MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

It is with great pride and gratitude that I present this annual report outlining our achievements under the project titled “Improving Quality of Life and Sustainable Development” in Banke and Bardiya districts.

This year, WACD has continued its mission to empower marginalized communities—particularly Tharu indigenous communities, marginalized vulnerable groups, ex-Kamaiya families, women, and children—through a comprehensive approach focused on sustainable livelihoods, health, education, and social inclusion. From establishing Model Villages, promoting high-value agriculture and micro-enterprises, to preserving indigenous skills and improving community health awareness, each intervention reflects our commitment to building resilient and self-reliant communities.

These achievements were made possible through the collective efforts of our dedicated team, community partners, and stakeholders at every level. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Community Partners International (CPI) and all local government bodies for their unwavering support and collaboration.

As we move forward, WACD remains committed to deepening our impact, uplifting the most vulnerable, and advocating for inclu“Improving Quality of Life and SustainableDevelopment”

With sincere appreciation,
Tilak Ram Tharu
President
Women and Child Development (WACD)

Background of the organization

Woman and Child Development Organization (WACD) is a non-governmental organization established in 2007 and officially registered with the District Administration Office, Banke. Originating as a grassroots social movement, WACD is committed to combating exploitation, discrimination, and deprivation faced by women, children, and disadvantaged, marginalized, and vulnerable communities. The organization works through a multifaceted approach that includes human rights protection, education, mass communication, social mobilization, and community development. Its overarching goal is to uplift the livelihood of women, children, and other vulnerable groups across the Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim Provinces of Nepal—regions often marked by chronic poverty and inequality.

Currently, WACD is actively implementing its programs in Banke and Bardiya Districts, focusing on inclusive and sustainable development for communities in need.

WACD operates with a unique and inclusive governance structure, led by a committed board committee. The organization adopts a participatory and decentralized approach in all aspects of planning and implementation. Activities are designed and executed in collaboration with civil society representatives, women’s groups, and youth clubs—who are empowered to develop their own operational rules, ensuring community ownership and program effectiveness.

Board committee members of WACD are actively engaged in program implementation, contributing to transparency, accountability, and the promotion of good governance across all levels of the organization.

Vision

"Creation of Equitable and Free Civil Society"

Mission

WACD is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable development through its focus on socio-economic empowerment, human resource development, child development, and emergency relief for disaster-affected families. The organization also prioritizes institutional development, cultural and environmental preservation, youth mobilization, and advocacy efforts—all aimed at building an equitable, inclusive, and free civil society

Goals.

The living standards of socially excluded groups are improved by ensuring better access to quality basic services and promoting a transformation toward a non-discriminatory and inclusive society.

Objective

1.To improve the living standards of deprived communities—especially women and children—by enhancing access to quality education, healthcare services, and sustainable economic opportunities.

2.To empower deprived and disadvantaged women, children, and Dalit communities by mobilizing local resources and promoting income-generating activities through the active engagement of youth and women's groups.

3.To empower women and youth, and contribute to the reduction of child labor through the implementation of child-friendly and promotional activities.

4.To strengthen organizational management by building the capacity of board members, enhancing communication and documentation systems, and establishing effective linkages and relationships at the national level.

Project Introduction

Women and Child Development Organization (WACD) implemented the project entitled “Improving Quality of Life and Sustainable Development” in the partnership of Community Partners International (CPI) USA in Banke and Bardiya Districts for the period 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Dec 2024 to support the socio-economic empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly Tharu, ex-Kamaiya families, women, and vulnerable households in Banke and Bardiya districts.

The project aims to build self-reliant and resilient communities by promoting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing access to primary health care, strengthening local governance, and fostering inclusive community development. Central to this initiative is the development of Model Villages—well-organized, self-sustaining communities that reflect progress in economic well-being, education, health, and social harmony.

Through integrated activities such as skills training, micro-enterprise development, agricultural support, indigenous handicraft promotion, eco-friendly production initiatives, and health and nutrition awareness, the project contributes directly to poverty reduction and long-term sustainability.

