Disaster management
Although disaster management is not the primary objective of the sister organization Global Action Nepal, Gan Research and Learning Resource Centre the need to address risk reduction measures during significant events such as earthquake, epidemics,
floods, and landslides compelled the organization to engage in cooperative and collaborative disaster management efforts.

Earthquake

The year 2015 was a very difficult time in Nepal with more than 8000 people killed, over 600,000 homes were destroyed and more than 288,000 were damaged in the 14 worst- hit districts Earthquake. During this painful time, the Centre extends its hands on building 142 temporary houses, over 5000 families received relief goods, constructed Child-Friendly Spaces and Temporary Learning Centers, so children could continue their learning. It was done in collaboration with its sister entity Gan Research and Learning Resource Centre and in partnership with various national and international organizations and government agencies, proactively addressed the challenges arising from these crises. Utilizing available resources, the organization assisted in constructing temporary shelters for families affected by the earthquake, particularly in Kavresthali, Kunchipakal, Tokha, and
other impacted areas, in collaboration with local communities.

The organization also collaborated with partners such as Aussie Action Abroad, Pahar Trust, We World, Big Lottery, UNICEF (VSO), Global Action Nepal, UK, and other individuals to carry out these initiatives. In addition, 24 youth volunteers received
training on earthquake safety measures and human harm reduction, including first aid techniques and the use of locally sourced materials for constructing stretchers to transport injured individuals to health facilities. These volunteers subsequently traveled
to Solukhumbu, Charikot, Makwanpur, and Rasuwa districts to impart their acquired skills and knowledge to local youth.

The organization implemented programs like “School in Bag,” trained teachers, and organized seminars to facilitate continued education for children in any environment,. In collaboration with the Education Department, the National Center for Education
Development (NCED), and various other entities, the organization developed supportingmaterials for disaster management guidelines.

Additionally, essential supplies, including tents, tarpaulins, and food, were distributed to affected families. Furthermore, by mobilizing youth volunteers, the organization conducted various initiatives aimed at reducing mental stress among schools and communities impacted by the earthquake, while also promoting techniques for constructing earthquake-resistant homes and buildings. Training sessions were conducted for six local carpenters,

Psycho-Social counseling training

It also organized Psycho-Social counseling training for 500 teachers after conducting Training of Trainers of multi displinery organizations. It was done with in collaboration with Norwegian organization

Empowering Local Young Women and Artisans

The Centre has carried out a project empowering Local Young Women and Artisans to Improve the Resilience & Self-Recovery Capacity in Dolakha district. During this course 12 local builders, four local plumbers, three local electricians, and 24 women
and 18 men, equip them with the skills to build model community learning and communication centers. The knowledge gained enabled them to construct their own houses using earthquake-resistant technology. During an interactive program, one
participant noted that formerly unskilled women, now equipped with skills, earned wages comparable to those of men, resulting in increased satisfaction and empowerment.

This was undertaken in collaboration with its sister organization – Global Action Nepal. The Centre also distributed Water purifier and DRR Boxes to schools and community Learning Centre.

COVID-19 Era

Impact of COVID-19 on Education

The COVID-19 outbreak severely affected students, particularly those from vulnerable communities. In response, the government, in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, produced learning materials and launched educational programs via television, radio, and online platforms. However, these efforts failed to reach all children, clearly revealing a growing digital divide.

Distance Mode of Teacher Training

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, teacher training was successfully conducted through distance learning using Zoom software. Teachers from project schools in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Lamjung, and Surkhet participated in these sessions during the nationwide lockdown.

Student Engagement and Learning Challenges

Online courses proved to be stressful for many children and were not as effective as face-to-face learning. The digital gap led to social imbalances within communities, and many parents faced pressure from their children to purchase smartphones and other digital devices.

In response, teachers in Lamjung, Lalitpur, and Surkhet adapted by conducting classes either in open fields or through door-to-door visits, strictly adhering to health and safety protocols.

Gyan Surakshyako: A Campaign Amidst COVID-19

During the nationwide lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, GAN (Global Action Nepal) launched the “Gyan Surakshyako” campaign to stay connected with its beneficiaries. Through a series of video messages featuring diverse stakeholders — from government authorities to community members — GAN was able to reach out and engage with the public despite the restrictions.

At the same time, cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were on the rise. In response, GAN proactively used its social media platforms to raise awareness and advocate for the prevention of GBV. The campaign’s messages were widely circulated, gaining significant acceptance and appreciation from both the community and viewers

SanitizerProduction Training andDistribution

A one-day Sanitizer Making Workshop was successfully conducted on 11th July 2020 in Chunikhel, Lalitpur, with the participation of young people — both male and female — from the Bungamati community of Lalitpur district. The event was organized in collaboration with Global Action Nepal (GAN), Youth Arena Lalitpur, GAN Research and Learning Resource Centre, and Ward No. 22 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City.

The workshop aimed to build the capacity of local youth, empowering them to become creative and responsible individuals capable of protecting their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. By learning how to produce hand sanitizers, the participants were expected to take the initiative in further production and distribution within their localities.

The training was delivered in two components: theoretical and practical. In the theoretical session, the trainer provided essential knowledge about chemical reactions, formulas, and the various uses of sanitizers. The practical session allowed participants to make sanitizers themselves, applying what they had learned using participatory and engaging methods aligned with the workshop module.

By the end of the workshop, participants had successfully produced their own hand sanitizers and expressed confidence in using their newly acquired knowledge and skills for community benefit.

Post-Workshop Initiative: Sanitizer Distribution and Awareness Campaign

After the completion of the sanitizer-making workshop, the local youth groups of Bungamati planned to distribute hand sanitizers to every household in the locality. Alongside the distribution, they aimed to raise awareness about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and educate community members on preventive measures.

Periods Don’t Stop During a Pandemic

Initiatives Amidst COVID-19: Reaching the Unreached

1. Radio Awareness Program on Menstrual Health

With the powerful message “Periods Don’t Stop for Pandemics,” a national-level radio awareness campaign was launched to improve public understanding of menstruation. The program focused on:

• Menstrual health and hygiene

• Cultural stigma and taboos

• Pad making and management

• Government policies

• Inclusion of menstruation in the school curriculum

• Safety and dignity of girls during the COVID-19 pandemic

The radio program was produced by Young Star Club with support from Radha Foundation, NFCC, Global Action Nepal (GAN), and Aasman Nepal. It began broadcasting on 29 FM radio stations across the country, significantly extending its reach to rural and remote communities.

2. Videography: Documenting Education Amid COVID-19

A media organization was commissioned to document educational experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. The video aimed to highlight:

• Innovative student learning practices

• Community-based educational responses

• Replicable models and success stories from across the country

This documentation seeks to contribute to a broader understanding and policy influence regarding crisis-responsive education models.

3. Study on Brick Kiln Children

A focused study was carried out to develop a project document addressing the education and livelihood of children and families working in brick kilns during the pandemic. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the GAN Research and Learning Resource Centre, aims to inform future program interventions for these highly vulnerable groups.

4. Challenges Faced During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic posed several significant challenges:

• Limited Implementation and Reach:
  Lockdowns and health restrictions hampered field activities and reduced direct interaction with beneficiaries.

• High Expectations from Schools:
  Many schools expected support in areas such as infrastructure development and sports materials. Although these were not the project’s primary focus, schools gradually came to value the importance of capacity-building and learning-focused activities.

• Resource Constraints:
  Limited resources in both schools and communities restricted the ability to effectively deliver alternative and remote learning opportunities, particularly for students in under-resourced settings.