Despite coming from a poor background, Rani had a strong desire to build a better future. With a keen interest in tailoring, she took the step of investing her own savings to attend a training program in Nepalgunj. However, upon completing the training, she faced a major hurdle—a lack of funds to start her tailoring business.

Determined not to give up, Rani reached out to the INF Nepal implemented project SRIJANA-II. Following discussions with community members and the project team, she was selected to receive in-kind support. This assistance, valued at NPR 50,000, provided the essential materials she needed to establish her tailoring shop from a sewing machine, fabric, scissors, measuring tapes, and other essential tailoring materials necessary to set up her shop.

Thanks to this timely support, Rani successfully opened her shop in Gothijeula. While the registration process for the shop is still underway, her business is already making a positive impact on her family’s income as she has been earning a humble income from the tailoring. She shared her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I am very thankful for the support I received. It has helped me turn my skills into a livelihood.”

Rani’s story highlights the importance of small but meaningful support in transforming lives. With determination and the right assistance, she has taken a step toward financial independence and a better future for her family.

*Name changed for anonymity

Female community health volunteers (FCHV) play a crucial role ensuring the health and well-being of women and communities in Nepal. They are recruited locally, trained on basic primary health care, and serve as frontline pillars of community-based health programs in Nepal. Through engaging FCHVs, sexual, reproductive, maternal, and child health (SRMCH) in communities in the remote and mountainous Kalikot District of Nepal.

Sarita* is a thirty-eight-year-old FCHV participating in INF Nepal’s “Improving reproductive health and preventing child marriage” project. Sarita has served as an FCHV in Kalikot for 16 years. She has made significant contributions to the community-based health program in the district and plays a vital role in providing health education and basic services to the community.

Sarita participated in a training on, sexual, reproductive, maternal, and child health (SRMCH), gender equality and child marriage offered by INF Nepal. Since receiving the training, she actively shares this knowledge when leading Mothers’ Group Meetings and when counselling women during home visits.

Sarita shares, “Programs run by INF Nepal like SRMCH training, awareness raising programs… and the mobilization of Mothers’ Groups… have a significant contribution to improving the community awareness of sexual and reproductive health services and improves access to such services by the women and adolescent girls.”

In collaboration with INF Nepal, Sarita conducts Mothers’ Group Meetings and home visits, She supports pregnant women and mothers of young children with essential health knowledge and practices, ensuring better outcomes during the critical “golden 1,000 days” (from conception to two years of age). Her work extends beyond group settings to home visits, where she ensures pregnant women receive proper nutrition, rest, and antenatal care. She also educates women on proper prenatal nutrition, encourages them to access antenatal, postnatal and delivery services in a health facility, raises awareness of the consequences of child marriage and early childbearing, and distributes family planning supplies to couples, bridging the gap between government health services and the community.

The impact of FCHVs like Sarita was highlighted by Anjana*, a 22-year-old new mother who remarked,

“Sarita has been a guide for countless ladies. She encourages all new mothers to attend the Mothers’ Group Meeting regularly, so they benefit from the program. She ensures that pregnant women undergo antenatal care checkups according to protocol, advises on precautions during pregnancy and ensures timely vaccination for children. Moreover, she has been an active campaigner in preventing child marriage in our locality.”

Sarita’s efforts, supported by INF Nepal’s programs, have significantly reduced child marriage and gender-based violence in her locality. She highlights the importance of INF’s initiatives, saying, “Programs like SRMCH training, awareness sessions, child club and mother group mobilization, and the establishment of birthing centers in collaboration with the government have greatly improved community awareness and access to sexual and reproductive health services for women and adolescent girls.”

Sarita is a dedicated volunteer who has made a significant contribution to facilitating open discussions about child marriage and improving the health of mothers and children in her community. Her training on SRMCH, gender equality, and child marriage has strengthened her knowledge and skills, enabling her to make a greater impact on the health and well-being of women and girls in her community. INF Nepal continues to work with dedicated FCHVs like Sarita to strengthen sexual, reproductive, maternal, and child health in Kalikot District, Nepal.

Story By

Mahesh Sanjyal, Team Leader & Padma Hitan, Project Officer

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She grew up in Sunchahari-4 Suri in a family that struggled to make ends meet. Their small farm produced enough food for only four months, and the rest of the year was spent doing temporary labor work for income.

While working with her father in India, Bhim Maya met her husband. They got married and returned to Nepal, but life remained challenging. With little land, farming only provided enough for a few months, so they worked other jobs to support their family of six children.

Seven years ago, Bhim Maya’s husband passed away unexpectedly. This left her as the sole provider for her family, with no property or savings to rely on. Managing the household became harder, and she also faced unkind comments from people in her community.

During this time, INF Nepal’s Rolpa branch introduced the EDUCATE project and formed the Lumma Debi self-help group. Bhim Maya joined the group, which included 17 members, to learn ways to improve livelihoods through farming. In the group meetings, members shared their challenges and found ways to support each other.

