Support and Empowerment for Vulnerable Children and Youth in Nepal with Umbrella Organization Nepal – Project 014

Project 014 / 2024 – 2028

This initiative builds upon the success of a previous partnership with Umbrella Organization Nepal (UON). In the 2019-2023 framework, the project focused on post-support services and preservation/support of family units. The new project addresses persisting issues in access to quality education and authentic information for vulnerable children and youth in Nepal. It specifically targets reintegration challenges and the lack of career guidance for school leavers.

Key objectives: The project's core objectives are twofold. Firstly, it seeks to offer critical financial support to 13 reintegrated children and youth, tailoring assistance based on individual needs. This involves ensuring access to quality education by covering expenses like fees, uniforms, books, and stationery up to grade 12. Monthly livelihood support and medical aid will also be provided, fostering a stable foundation for their well-being. Additionally, support extends to enabling these youths to access volunteer placements, promoting both personal development and community engagement. Monitoring visits will be integral to guaranteeing the ongoing success of the reintegration process. Secondly, the project aims to impact a broader demographic, supporting 1500 vulnerable youths through the operation of Chautari Youth Club in Kathmandu. The club will serve as an information and learning hub, offering informal advice on various topics such as sexual reproductive health, safe migration, and employability skills. Workshops, vocational training, and community-led activities will empower these young individuals to navigate challenges associated with independent living, bridging the gap between institutional care and societal reintegration. Through these objectives, the project envisions a holistic and sustainable approach to supporting vulnerable populations in Nepal.

The main activities include supporting the lives and education of reintegrated children by providing educational assistance (tuition fees, uniforms, books, supplies, etc.) until the completion of their 12th grade. Additionally, the project supports young individuals in accessing volunteer internships and conducts follow-up visits to review their care plans. Furthermore, the project operates the Chautari Youth Club in Kathmandu, offering counseling services on reproductive health, career guidance, personal and social development. Workshops cover various topics such as safe migration, reproductive health, nutrition, independence, career planning skills, and internet safety. The project provides computer skills training and other professional development to enhance employability and independence, along with emergency support when needed, and facilitates youth-led community/educational activities.

Project details

€ 215,593

The project intends to benefit 13 reintegrated children and youth, along with referral cases. Additionally, 1500 youths will be supported through Chautari Youth Club in Kathmandu.

Umbrella Organisation Nepal (UON) is a Nepalese non-profit organisation founded in 2005 to address the proliferation of illegal orphanages and violations of children’s fundamental rights. Its mission is to reduce the impact of trafficking, poverty and conflict on Nepalese children through initiatives focused on their protection, education, family reintegration and community development.

The organisation supports vulnerable children by providing them with a safe environment, access to education and support tailored to their circumstances. Where possible, UON traces their families, prepares for their return to their communities and provides follow-up support to ensure their reintegration is sustainable. Where a return is not feasible, it continues to support them until they are sufficiently independent.

UON also works with young people leaving care. It offers them vocational training, psychosocial support, employment advice and activities designed to promote their independence. The Chautari Youth Club, based in Kathmandu, serves as a centre for information and learning for vulnerable young people facing the transition to independent living.

Since its inception, the organisation has supported more than 400 vulnerable or displaced children. It now draws on more than 20 years’ experience in child protection and operates in several districts across Nepal through its reintegration and community support programmes.

Project based in Kathmandu, with follow-up visits to 17 districts of Nepal
Operation of the Chautari Youth Club (CYC), also in Kathmandu, as a meeting point for young people from all over the country

Education

Equal opportunities

Human rights

Training

Decent work

SGD 1 - End poverty in all its forms everywhere

SGD 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

SGD 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all