man and woman] family's issues; food, shelter, education and human rights. Our local partner Help Society Nepal (HS-Nepal) is leading to implement the project activities in coordination with local stakeholders.

I had visited the two communities of Kalali district -Sapana Shibir, Kailari and Sundarpur, Gauriganga. I spent three days in the field to know the progress of project activities and local stakeholder's opinion about the project. I found the conflict of interest is main obstacle to address the ex-Kamaiya's issues. Last 18 years, ex-Kamaiya families are struggling to secure food and shelter. Government is unable to address the problem because of unstable politics, unclear policies and poor management.

Language Development Centre-Nepal [LDC-Nepal] is providing support how to develop network with government agencies to secure land and food security for freed Kamaiya and Kamlaharies. LDC-Nepal would like to address their expectations through advocacy, mobile functional literacy and developing networks with stakeholders and right holders.

Advocacy and literacy program is to

• enable freed Kamaiya and Kamlharies to know and use constitutional rights and manage their resources [time, money and mussels] for better life situation
• literate women and girls about their roles and responsibilities through functional mobile literacy wherever they are

Statements from stake/right holders

Pashupati Chaudhary, Freed Kamaiya Uplift Society, said, "We are struggling last 18 years to find secured shelter and suitable workplace but policymakers are unable to understand our situation and address our problem because of policy issue and political conflicts."

Padam Bahadur, Chairperson, Ward No 10, Gauariganga Municipality, said, "People who have enough land, they are also listed their name as Kamaiya and taking land from government. We have to identify real freed Kamaiya families and address their problems. We are working on it and waiting for local government regulation act."

Rampati Devi Chaudhary, Kamlahari, said, "We do not like to be a problem for the country and trying to setup our life different way but lack of secured shelter we are worried about our children future. This is critical, so we want community-based out-of-school class for our children to make them succeed in education."

All statements are very realistic and positive. We would like to address their anticipation with our limited resources but it is not enough. Because they need regular support for certain period but we could not make commitment because of limited financial resources. 

"Education is truly one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality and it sets the foundation for sustained economic growth." - Harry A. Patrinos [17 May 2017]

We are planning to functional mobile literacy calss for girls and women in two communities in coorination with local stakeholders, partners and government agencies. 

We are committed that to end discrimination, inequality and poverty through multiple activities. We believe and would like to continue and expand our activities with your great cooperation and blessings in Nepal.

We are grateful for your support. Thank you.