West Rukum Community Transformation Project (CTP)

"I love being part of the Mothers' Group, learning about how to keep my family healthy. I've also been able to increase my income by using a Group Loan to start up a small grocery shop from my home."

Nasri, West Rukum

Life in West Rukum

West Rukum is a stunning mountainous region about 600km by road from Kathmandu. People live simply, growing staples like maize and wheat, but daily existence can be a challenge. West Rukum is one of the most underdeveloped areas in remote western Nepal.

In the community in which our partner Shanti Nepal works, Aathbiskot Rural Municipality, there is no electricity and only one road in and out of the area. It’s often inaccessible due to monsoon, flood or landslide. While almost every family has access to a garden plot or a small piece of land, it's hard to grow enough food to survive through the different seasons of the year.

2%

have completed high school

90%

rely on family members working outside the community

69%

collect water from a public tap

What does the project do?

Improves incomes and food security
Provides access to sanitation, hygiene facilities and safe drinking water
Offers access to health services (especially for mothers and babies)

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

What does the project cost?

Items	$AUD
Health Services	$11,097
Sanitation, hygiene and safe drinking water	$12,350
Food security (income development, small business training)	$19,955
TOTAL COST EXCLUDING BIRTHING CENTRE	$43,402

Special focus: the Birthing Centre

72%

Give birth at home

33

Deaths per 1000 births

Right now, women must travel 2-3 days along treacherous mountain passes to attend a health post where they can safely give birth.

Shanti Nepal has land and approval to build a Birthing Centre. With no access to electricity, the building will need a solar system. Local women will be selected and trained to become Skilled Birth Attendants.

How much does it cost to set up the Birthing Centre?

Item	$AUD
Birthing Centre Inauguration	$581
Medicine for deliveries	$2900
Equipment	$2325
Furniture	$872
Solar System	$5232
Birth Attendant Training	$2034
TOTAL	$13944