A year ago, Karuna-Shechen began its work in Khaniyabas, a remote municipality in the hills of Dhading, Access to healthcare was inconsistent, safe drinking water was not guaranteed, schools lacked structure, and opportunities for income remained limited.
Twelve months later, Khaniyabas has not transformed overnight. But something important has begun to shift. These tangible developments are now beginning to become part of the daily lives of the local population:
Health and Hygiene, Small Changes, Lasting Impact
After an initial phase focused on raising awareness, training volunteers on health issues, and opening conversations around hygiene, maternal health, and child development, the initiative is now bearing fruit. Water quality monitoring and the involvement of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) committees are now encouraging healthier hygiene practices within households. This change is also driven by families, who are becoming more involved in caring for mothers and newborns. As a result, there is a more natural reliance on health services, both for treatment and prevention. Trust in the system is slowly growing.
At the same time, Khaniyabas’s isolation remains a major obstacle. The unreliability of transportation and communications networks serves as a reminder that access to essential services remains fragile and dependent on geographical constraints.
Education, From Empty Rooms to Active Learning
Long held back by a lack of resources and teacher training, early childhood education centers are now transforming into welcoming and stimulating environments. Thanks to better-organized spaces and appropriate learning materials, teachers are adopting more interactive methods that encourage children’s curiosity, confidence and development. This renewal extends beyond the school: parents now recognize the importance of these early years, contributing to a more supportive learning environment both at school and at home.
Teachers themselves describe a shift in their approach, becoming more attentive and responsive to each child’s needs.
However, while attention to each child’s needs is improving, activity planning remains weak. For this progress to be sustainable, strengthened coordination with local authorities remains essential.
Agriculture, Moving Beyond Tradition
In Khaniyabas, changes in agricultural practices appear to be leading to improved food security. By adopting new soil management and irrigation techniques, many families now produce more than they need for their own consumption. This newfound confidence is also evident in livestock farming and nursery management, where training programs now help prevent diseases and reduce losses.