Since its inception in 2000, Karuna-Shechen has been operating in India, Nepal, and Tibet, in the most disadvantaged and remote regions where the needs are most urgent. We now operate in six areas of intervention, each with its own specificities.
Karuna-Shechen’s mission is to help children, women, and men to the best of our abilities, without distinction of gender, religion, or caste. What unites these people above all is their strong determination to rise out of extreme poverty by becoming active participants in their own development.
Bihar
India
Bihar, located in northeastern India, is one of the poorest states, with more than half of the population living below the poverty line. Karuna-Shechen started its activities here over 20 years ago, expanding from a few villages around Bodhgaya to nearly 300 today. Challenges persist, with a high death rate due to diseases and malnutrition, exacerbated by a shortage of qualified medical personnel and low-quality infrastructure.
Jharkhand
India
Jharkhand, the “Land of Forests,” separated from Bihar in 2000. Although rich in natural resources, it is afflicted by overwhelming poverty, with 42% of the population living below the poverty line. The region shares similar issues with Bihar, facing plastic pollution, waste management challenges, air pollution, heat waves, and the management of natural resources like water.
Darjeeling
India
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Hills,” Darjeeling, located at an altitude of 3,000 meters in West Bengal, is renowned for its tea. However, it suffers from socio-economic inequalities and high unemployment. Mass tourism has led to deforestation, the proliferation of hotels, and increased waste production. Some traditional crops are declining due to monoculture and pests.
Ruby Valley
Nepal
Located in the Himalayas, Ruby Valley is a remote area of Nepal, a 12-hour drive from Kathmandu, including 8 hours on dangerous roads. Its isolation contributes to intense poverty. Communities in this region urgently need access to healthcare and improved nutrition.
Kapilvastu
Nepal
Located in southwestern Nepal, Kapilvastu has a subtropical climate and a flat landscape. Despite its role as an industrial and financial center, endemic poverty persists, with urgent needs in education and sanitation. The literacy rate is 52%, and the school dropout rate is 81%. In response, Karuna-Shechen initiated activities there in 2023, encouraged by local authorities and inspiring residents.
Eastern Tibet
Tibet
Eastern Tibet, also known as Kham and Amdo, is a mountainous region spanning China and Tibet. It is home to nomadic pastoralists and impoverished settled populations in isolated rural areas. These communities experience limited access to services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.