This annual report outlines the achievements, learnings, and outcomes of the project’s implementation, celebrating the collective progress made in improving lives and laying a strong foundation for future development.

Executive Summary

The Model Village initiative by WACD aims to improve the quality of life and economic wellbeing of rural communities in Baijanath Rural Municipality of Banke and Barbardiya Municipality of Bardiya. The vision is to create inclusive, economically vibrant, and socially cohesive villages that serve as models of rural development, attracting national and international interest for learning and replication.

The project aims to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of Ex-Kamaiya, Tharu and vulnerable communities in Banke and Bardiya districts through micro-enterprise skills, income generation, and community healthcare interventions. By focusing on sustainable development, the project sought to empower disadvantaged communities and establish Model Villages that could serve as examples of inclusive growth and social cohesion.

Key accomplishments include the development of two model villages in Banke and Bardiya, with the goal of fostering economic progress, social harmony, and improved health and education.

Key Activity Highlights:

Program Orientation Workshops
Held at the Palika level with 80 participants, these workshops enhanced coordination between WACD, local governments, and communities. Key commitments included support for agricultural tools, water access, and rural electrification to aid irrigation.
Community Dialogue with Local Influencers:
Dialogues involving 94 local figures (Sudini, Guruwa, Chaukidar, etc.) promoted inclusive leadership, reduced gender bias, and addressed social issues like alcohol abuse, aligning with SDG values.
High-Value Crop & Mixed Farming Training:
A one-day session empowered 63 women farmers in profitable crop cultivation (e.g., garlic, chili, tomato). 6 model farmers received tunnels and seeds, promoting income generation and food security.
Micro-Industry: DunaTapari Leaf Plate Training:
34 participants (mainly women) in Bardiya were trained in eco-friendly plate production from Sal leaves. Machinery support worth NPR 160,000 was provided to establish a women-led enterprise.
Traditional Handicraft Skills Training:
A 5-day training in Banke engaged 31 Tharu women, preserving indigenous crafts like Delwa, Dhakiya, and Bhauka. This promotes cultural heritage while enabling small-scale entrepreneurship.
Community-Based Health Care & Nutrition:
84 participants attended health workshops covering nutrition, disease prevention, and family care. Future home visits will expand impact to over 1,000 individuals, improving access to maternal, adolescent, and elderly health services.
Cultural Preservation Orientation:
Orientation programs involved 94 community members, emphasizing Tharu traditions. WACD supported the initiative by distributing traditional dress materials, fostering cultural pride and heritage preservation.

Overall, the project has made strides in empowering women, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring long-term economic and social development in the targeted communities. By fostering a strong network of local stakeholders and building sustainable livelihoods, the project is helping to create self-sufficient, thriving communities that can serve as models for future development efforts.

Project Goal:

The goal of the Project is to support Ex- Kamaiya and vulnerable areas with micro enterprise skill, income generation, community health care and livelihood intervention that will result to improve the quality-of-life economic well-being and Developed Model Village" in Bank and Bardiya District.

Project Objective:

To reduce the poverty, sustainable development and economic stability of the 60 House hold of 200 disadvantaged family members, vulnerable and disadvantage men, women and children's by providing basic literacy learning opportunity in health and livelihood, generating income source and self- employ ability on Banke and Bardiya District

Project Accomplishments

1. Develop Model Village-2 Model Village (Banke and Bardiya District)

The main objective of developing the model village is to enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of its residents, while fostering connection among people of different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. The goal is for the village to be recognized as a well-developed community in terms of economic progress, social cohesion, health, and education. Once established, the model village is expected to attract visitors from across the nation and abroad for observation, learning, and research purposes.

1.1: Program Introduction and Orientation of 2nd Year-(1 day)

A one-day Program Introduction and Orientation Workshop was conducted at the Palika level in the project’s target areas—Baijanath Rural Municipality (Banke) and Barbardiya Municipality (Bardiya). The workshops were held on 20 May 2024 and 24 May 2024 respectively.

The main objectives of the orientation workshops were to: i) strengthen coordination and collaboration between WACD, Palika leadership, stakeholders, and local communities.
ii) introduce the second-year concept of the Model Village activities, ensuring a clear and shared understanding of project goals and strategies. iii) develop a strong network among key actors to support effective project implementation. iv) foster stakeholder engagement to enhance project ownership. v) collect feedback and suggestions from participants to inform future planning and ensure the continued relevance and impact of project activities.

A total of 80 participants attended the workshops—53 male and 27 female, with 40 participants from each district. Participants included representatives from the Palika offices, Ward Presidents, relevant stakeholders, community members, and the WACD team.

Key commitments made during the workshops included:

Mr. Prakash Bahadur Shahi, Chairperson of Baijanath Rural Municipality, expressed commitment to providing agricultural instruments under the Kisansanga Palika Program.
Mr. Chhabi Lal Tharu, Mayor of Barbardiya Municipality, pledged support for installing a hand pump for drinking water, boundary decoration and improvements for the community hall, and the extension of electricity to irrigate fields for electric motor installation.

These workshops served as a vital platform for engagement, ensuring alignment among all parties involved and fostering ownership at the local level for sustainable project outcomes.

1.2 Dialogue with a local authority figure, Sudini, Guruwa, Chaukidar, Bhalmansa, and a guardian: (1 day gathering).

WACD organized a 1-day dialogue and guardian gathering with local community stakeholders—including Sudini, Guruwa, Chaukidar, Bhalmansa, and guardians—in Banke and Bardiya districts, with 94 participants (male 71 and female 23) – 58 from Bardiya and 36 from Banke, on 14 June 2024 and15 June 2024 respectively. The dialogue aimed to foster a supportive and respectful environment by encouraging community leaders and guardians to play active roles in building inclusive model villages. It contributed to promoting positive social change in traditionally patriarchal communities, supporting SDG-aligned values, addressing issues like alcohol abuse and gender discrimination, and strengthening leadership that supports women and children through respect, care, and shared responsibility

Support for inputs and training in high-value crops and mixed farming (1 Day)

WACD organized a 1-day training and input support program in collaboration with local government agricultural technicians for 63 women group members (5 male, 58 female) in Banke and Bardiya districts. Participants included 32 members from Pragatishil Women Group in Banke and 31 members from Dashgaharwa Women Group in Bardiya. The training was organized on 22 July 2024 and 24 July 2024 respectively.

The training focused on high-value crops and mixed farming practices, emphasizing crops such as garlic, onion, chilies, tomato, cucumber, and mushrooms. These crops offer high returns, strong domestic/export market potential, and value-addition opportunities. 6 farmers (Bardiya 3 and Banke -3) were supported with plastic tunnel for off season vegetable farming and seeds of chilly and tomato were supported to the 63 farmers.

Key Outcomes:

Enhanced knowledge of profitable, sustainable farming techniques
Increased income opportunities through diversified crop production
Employment generation via green jobs.
Promotion of long-term profitability and potential for export.

In addition, later WACD provided essential inputs to 6 model farmers (3 from each district), including seeds worth NPR 10,000 per farmer, to support high-value crop production.

1.4 Micro Industry Leaf Plate and Bowl (DunaTapari) in Bardiya District

In Nepal, Sal trees are found in the Terai region, which has a subtropical climate. Sal leaves are traditionally regarded as pure and auspicious, used in religious ceremonies, weddings and festivals. The plates made from Sal leaves known as DunaTapari, are eco-friend, decomposable, and free from plastics or harmful chemicals- making them ideal for outdoor events such as weddings, parties, picnics and festivals.

Recognizing the environmental and economic potential of this traditional practice, WACD organized a two-day training on 29–30 September 2024 for the Dashgharwa Women Group in Bardiya district. The training aimed to empower rural women by equipping them with the skills needed to produce natural leaf plates, thereby promoting women-led micro-enterprises, reducing plastic use, and supporting environmental conservation.

A total of 34 participants (30 women and 4 men) attended the training. It successfully enhanced their craftsmanship and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to establish and sustain eco-friendly businesses that contribute to both economic upliftment and environmental protection.

To further strengthen this initiative, WACD provided machinery support worth NPR. 160,000 to help establish a DunaTapari factory in the Bardiya Model Village, creating a sustainable source of income for the community while promoting traditional, eco-conscious practices.

1.5. Indigenous tradition handy craft (Delawa, dhakiya, bhauka, hotcase, etc) 5 days training in Banke District (1 time)

From 18 to 22 September 2024, WACD organized a 5-day Indigenous Traditional Handicraft Training in Banke district, focusing on enhancing the skills and craftsmanship of the Tharu community, particularly women artisans. The training aimed to preserve indigenous knowledge while promoting economic empowerment through handicraft-based income generation.

The training emphasized the use of locally available grasses, such as Mujh and Kasunga, to create traditional handcrafted artifacts using simple, traditional tools. These handicrafts traditionally used for household needs, ceremonial purposes, are now gaining value as marketable products, supporting women-led entrepreneurial ventures.

Tharu women are skilled in weaving various types of traditional baskets, including Delwa, Dhakya, Bhauka, and Panchhopni—some vibrant and colorful for festive occasions, others plain for daily use.

A total of 31 female participants from the Pragatishil Women Group took part in the training, gaining practical skills that not only help preserve their cultural heritage but also create new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

1.6. Community based Health Care and Service :(1 Day Refresher and Checkup)

Primary health care plays a vital role in addressing the full spectrum of health needs—from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care—in a person-centered and respectful manner.

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve community health, WACD organized a one-day refresher and community-based health care and nutrition awareness training for 84 household members (male 32 and female 52) from Banke (46 participants) and Bardiya (38 participants) districts. The training was conducted on 25 September, 26 September & 30 September 2024 in coordination with District Health Office (DHO) and respective Palikas, with the trained health professionals facilitating the sessions. The training focuses on blood pressure screening and general health check- ups, nutritional awareness and healthy eating habits, importance of regular physical activity and preventive health practices at the household level.

The objective of the training was to empower families with knowledge and practical guidance to support long term health improvements, while also enhancing access to quality health services-specially for women and girls.

Expected Outcomes:

300 parents will gain awareness of the importance of health and nutrition within community.
Improved understanding of preventive health practices at the household level.

Additionally, WACD health staff plan to conduct home visits to provide personalized counseling and basic care, focusing on the entire family. These visits will include support and guidance for maternal and newborn, child and adolescent care, adult and elderly health support.

This comprehensive approach is expected to benefit over 1,000 individuals, both directly and indirectly. WACD remains committed to promoting accessible, quality health services, with strong emphasis on mental, physical, preventive, and reproductive health for women and girls.

1.7. Indigenous people Traditional culture preservation and promotion: (1 Day Orientation and Support)

WACD organized a one-day orientation program on 7 December 2024 in Bardiya and 8 December 2024 in Banke, engaging a total of 94 members from the Model Village Women Groups—21 males and 71 females, with 49 participants from Bardiya and 45 from Banke. The primary objective of the program was to promote and preserve traditional indigenous culture, particularly that of the Tharu community. This initiative reflects a proactive effort by Indigenous communities themselves to revitalize cultural practices and heritage elements that are at risk of being lost over time.

As part of the program, WACD provided traditional Tharu cultural dress materials (Gonya and blouses—traditional Indigenous Tharu attire) to the Model Village groups. These items are significant of Tharu identify and are traditionally worn during ceremonies and festivals.

By providing these resources, WACD has played a vital supporting role in empowering Indigenous communities to embrace, celebrate, and continue their cultural traditions, contributing to both cultural resilience and community pride.