Support Education and Livelihoods in rural Nepal

Agriculture during COVID-19

"Due to the COVID-19 safety measures, we were forced to stop all the activities of the project for eight months. During this period we did relief work and decided to change the modality of

farming into a family farming program. We found that family farms represent an important resource that helps reduce unemployment. A family farm in this project is one

that is owned by members of the same family to shape and pursue the formal or implicit vision of the farm. Family farm vegetables of their own choice. 

We realize a key factor in family farming is the succession of process. The intention of family members to hand the farm over to the next generation is essential for the continuation of the farm."

Awareness session on COVID-19

"The widely followed slogan “Stay Home, Stay Safe” triggered an increase in gender-based violence and abuses. Along with the lockdown, cases of domestic violence have surged around the world. Nepal is no exception. With the lockdown, the number of cases of domestic violence, rape, suicide has escalated. WOREC Nepal reported 465 cases of violence against women and girls from 37 districts of the country. Among the documented cases, 293 cases were of domestic violence and 39 cases of social violence. In most of the cases, the perpetrators of violence were found to be husbands, in-laws and parents.

We organized two types of sessions on gender-based violence and abuses in Gorkha and Chitwan district. Additionally, we organized mass orientation sessions on prevention and safety measures during COVID-19.

2020 was a challenging year for us but we adapted and met the changing needs of our community.”

Kamal Babu Pariyar, Nepal.

Karuna is working with partners in Nepal who have been providing urgent food and health supplies for people who live in remote villages during the coronavirus and earlier lockdown.

Women like Kopchi have been struggling to eat and get access to supplies. Due to the lockdown her two sons, who are both daily wage labourers, have been stuck in India and unable to get home. At 82 and a widow, Kopchi children have supported her for years but without a means to earn a living or get home, her sons could not reach their mother. Kopchi was in a desperate situation but thanks to our partners working in the Gorkha region of Nepal, she and other women were able to receive food packages.

Now, with lockdown easing, we're moving into the second phase of response- what is needed for women like Kopchi, whose livelihoods have disappeared as a consequence of the coronavirus? This is the work we are engaging in now, and we're hoping you'll join us.

With gratitude,

Erika Narkiewicz

www.karuna.org