Nepal

Nepal, one of the world’s poorest nations, is dependent on foreign development assistance. The socio-economic and political inequalities in the country are significant, and the divide between the capital Katmandu and the rural areas marked.

The conflict between the Government and the Maoist rebels has eaten into the resources of the country but attempts at peace building have begun. In March 2006, both sides of the conflict signed a peace agreement that has brought an end to ten years of conflict.

FELM’s partners in Nepal are twelve local Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and with the United Mission to Nepal.

FELM provides these local partner organisations technical expertise and advisory services in the following sectors:

• Rural development
• Support to education
• Health and social work
• Community development
• Organisational capacity building

Ministry and Congregational work

The network of churches in Nepal is made up of small and independent congregations. Previously the law did not allow for the registration of churches. Under the new constitution that is being developed, the situation appears to be changing. There are an estimated 700,000 Christians in Nepal.

FELM supports the congregation of Patan Koinonia in their youth work and the elderly, as well as supporting missionary activity in India. One couple from this congregation is working among Nepali slum dwellers in New Delhi.

In addition to this, FELM provides funding for disadvantaged students attending the Nepal Ebenezer Bible College that produces pastors and evangelists.

Community Support and Capacity Building

Eighty percent of Nepal’s population of 28 million live off agriculture. FELM funds the activities of the agricultural training centre in Pokhara. The centre provides practical training in livestock management, potable water supply, forestry, agriculture and horticulture for rural populations and for community development workers of development organizations.

FELM also extends its support to the Animal Health Training and Consulting Service (AHTCS) in Pokhara.

In Mugu district in North West Nepal, FELM supports the rural development projects of the XX in the fields of health education, HIV/AIDS awareness, agricultural and forestry management, water and sanitation, literacy and projects that enhance the position of women and children.

In the health sector, FELM supports the Lalitpur nursing school in Katmandu. The school provides hospitals and basic health units and out-patient clinics with trained nursing staff.

The Human Development and Community Services (HDCS) receives funds from FELM for community development and health projects.

Child sponsorship forms part of the core activities of FELM in Nepal. Students at the Gandaki Boarding School (GBS), the children at the House of Hope children’s home and many girls in Mugu receive support this way. Finnish child sponsorship supports disabled children and teen-agers and it funds the young women at Lalitpur nursing school through their nurses training.