Nepal: Highlights and Lowlights
SMALL LANDLOCKED COUNTRY WITH BIG CHALLENGES
Nepal, a small landlocked country in South Asia, is home to over 28 million people. Though it has an area of only 147,181 sq. km., the region’s topography is incredibly diverse, ranging from low-lying sub-tropical plains to high mountain peaks and glaciers.
Nepal has many attributes that make it an attractive and vibrant living place. The country is home to rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. Additionally, the nation’s economy is growing steadily, with estimated growth of 7.5% in 2019, thanks to tourism and remittance income. Nepal also boasts an array of natural resources, such as hydropower and minerals, that could be leveraged for more significant economic development in the future. All these factors make Nepal a great place to live and visit!
Nepal faces numerous challenges that have hindered its progress in recent years. Poverty remains a significant issue, with 31.1% of the population living below the poverty line and only 40% of women able to participate in the labour force. Access to education is limited, with 38% of children between 6 and 10 years old attending school and a significant dropout rate due to lack of resources or familial pressure towards child labour or marriage, among other issues. Health care services are also inadequate, as 42 out of 75 districts have less than two hospitals per 100,000 people, leading to high morbidity rates from preventable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. Nepal is also prone to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, which exacerbate these socio-economic challenges.
Challenges
ADDRESSING NEPAL’S SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Nepal faces numerous challenging situations regarding children, youth, prostitutes, drug addicts, homeless people, prisoners, refugees, and health-related issues. For example, children in Nepal face many risks, such as exploitation, abuse and trafficking, while youth are exposed to drugs and alcohol abuse as well as risky behaviours. Prisoners are also at risk of disease due to inadequate health services. Furthermore, there is an alarming rate of HIV and AIDS infections among prostitutes and drug addicts due to a lack of access to healthcare and preventive services. Additionally, refugees and homeless people suffer from a lack of access to food and shelter. To address these issues effectively, the government has implemented various programs, such as free health care for children under five or free school meals for students enrolled in public schools. Various civil society organisations have also provided assistance through health campaigns and educational initiatives to raise awareness about these issues.
Pillar 1: Children & Youth
Social problems disproportionately impact children and youth in Nepal. According to the most recent statistics,
- 3 million children between 5 and 17 years old work as child labourers.
- 22% of girls aged 15-19 have begun childbearing.
- Only 25% of female students complete Grade 10.
- 28% of adolescents suffer from malnutrition.
Pillar 2: Prostitutes
Prostitution is a growing problem in Nepal, particularly among young people.
- There are an estimated 32,000 prostitutes are working in the country, and more than half are aged between 18 and 25.
- HIV has become a significant concern as approximately 1% of sex workers are currently infected.
- There are more than 14,000 women and girls involved in commercial sexual exploitation, with most of them being trafficked from nearby countries.
Pillar 3: Drug Addicts
In Nepal, drug addiction has become an increasing social problem.
- More than 12,000 individuals are addicted to a substance in Nepal.
- More than half of the addicts are under the age of 30.
- This has led to increased crime, poverty, and the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Pillar 4: Homeless
- An estimate shows that nearly 8% of the population is homeless.
- This social problem is linked to various social issues such as poverty and health problems due to lack of access to appropriate sanitation facilities and healthcare.
Pillar 5: Prisoners
- According to a 2020 report by the Nepal Prison Administration, there are currently 52,552 prisoners detained in different jails across the country.
- This figure is an increase of 11.4% from 2019, when 47,262 people were locked up in prisons.
- Additionally, 20% of all inmates are awaiting trial and have not yet been found guilty of any crime.
These unreasonably long waits can lead to overcrowding and other severe issues within prisons.
Pillar 6: Refugees
- According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there were 154,826 registered refugees in Nepal as of 2020.
- Among these refugees, 74% are children under 18 years of age and most are under 12.
- 42% of these individuals also live below the poverty line with limited access to necessities such as food and healthcare.
- This number is expected to rise due to ongoing conflict and instability between neighbouring countries.
Pillar 7: The Sick
- According to the World Health Organization, only half of the population has access to essential healthcare services.
- 18% lacking any health insurance whatsoever.
- Over 90% of the health infrastructure in Nepal is located in urban areas.
These are not merely statistics; these are reality. Our team has witnessed travelling to Nepal. Our team and volunteers in Nepal reach out to the remotest part. We have travelled some of the deadliest roads in the Himalayas to witness the grassroots realities. The reality is heartbreaking. The images are carved in our hearts, and we are there.
Hope for Nepal
OUR GOALS FOR NEPAL
Pillar 1: Children & Youth
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- To provide access to quality healthcare, education and employment opportunities for children and youth affected by poverty or conflict.
- To introduce programs that reduce the prevalence of child labour, exploitation and trafficking, as well as promote gender equality among young people in the country.
- To increase access to essential services such as clean water, electricity and sanitation in rural areas where children and youth are particularly vulnerable.
- To start programs aimed at giving children and young people a voice through promoting civic engagement and leadership skills training
Pillar 2: Prostitutes
- To provide access to quality healthcare and employment opportunities for sex workers in the country.
- To launch initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma around sex work.
- To raise awareness about the potential risks associated with this profession.
- To increase protection of sex workers’ rights and introduce programs that provide legal advice and social support to those affected by exploitation or violence within the industry.
- To provide access to educational resources.
- To design a campaign to promote safe practices among sex workers.
Pillar 3: Drug addicts
- To provide access to quality addiction treatment services for people struggling with drug abuse.
- To launch initiatives that lessen shame around addiction.
- To introduce programs that provide support and counselling.
- To start campaigns that promote safe needle disposal practices.
- To promote advocating for laws that protect the rights of drug addicts from discrimination or exploitation within their communities.
- To raise awareness about the potential risks associated with substance use.
Pillar 4: Homeless
- To focus on providing access to basic amenities such as food, clothing, and shelter for homeless people in the country.
- To launch initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma around homelessness
- To introduce programs that provide support and counselling.
- To include raising awareness about the potential risks associated with homelessness.
- To provide access to educational resources.
- To advocate for increased access to financial services for this population.
Pillar 5: Prisoners
- To provide access to quality legal services for people who have been wrongfully imprisoned or have faced enhanced sentences due to prejudice or systemic bias.
- To launch initiatives to reduce the prevalence of torture and mistreatment of prisoners in detention centres.
- To introduce programs that provide support and counselling to both inmates and their families.
- To Invest in campaigns that promote awareness about the potential risks associated with incarceration.
- To provide inmates with education, vocational training, health care and other services.
- To increase access to essential services.
- To work towards assisting ex-prisoners in reintegration into society through job placements and social support networks.
Pillar 6: Refugees
- To provide access to basic amenities such as food, clothing, and shelter for refugees displaced by violence and conflict.
- To lunch initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma around refugees
- To introduce programs that provide support and counselling to those affected by displacement.
- To raise awareness about the potential risks associated with displacement.
- To provide access to educational resources that help refugees develop employable skills.
Pillar 7: The Sick
- To provide access to quality health care for all citizens regardless of their ability to pay.
- To launch initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates through improved nutrition, hygiene and healthcare.
- To introduce programs that support and counsel individuals suffering from chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- To invest in campaigns that promote awareness about mental health and substance abuse issues.
- To devote advocating for laws that protect the rights of those affected by these issues from discrimination or exploitation within their communities.
- To increase access to essential services such as clean water, electricity and sanitation systems in rural areas of Nepal.
Strategies of Hope
OUR ROADMAP FOR NEPAL
House of Hope is committed to providing quality services that can help improve the lives of children and youth, prostitutes, drug addicts, homeless people, prisoners and refugees in the country.
We have the roadmap to execute our strategies with our team, NGOs, organisations leaders, and volunteers. There are seven provinces in Nepal. We have initiated formulating teams in one of the provinces called Hetauda in Nepal. At Hetauda we have teams and volunteers. Currently, they are meeting and coordinating their strategies for the pillars of children & youth, prostitutes, drug addicts, homeless, prisoners, refugees, and sick. These teams include businesspeople and educationalists, which is a treasure.
House of Hope is dedicated to improving the welfare and social upliftment of the people of Nepal, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities. We would develop a range of initiatives, including programs for education and healthcare, as well as offering financial assistance for those in need. These programs are intended to provide access to quality services and resources so that everyone can benefit.
We work closely with local and national stakeholders to identify areas where there is a need for intervention and then develop projects to address these needs. In addition to this, we have plans to introduce various projects geared towards improving access to labour markets, reducing poverty levels and bringing development opportunities closer to communities living in remote areas.
Hope in Action
HOUSE OF HOPE IN NEPAL
House of Hope Kathmandu
We met fourteen NGO leaders who are actively involved. We spend time together sharing information and brainstorming to coordinate the strategies to bless Nepal. The time spent together was full of openness, honesty, and envisioning synergy. We discussed and decided to have teams by divisions or provinces for the Hope Centers. We are in process to start the first Hope Center in Kathmandu.
In Kathmandu, we expect positive changes to happen for various marginalised groups. Children and youth can be provided with better social services, including education and healthcare, through House of Hope initiatives. Prostitutes and drug addicts can be offered support and rehabilitation programs to help them turn their lives around. People experiencing homelessness can be given shelter and necessities to improve their living conditions. The prisoners will be offered rehabilitation and reintegration services for a better future. Refugees will be supported to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity. The health services in Kathmandu can be improved with innovative and inclusive approaches. The strategies are inspiring, and we all felt optimistic about the positive impact of House of Hope initiatives on the lives of those who need it most.
House of Hope Hetauda
Our team visited Hetauda and met organisation leaders and volunteers. We shared bout House of Hope ministries and discussed strategies. House of Hope initiated the Needy and Poor pillars and other strategic pillars.
In Hetauda, our meeting significantly focused on social betterment for children and youth, prostitutes, drug addicts, homeless individuals, prisoners, refugees, and overall health. We wish to establish regional health service posts, providing accessible healthcare for all. Furthermore, a comprehensive program for adolescent development can be implemented with a specific focus on two age groups, 10-14 years and 15-19 years. This initiative aims to enhance social and financial skills, providing them a brighter future. Moreover, social and emotional learning programs can also be introduced to facilitate positive interactions for children. Particular emphasis can be placed on providing aid for refugees and homeless individuals, including those who work in commercial sex trades. Though there may be challenges, House of Hope Nepal will take significant steps towards social betterment, leaving much hope for a brighter future.
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SPARKASSE GÖTTINGEN, GERMANY
IBAN: DE52 2605 0001 0056 0794 03
BIC: NOLADE21GOE
PURPOSE: “Nepal”