Community Action Projects (CAPs) Overview

Community Action Projects (CAPs) are a key component of the Saathi Teachers Program, initiated under the Helambu Education and Livelihood Partnership (HELP). Designed to empower young educators, CAPs enable Saathi Teachers to identify and address pressing local issues such as child marriage, menstrual hygiene, waste management, parenting education, and financial literacy. These projects are not only a means to understand community needs but also serve as impactful initiatives that influence the students—many of whom live in the same communities. By immersing themselves in local contexts, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing practical solutions, Saathi Teachers build meaningful connections and foster real change. This hands-on approach enhances their leadership, problem-solving, and community engagement skills, positioning them as active change-makers in rural Nepal.

Objectives and Implementation

CAPs aim to enhance Saathi teachers' practical skills, such as teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and evidence-based decision-making. Teachers begin by assessing community needs, developing action plans, and securing funding with support from HELP. Projects can be undertaken individually or collaboratively, with budgets ranging from NPR 6,000 to 10,000 for individual initiatives and larger allocations for cluster-wide efforts. The structured process includes needs assessment, stakeholder analysis, budgeting, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes.

Impact and Skills Development

By engaging in Community Action Projects (CAPs), Saathi Teachers place students at the heart of their initiatives—designing projects that directly impact students' lives and the communities they belong to. These projects not only foster meaningful change in the community but also contribute to students’ growth, awareness, and learning beyond the classroom. At the same time, Saathi Teachers enhance their professional skills in research, project management, communication, and advocacy. These hands-on experiences prepare them for future roles in education, policy-making, and the development sector. CAPs deepen community involvement, inspire local participation, and promote sustainable change. The tangible outcomes include improved learning environments, increased community awareness, and long-term benefits such as better educational outcomes and social development, making CAPs a powerful tool for transformation—for both students and teachers.

Broader Implications

Community Action Projects (CAPs) not only empower Saathi Teachers but also serve as a platform for lasting transformation within communities. By placing students at the center, these projects create meaningful impact in their daily lives while addressing broader community challenges. Through CAPs, teachers experience personal and professional growth, gain networking opportunities, and often receive recognition through awards, publications, and collaborative efforts. These initiatives allow Saathi Teachers to leave behind a legacy of positive change, contributing to the holistic development of rural communities. At the same time, they prepare themselves to become leaders in education, development, and social impact.

Projects

Construction of drinking water tap in Shree Satkanyadevi Basic School, Bhotang, Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality

Our Saathi Teachers, Umesh Adhikari and Bijay Baidhakota, at Shree Satkanyadevi Basic School in Bhotang, recently completed a Community Action Project to build a safe drinking water tap for their students, with a special focus on benefiting ECD students and those in grades 1 and 2. This collaborative effort, involving the head teacher, parents, and community members, showcases the power of teamwork and local action.

Session on Parenting Education in Shree Chandrodaya Secondary School, Samastipur, Anbukhaireni Rural Municipality

The Saathi Teachers Program's Community Action Project, led by Sanjita Shrestha and Sunita Sherchan in Aanbukhaireni, focused on a Parenting Education Program. The project aimed to raise awareness among parents about their roles in their children's education and well-being. The project utilized resources like stationery, snacks, and facilitator support, ensuring smooth execution. The program successfully engaged parents, fostering better collaboration between families and schools. Positive feedback and testimonials highlighted its transformative impact, with participants committing to applying the knowledge gained. This initiative demonstrated the importance of community involvement and effective planning, offering valuable insights for future projects.

Online Safety Workshop at Shree Chhimkeshwary Secondary School, Aanbookhaireni Rural Municipality, Tanahun

Saathi Teacher Ajay Khadka  led a two-part ‘Online Safety Workshop’ at Shree Chhimkeshwary School to raise awareness among students and local youth about the risks of internet use. In the first session, students actively participated by delivering mini-presentations on issues like cyberbullying, online scams, and privacy, demonstrating growing confidence and awareness. The second session, an awareness talk, focused on practical tips to stay safe online and included participants from outside the school, expanding the reach of the discussion. By conducting one session during a holiday and another on a school day, Ajay ensured broader participation. His initiative sparked an important conversation in a rural setting where digital safety is rarely discussed—showing how small steps can lead to meaningful change in empowering young people to navigate the internet safely.

Waste Management and Seed Distribution at Shree Chandidevi Basic School, Purlung-6, Tanahun

Saathi Teachers Bishal Pangmi Ale and Jaya Baidhakota successfully carried out their Community Action Project (CAP) on the theme of ‘Waste Management and Seed Distribution’ at Shree Chandidevi Basic School, Purlung-6, Tanahun. The project aimed to raise awareness among students and community members about proper waste disposal practices and the importance of environmental conservation. As part of the initiative, seeds were also distributed to promote local farming and sustainable living. This meaningful effort is expected to benefit both the school and the wider community by encouraging cleaner surroundings and greener habits, making a small yet significant contribution toward environmental sustainability.