Since 2000, Karuna-Shechen has been active in India, Nepal, and Tibet, in regions where access to essential services remains limited and needs are particularly significant. Today, the organization operates across six intervention areas, each adapted to its local context.
Karuna-Shechen works alongside children, women, and men regardless of gender, religion, or caste. Beyond their different contexts, what unites them is a shared aspiration: to improve their living conditions and actively contribute to their own development.
Bihar
India
Bihar, in northeastern India, is one of the country’s poorest states, where more than half of the population lives below the poverty line. Karuna-Shechen began its work there more than 20 years ago, expanding from a few villages around Bodhgaya to nearly 400 today. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including high mortality rates linked to disease and malnutrition, compounded by a shortage of qualified medical staff and weak healthcare infrastructure.
Jharkhand
India
Jharkhand, known as the “Land of Forests,” was created in 2000 after separating from Bihar. Although rich in natural resources, it continues to face significant poverty, with around 42% of the population living below the poverty line. The region shares several challenges with Bihar and is increasingly affected by environmental issues such as plastic pollution, waste management, deteriorating air quality, heat waves, and pressure on water resources.
Darjeeling
India
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Hills,” Darjeeling is located at around 3,000 meters above sea level in West Bengal and is world-renowned for its tea. However, the region remains marked by strong socio-economic inequalities and high unemployment. The growth of mass tourism has led to deforestation, increasing hotel infrastructure, and rising waste production. In addition, some traditional crops are declining due to monoculture and the spread of pests.
Dhading
Nepal
Karuna-Shechen works in the district of Dhading, particularly in the rural municipalities of Khaniyabas and Ruby Valley. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, these mountainous areas are characterized by spectacular landscapes but also limited access to essential services. In these predominantly agricultural and isolated regions, communities face major challenges related to healthcare, drinking water, education, and food security.
Kapilvastu
Nepal
Located in southwestern Nepal, Kapilvastu is characterized by a subtropical climate and flat landscapes. Despite its role as an industrial and financial center, poverty remains widespread, with urgent needs in education and sanitation. The literacy rate stands at 52%, while school dropout rates reach 81%. Karuna-Shechen has been active there since 2023, in the municipalities of Bijayanagar and Yashodhara, in collaboration with local authorities and engaged communities.
Eastern Tibet
Tibet
Eastern Tibet, encompassing the regions of Kham and Amdo, stretches across mountainous areas between China and Tibet. It is home to nomadic populations engaged in pastoral farming, as well as sedentary communities living in isolated rural villages. These populations face limited access to essential services, particularly in education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure.