Here is a newsletter from Nepal related to their work for sustainable development. Several initiatives deal with climate change and I thought several of our WXForum members might be interested in reading about.
On Thu, Jun 19, 2025 at 4:16 AM Bishnu Bhatta <bbishnu@gmail.com> wrote:
Partnership for Sustainable Development–Nepal
Kathmandu Metropolitan City-14, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel. 977-984-1285379 psdnepal@gmail.com
www.psdnepal.orgDAO–KTM,Reg.No.180/059/60GON-SWCAffiliationNo.13981
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PSD Connect Year 20, No. 2, June 2025
Quarterly Newsletter
PSD Connect, a quarterly e‐newsletter by the Partnership for Sustainable Development (PSD) Nepal, keeps our partners, former volunteers, and long‐term supporters updated on our activities and news. As a non-profit focused on alleviating poverty among Nepal’s rural youth and children, we’re driven by a mission of sustainable development. For more details, please visit our website:
www.psdnepal.orgMESSAGE FROM the EDITOR
Namaste, friends!
We are delighted to present the second issue of our 20th year, our latest quarterly newsletter with you. This newsletter brings you closer to PSD Nepal’s world, showcasing our initiatives, projects, and future plans. We eagerly anticipate your questions, comments, and insights. Feel free to share this newsletter and spread the word about our efforts. Your feedback is invaluable to us! Reach out at psdnepal@gmail.com or call (+977)-9841285379
Warm regards,
Bishnu H. Bhatta
Latest PSD Nepal News
As we step into 2025, I’m excited to present the second quarterly edition of PSD Connect for this year. This issue highlights our continued participation in regional and global conferences, along with our impactful work with volunteers and vulnerable communities. Your unwavering support remains the cornerstone of our success. Together, let’s embrace new opportunities and further our mission of sustainable development across Nepal.”
Progress in the Himalayan Plastic Removal Project
PSD Nepal continues to make remarkable progress in the Himalayan Plastic Removal Project in Langtang, Rasuwa. Our work has been ongoing continuously in the region, with three key waste management sites now fully operational—the Community Recycling Centre in Syafru Besi, and segregation sites in Mundu and Kyanjin Gompa—serving as vital hubs for responsible waste management in this fragile Himalayan ecosystem. A major highlight of our initiative, the “1 bottle = 1 NPR” scheme, remains a strong motivator for local plastic collection. This scheme recycles approximately 40,000 bottles each month, helping reduce plastic pollution and foster community-led environmental stewardship. As part of our next phase, we are planning to transport 1 tonne of collected plastic waste to Himalayan Life Plastics in Pokhara, for proper recycling and reuse.
Planting Seeds of Change: A Youth-Led Reforestation and Cultural Exchange in Rural Nepal
From April 6–8, 2025, a dedicated group of students and teachers from St. Peter’s School, UK, traveled to Majkatera in Baglung District, Nepal, as part of a tree-planting initiative organized by PSD Nepal and the World Challenge Program. Over the course of three days, these young volunteers not only planted over 220 walnut seedlings in collaboration with local communities but also immersed themselves in an enriching cultural exchange that left lasting impressions on both sides.
Nestled at altitudes of up to 2200 meters, the village of Majkatera welcomed 21 visitors—18 students, 2 teachers, and 1 expedition leader—into the homes of local families. After a warm Nepali welcome ceremony complete with red tika and traditional khadas, the team began their work almost immediately. On the first day, they planted 110 trees on pre-prepared barren plots. Their efforts were matched by the community, who had dug holes and transported manure in advance.
The second day saw more physical effort, with uphill hikes to higher-altitude planting sites. Volunteers and locals together planted an additional 90 seedlings, deepening their engagement through shared labor and storytelling over cups of local tea. In the evening, a lively cultural program organized by the local women’s group showcased traditional Nepali music and dance. Students joined in the celebrations—clapping, dancing, and even performing—which served as a heartwarming reminder of the bonds being formed beyond the environmental mission.
The final morning was reserved for planting the last 20 trees before the group packed their bags and said emotional farewells. Before leaving, students gifted friendship bands they had made with local children, and in turn were honored with traditional blessings and homemade rice pudding—an expression of gratitude and connection that transcended language.
Beyond tree planting, the students also contributed to community health. They brought reusable sanitary pads and taught local women how to make them—a small but impactful gesture aimed at improving menstrual hygiene for those with limited access to products. Despite the challenges posed by rugged mountain roads and basic amenities, the students adapted with enthusiasm. Local jeeps, though worn, safely transported the group, and all participants enjoyed clean accommodations and nourishing home-cooked meals. The students’ willingness to help with household chores and learn local customs was deeply appreciated by their hosts.
What made this short program particularly powerful was its holistic impact: environmental restoration, cultural immersion, community empowerment, and youth engagement all came together in harmony. This project demonstrated that with thoughtful planning, strong community participation, and genuine cross-cultural curiosity, even a few days can spark long-term change. The hills of Baglung are greener today, not just because of the trees, but because of the shared hope planted by students and villagers alike.
Supporting Rural Education in Dolakha: PSD Nepal’s Outreach to Chetpu and Nilkantheswor Schools
PSD Nepal, with the support of kind donors from the UK and USA, has provided educational and recreational support to 80 students in Chetpu Basic School and Nilkantheswor Secondary School in Dolakha.
