CONNECT Program, Kailali District

"What's strong in our community?
It's us. All of us women, working together."

Indra, Tikapur

What is the CONNECT project?

Indra's life has been changed forever by the CONNECT program.

CONNECT (Community Organisation, Networking and Collaboration for Transformation, Kalali)  brings people together to work from their strengths to overcome their challenges.

Transformation takes place through Self Help Groups. Up to twenty people, mostly women, meet together with the support of a facilitator to learn, collaborate and implement strategies for change. 

With the support of her group, Indra has taken out a small loan to buy pigs and is learning how to create her own income from breeding piglets. She's received training in agriculture practises that improve her food production. And she's learnt critical water and sanitation practises that keep her family healthy. 

Over the next three years, we'll provide funding for at least 30 more groups, directly benefitting 1500 more people like Indra. 

Within twelve months, each group will have its own leadership and sustain itself without the support of our partner facilitators. This will give thousands more people the chance to dramatically improve their own lives. 

The CONNECT project is in the second of its five year project plan.

In 2023, it is supported by donors from International Nepal Fellowship Australia and the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). 

Sponsor a woman like Indra

What do Self Help Groups achieve?

What will the project deliver?

The Connect Project is a comprehensive approach to the development of whole communities, drawing on strengths to address challenges.

Networks of dynamic Self Help Groups, many led by women, meet to share knowledge, encouragement and resources.

By 2028, at least 1500 people will directly benefit, with many thousands more impacted within the community.

  • 95% of Self Help Group members will be able to earn an income and save through small business start ups
  • Every child between the ages of 5-18 of Self Help Group members will be in school, completing at least to Grade 10
  • 15% of Self Help Group members will hold leadership positions on local government, NGO Boards, Councils, school advisory boards
  • All members of Self Help Groups will know how to access pensions, scholarships and grants for people with disabilities, widows and other vulnerable people
  • People in communities who have disabilities will be included in groups and leadership opportunities

What will the project cost this year?

Items$AUD
Salaries for four leaders to train, nurture and set up Self Help Groups$13,824
92 Training events for Self Help Groups - bookkeeping, agriculture, livelihoods, health and sanitation$21,200
Rent, electricity, stationery, computer & internet for one year - Project HQ$1,538
Transport for events/staff training$1,624
Food for participants$123
Total cost to support more than 1500 people in 75 Self Help Groups$38,309
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Challenges to overcome in Bardagoriya, Kailali

In the West, where the CONNECT program is in its second year of implementation, the plains of Kailali district stretch as far as the eye can see, broken by wide rivers and forest. A diverse range of ethnic communities all with distinct cultures, languages and traditions live in the area, along with  endangered species such as Bengal tigers, one-horned rhino and swamp deer inside protected Park areas.

While its possible to grow crops like rice, maize, wheat and millet, as well as fruits like mangoes, bananas and papaya, the heavy rainfall lends itself to extensive flooding and landslips, making life precarious for many. 

Status of women

With many men forced out of the area to find work in other parts of Nepal, India, the Gulf or South Korea, the burden of home, family, animals and crops falls on women.

The challenges are significant and include lack of access to clean water, education opportunities, exploitation by landlords and illness.

95% of households can't survive
on the income sent from abroad

2023 Sponsorship Packages

Click on an image below to see how your sponsorship of parts of the project could make a difference.

All costs are for ONE YEAR.

Please give today to support this project