Nepal - A home construction for children with disabilities

About this Giving Opportunity

For over a decade, Familia de Hetauda has been transforming the lives of children with disabilities in Nepal by offering education and comprehensive care. These children, who before the existence of Familia de Hetauda were completely deprived of such a basic right as education, now have two schools (one in Hetauda and another in Kathmandu), where we provide special education, physiotherapy, occupational workshops for young people, and also a school dormitory.

In the school dormitory live children who are orphans, have been abandoned by their families due to social stigma, or are in situations of extreme poverty or domestic violence, putting their well-being at risk. Currently, we care for 120 children with different types of disabilities in our schools, 26 of whom live in the school dormitory, thanks to a dedicated team of 47 local women who manage the various services.

Familia de Hetauda’s school dormitory not only provides a safe and dignified environment but also works to transform the social perception of disability, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.

Currently, due to the high demand for placements and the urgent need to accommodate more children, we have started the expansion project for the school dormitory, building a second building that will allow us to take in 25 more children, providing them with safety, food, a home, and a family that cares for them, values them, and gives them a new opportunity for the future.

The school dormitory, named Asha, is located in the city of Hetauda, specifically in neighborhood 6, just a few minutes' walk from the school, the physiotherapy center, and the occupational workshop.

This dormitory opened in 2017 due to the urgent need to care for orphaned children or those in critical situations at home. Initially, the project began in a rented building, but in 2020 we acquired our own land in the same neighborhood, and in 2022 we inaugurated the first residential building. It has five rooms, where 26 children currently live with the caregivers.

We now have a long waiting list of children with disabilities in vulnerable situations who need access to our dormitory. Therefore, as the residential land is spacious and can accommodate several residential blocks, we have begun the construction of a second building, which will have four rooms and bathrooms. Of these, three will be bedrooms, and one will be used as a kitchen-dining area since the children currently do not have a suitable space to eat.

The dream of providing a safe and dignified home for children with disabilities is becoming a reality. The second building of the dormitory is already under construction, thanks to the entity’s own funds and the tireless effort of the team (attached is the building plan). Every wall that goes up represents a new opportunity for our children, a space where they can grow with love, respect, and the care they deserve. But there's still one final step to complete this project.

We need final help to complete the last details: the windows, doors, and painting, which will transform these walls into a true home filled with life. With this expansion, each child will not only have a roof over their head but also a home where they can eat, rest, and live in harmony.

OBJECTIVES:

• General Objective:To ensure a safe, accessible, and welcoming home for children with intellectual disabilities in Nepal who are orphans or in vulnerable situations, promoting their physical, emotional, and educational well-being.
• Specific Objectives:
  • Complete the construction of the second building of the school dormitory to increase capacity and ensure adequate space for 25 children on the waiting list.
  • Improve the living conditions of children with disabilities by providing a dignified space with equipped rooms, bathrooms, and a suitable dining area.
  • Provide safety and protection to children at risk, ensuring a stable, violence-free environment.
  • Foster their autonomy and personal development by adapting spaces to support mobility, independence, and daily well-being.
  • Cover children’s basic needs for food, hygiene, and rest, ensuring comprehensive care.
  • Create a warm and stimulating environment where children feel accompanied, respected, and valued.
  • Raise awareness and involve the local community in the inclusion of people with disabilities, promoting a change in social perceptions and fighting against stigma.

TIMELINE:

The project will last a total of 10 months, starting on March 1 and finishing on December 31, structured in different phases to ensure efficient and organized execution.

• From March 1 to 31: Planning and acquisition of materials
  • Purchase of necessary materials.
  • Coordination with the builder and work teams.
  • Supervision by Aina Barca and the school director.
• From April 1 to July 31: Construction of the building
  • Construction of the structure and raising of walls.
  • Installation of bathrooms and other basic infrastructure.
  • Weekly follow-up with the builder to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Installation of windows and doors for security.
  • Painting of the building and improvement of the environment.
  • Supervision by Aina Barca and the school management team.
• From August 1 to 30: Final adjustments
  • General review of the work and correction of final details.
  • Verification of safety and adaptability of the facilities.
  • Installation of interior equipment.
• From September 1 to October 31: Furniture and equipment
  • Adaptation of the outdoor space.
  • Installation of furniture in the rooms, dining room, and common areas.
  • Review of materials and final adjustments to the spaces for use.
  • Supervision by the local maintenance team and Aina Barca
• From November 1 to December 31:Commissioning and welcoming new children
  • Assignment of rooms and new spaces to the children.
  • First use of the dining area to ensure proper meal conditions.
  • Final evaluation and review of the project’s impact.

**TOTAL COST: 45,000 €. PENDING COST: 15,000 €.