Each student received school supplies, including bags, shoes, exercise books, pens, and stationery. Both schools were also given teaching aids like alphabet blocks, chart paper, and globes, along with sports materials such as footballs, volleyballs, skipping ropes, and traditional games like Bagh Chal.
This initiative aims to improve classroom engagement, reduce dropout rates, and promote holistic development. PSD Nepal thanks all supporters for helping bring lasting change to rural education.
Volunteer Reflection: Daniel Murphy from the USA
Daniel Murphy, an international volunteer, an ongoing impactful teaching and community support placement with PSD Nepal.
Teaching English Across Grades
Daniel taught two to four English classes daily, adjusting to local weather conditions. His focus was on improving pronunciation, particularly challenging sounds like “sh,” “ch,” “th,” and “kn.” With younger students (grades 4–7), he emphasized phonics and simple vocabulary. For older students (grades 8–10), he introduced sentence formation, everyday expressions, and basic conversational English, often bridging gaps with Nepali translations such as “Have a good day” (Suva din). To make classes interactive and engaging, he used music, questions, and visuals, covering themes from body parts and clothing to American geography and culture.
Building Connections Through Play
Beyond the classroom, Daniel spent time with students and staff during breaks, joining volleyball, football, and badminton games during tiffin time. His efforts to build trust and friendship enriched the experience for everyone involved.
Planting for the Future
As part of our environmental initiatives, Daniel joined the plantation of 650 fruit-bearing trees across school grounds and surrounding communities. This effort supports long-term sustainability while offering future sources of food and income.
Sanitation Support for Hostel Girls
Daniel also supported the construction of a new bathroom and shower block for 70 girls living in the school hostel. Previously, the lack of proper facilities posed serious health and safety risks. The new infrastructure has drastically improved hygiene and restored dignity and comfort to the students’ daily lives.
Climate Crisis is a Human Crisis: Voices of Children and Youths Who Survived Recent Climate-Induced Disasters
PSD Nepal’s latest initiative on “Climate Impact on Children and Youth” is now fully underway across four disaster-affected regions of Nepal. As part of this important project, our team is currently conducting questionnaire surveys with children, youth, children and youth with disability, and the elderly, as well as focus group discussions with community members and stakeholders.
In parallel, our documentary filming has begun, capturing powerful stories and visuals that reflect the mental health challenges children and youth face due to climate-related disasters like floods and landslides. These real-life stories aim to influence policies that better support children’s emotional well-being and resilience.
This storytelling-based approach is part of PSD Nepal’s broader goal to inform mental health and disaster response planning through lived experience. This will guide local and national policymakers to integrate mental health and climate resilience into planning and response systems. Insights gathered will also be shared at national platforms and international events such as COP30.
We sincerely thank Global Fund for Children for supporting this important initiative. Together, we are working to ensure that the experiences of Nepal’s most vulnerable children are heard, respected, and acted upon.
International Mud Day Appeal – June 29, 2025
Get ready to celebrate International Mud Day 2025 on June 29 (15th Asadh, 2082)! Founded in 2009 by PSD Nepal’s Director Bishnu Bhatta, Mud Day has become a joyful tradition of play, fun, and community engagement. This year, festivities will take place in Panchkhal, where children and families will connect with nature through mud-based activities. Whether you're interested in volunteering or simply curious to learn more, feel free to contact our team. You're also welcome to visit our Kathmandu office to hear stories and see photos from past celebrations.
Planting for the Future: PSD Nepal’s Tree Plantation Drive
As part of our commitment to climate action and reducing carbon footprints, PSD Nepal has already planted 1,000 trees across targeted communities as of June 2025. This plantation initiative is a core part of our environmental efforts to restore degraded landscapes, support biodiversity, and build community resilience to climate change.
Our target for 2025 is to plant 3,000 trees. In July, an additional 1,000 trees will be planted with the support of students from the UK through the World Challenge Program, who have generously funded this portion of the project.
To complete our goal, we are now seeking support to plant the final 1,000 trees by the end of the year. These trees will not only help capture carbon but will also offer long-term benefits—like shade, fruit, and improved soil health—for rural families.
We invite individuals, schools, and organizations to join us in this important effort. Your support—big or small—can help us reach our target and grow a greener, healthier Nepal.
The Unforgotten Fund: Supporting Vulnerable Children
PSD Nepal remains deeply committed to uplifting vulnerable children through our ongoing partnership with the Unforgotten Fund. This year, our efforts have centered on improving the lives of 21 orphaned children and 21 children from waste picker families in Kathmandu and Lalitpur. Through access to formal education, scholarships, and daily extra classes, we are equipping these children with the tools they need to build brighter futures.
Our support goes beyond education. We have also improved essential infrastructure by installing clean water systems and sanitation facilities, ensuring a safer and healthier living environment. In parallel, our awareness programs on health, hygiene, and child rights have empowered both children and their families with vital knowledge for long-term well-being.
While we are proud of the progress made, there is still much more to be done. The continued success of these programs relies on the generosity of donors who make it possible for us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.
You can be part of this change. Your contribution—big or small—can help us continue providing education, healthcare, and empowerment to children who need it most.
Please consider donating today to help transform lives.
Donate now
Vote of Thanks
PSD Nepal extends heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers, supporters, and partners who have contributed to our projects and programs over the years. Your dedication and support have been instrumental in our journey towards sustainable development. We are elated to share that the PSD team has accommodated 1,675+ volunteers in 21 years.
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