Innovative Practice 2017 on Employment, Work and Vocational Education and Training
Training and seed financing within local communities
| Name of Innovative Practice: | Training and seed financing within local communities |
|---|---|
| Organisation: | Karuna Foundation Nepal – Project “Inspire2Care” |
| Country of Implementation | Nepal |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
In Nepal, as in many developing countries, it is generally assumed that persons with disabilities are unable to make valuable contributions in the open labour market, thus they are not given the opportunity to enter the workforce.
SOLUTION & METHODOLOGY
The initiative is a community-led project implemented by a local community structure called the Health Management Committee with resource support from government bodies (Village Council and District Council). The cost of the initiative is shared between the Karuna Foundation and the community. Persons with disabilities and their family members are provided with vocational training depending on their interests and skills. They are then provided with seed capital on a loan basis to allow the trained individuals to start own businesses, such as bicycle shops, tailoring, bakeries, and farming.
In addition, the foundation strongly advocates for the employment of persons with disabilities – for example, by providing major support for Career Expo, a job fair organized in 2011 and 2013 by the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare.
OUTLOOK & TRANSFERABILITY
Operational spending amounts to €62,000 per year. Inspire2Care began in 2011 with seven villages in two districts of Nepal (one in the central region, one in the eastern region) and has since expanded to 31 villages and two additional districts in eastern Nepal. However, Inspire2Care believes that the government must take responsibility for all developmental issues in the long run.