Through the project, Bhim Maya received Rs. 15,000 to start goat farming. She bought two goats and, with her care, now has six. By selling two goats, she earned enough money to support her family. Goat farming has given Bhim Maya a steady source of income, making it easier to manage daily expenses.

Being part of the self-help group has also strengthened her ties with the community. Neighbors who once judged her have become more supportive, and she no longer needs to take high-interest loans to meet her needs.

Today, Bhim Maya is proud of her ability to provide for her family. She is grateful to INF Nepal for their support and hopes more women can benefit from similar initiatives in the future.

For women like Bhim Maya, who face immense challenges in providing for their families, even small support can lead to significant changes. Beyond financial impact, this kind of support promotes dignity and empowerment. It gives women like Bhim Maya an opportunity to, earn their own income, and make decisions for their families. It also shifts how the community perceives them. In Bhim Maya’s case, the support helped change her neighbors’ attitudes, turning judgment into encouragement. Small interventions like this also break cycles of poverty and dependence. Over time, these efforts ripple out, creating stronger families and more supportive communities.

I was fortunate enough to attend a local school that provided education for children like me. From grades 1 to 5, I studied there, and for my higher education, I moved on to Sirjana Residential Secondary School for the Deaf in Pokhara, where I specialised in education studies during grades 11 and 12. Unfortunately, after finishing grade 12, financial constraints and other challenges made it impossible to continue my education.

The job market was tough, with very few opportunities for someone like me. Undeterred, I joined Gandaki Bahira Sangh (Gandaki Association of the Deaf), where I dedicated myself to advocating for the rights of individuals with hearing disabilities. I also became an active member of a network supporting people with disabilities in Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality. The search for meaningful employment continued, and it was during this time that I met a staff member from INF Nepal. We discussed the possibility of working with them, and I learned that INF encourages applications from individuals with disabilities.

In 2073 BS (2016), I joined INF Nepal, and since then, I’ve been working as a gardener at the INF Nepal Central office. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that values diversity and inclusivity. The collaboration, training, and support within INF is remarkable, and this journey has also taken me to areas like Banke and Surkhet, which has been an incredibly enriching experience.

Though my education might have led me into a different career path, my role as a gardener has brought great personal fulfilment. The team at INF Nepal has become like a second family to me, offering warmth, support, and kindness. This environment has allowed me to live independently and with dignity, letting my disability fade into the background.

In 2019, I had the honour of representing Nepal at the Annual General Meeting of the World Federation of the Deaf in Paris, France. It was an eye-opening experience, meeting deaf individuals from around the world, learning about their cultures, sign languages, and the services available to the deaf community. I also had the privilege of representing the Gandaki Association of the Deaf in Thailand, where I exchanged ideas and deepened cross-cultural understanding.

In conclusion, I am deeply grateful to INF Nepal for their unwavering support throughout my journey. I look forward to watching this incredible organisation continue to grow and thrive. Thank you for empowering individuals like me to overcome life’s challenges and flourish.

As if the physical toll wasn’t enough, the emotional strain of discrimination prevented Meena from pursuing her dreams, including marriage. Her condition and society’s prejudices made it impossible for her to find a partner, and despite her high standards, her options remained limited. Yet Meena’s story took a hopeful turn when she learned about Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) from a neighbour. Inspired by their success, Meena consulted with a plastic surgeon at GPH, who recommended reconstructive surgery for her hands. Meena underwent the surgery in two stages, first on her right hand and later on her left. Thanks to the charity support and excellent care at GPH, Meena’s hands were restored, and with them, her hope for a brighter future.

Coming from a large family of nine siblings, Meena was always an inspiration to her loved ones, especially her younger brother, who supported her both financially and emotionally. Despite her challenges, she never gave up. With her newfound independence after surgery, Meena now has the confidence to pursue skills training and secure a job, aiming for financial freedom. Her determination to overcome adversity fuels her vision of a future filled with possibility and empowerment.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Recognizing the urgency of these challenges, the Nepal government has made Improved Cooking Stoves (ICS) a priority. These stoves are designed to be more efficient, reducing cooking time, lowering the risk of respiratory diseases, and helping conserve valuable firewood. Additionally, ICS lowers carbon emissions, lightens the workload for women, and reduces reliance on traditional fuels.

INF Nepal has been at the forefront of promoting ICS in the districts of Rolpa and Bajura. Last year alone, 792 ICS were distributed, with remarkable results: firewood consumption dropped by 57%, from 3,440 kg to just 1,946 kg, and women saved around 15.7 hours each month. Women like Khem Maya Rokaya from Bajura are already feeling the difference: “The amount of time and firewood needed has been reduced thanks to the ICS. I can now finish my household work faster, and I’m grateful to INF Nepal for their support,” she shared.

By adopting ICS, communities are not only improving the health and well-being of women but also reducing their environmental impact, making everyday tasks more efficient, and contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

(Name changed for anonymity)

Determined not to give up, Kal crafted a wooden leg for himself, hoping it would allow him to carry on. But despite his ingenuity, life became more difficult. Financial and household responsibilities shifted to his parents and wife, and his attempts to work by grazing cows and goats were hindered by the sores caused by the painful wooden leg. That’s when INF Nepal’s CHD Project stepped in. Through the Nadegufa Disability Group and collaboration with INF’s Jumla branch and Green Pastures Hospital in Pokhara, Kal received an artificial leg that restored much of his mobility.

With his new prosthetic leg, Kal regained the ability to walk and take part in daily activities, including tending to his cattle. “I can now walk without a stick and work like others. My family and neighbours are happy to see me doing well,” he says with a sense of pride. Krishna Rawat, chairperson of the Self-Help Group, adds, “Supporting Kal has brought joy to his family and the community, and it shows that INF Nepal stands by those who need help the most.”

Kal’s journey is just one example of the broader impact of CHD’s work. Last year alone, 357 individuals with disabilities received assistive devices, restoring their mobility and independence, while 225 people were granted disability cards, enabling access to vital services such as social security and healthcare.

Rushed to a provincial hospital for emergency surgery, Gopal’s family was quickly overwhelmed by the mounting medical bills, especially after the recent loss of his father, who had battled paralysis for 15 years. With his father gone, the weight of supporting the family fell on Gopal’s mother. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when Gopal was referred to Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) for rehabilitation. At GPH, he was given the tools to regain his independence—starting with a wheelchair that enabled him to move freely. With dedicated physiotherapy and occupational therapy, Gopal gradually regained strength, while peer counseling helped him face the emotional challenges of his new reality.

Throughout this journey, Gopal’s mother and wife stood by his side, providing unwavering love and support. Their encouragement, coupled with GPH’s care, ignited hope in Gopal’s heart. Each small victory—whether a moment of physical progress or shared laughter—marked a step toward reclaiming his life.

Gopal’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, showing that with the right care, support from loved ones, and sheer determination, life after tragedy can still offer hope. In the past year alone, GPH treated 81 spinal cord injury cases and provided rehabilitation to 688 patients, underscoring its vital role in offering specialized care to individuals facing life-altering challenges.

Her final pregnancy left her with a debilitating fistula, a condition that caused constant urinary leakage. The physical discomfort was unbearable, but the emotional toll was even greater. Shunned by her community, Janaki withdrew from social and family events, believing her condition was untreatable. “I thought my condition was not curable, so I never sought medical help,” she recalls. However, everything changed when she met a woman from her village who had suffered from the same condition but had fully recovered after treatment at the INF Surkhet Fistula Centre.

Inspired by this story, Janaki sought help and registered for surgery at the Fistula Centre in August 2023. After just two weeks of recovery, she was fully healed. For the first time in years, she was dry, comfortable, and able to rejoin her family and community without shame. “I never imagined I could live like this again,” she says, her voice filled with joy. Janaki’s newfound confidence allows her to participate in social events once more, and she is deeply grateful for the life-changing care she received.

Janaki’s journey is one of many. In the past year alone, the INF Surkhet Fistula Centre identified 82 new fistula patients, highlighting the widespread suffering in rural areas where many women believe their condition is untreatable. Of those, 57 women received life-saving surgeries, offering them a second chance at life. The work of the INF Surkhet Fistula Centre is more than just medical care—it’s about restoring dignity, bringing hope, and offering a new lease on life to women who have long suffered in silence.

Thanks to the skilled team at Green Pastures Hospital, Satish has regained movement in his left hand and a renewed sense of independence. Diagnosed with leprosy at just 17, Satish first noticed unusual symptoms—painful nerves and his left hand beginning to claw. This marked the start of a journey that would test his resilience and reveal the life-changing impact of early diagnosis, specialised treatment, and dedicated care.

After his initial diagnosis at Lumbini Province Hospital, Satish began a 21-month course of multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy, which helped manage the disease but brought its own challenges, including skin darkening. As his symptoms progressed, he was referred to Green Pastures Hospital (GPH) for further complication management. At GPH, Satish underwent nerve decompression surgery, a vital intervention to restore function in his hand and alleviate the constant pain and discomfort that had impacted his daily life.

Following surgery, Satish spent a month at GPH, receiving intensive occupational therapy and nursing care designed to restore strength and sensation in his hand. This period of recovery was essential, allowing him to regain control and mobility while building his confidence for the future. The dedicated care provided by GPH’s team helped him see a path forward, free from the limitations leprosy had imposed on him.

Beyond physical recovery, the support and encouragement Satish received at GPH reignited his hope for the future. Now back in school and determined to finish his high school education, Satish has a new outlook on life, inspired by the skilled intervention and compassionate care he received. He’s confident that with continued treatment, he’ll fully recover from the disease and pursue his dreams with renewed energy.

Satish’s journey highlights the importance of accessible, specialised care for leprosy patients and the remarkable impact that timely medical intervention can have. His story is a powerful testament to how hospitals like GPH are transforming lives, one patient at a time, and offering a new lease on life to those affected by leprosy and other complex conditions.

(Name changed for anonymity)