Societal reintegration through capacity development of youth in Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

Nepal is home to over 29 million people, with children younger than 15 years old making up more than 40% of the population. Entrenched poverty and almost two decades of violent political instability have taken their toll on Nepal’s youth, leaving many orphans, street kids, and victims of poverty, trafficking and child labour. Child Welfare Scheme Nepal (CWSN) was established 15 years ago to improve the lives of poor and marginalised young people through improved health, education and protection. As one of the programs initiated by CWSN, Jyoti Vocational Training Centre (JVTC) aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which disadvantaged adolescents can make a successful transition into independent adult lives. Given the difficult social, educational and cultural backgrounds of the trainees it is important that JVTC not only produce well-trained graduates, but also adults capable of contributing to their community. Beyond the role of a traditional training centre, JVTC offers psychosocial support and counselling, residential services, health education and career guidance to trainees. In recent times Engineers Without Borders Australia has assisted JVTC through volunteer placements producing updated curricula and focused, appropriate practical classes for the electrical and solar-photovoltaic courses. This paper will present the holistic approach implemented by JVTC, and outline the effectiveness of this method. Through evaluation of data focusing on a range of lifestyle indicators and case studies from trainees past and present, JVTC’s work across the past decade will be contextualised against current societal standards. Furthermore this paper will examine how holistic capacity development equips those in the program to reintegrate into society and build on existing strengths to influence sustainable community development.