About SPW - Information about who we are and our unique approach to youth-led development

Population: 27,676,547
Rural population (as % of total population): 85
Life expectancy (years): 60
Gross national income per capita (Ł): 125
Prevalence of HIV, total (% of population ages 15-49): 0.5
Prevalence of HIV, female (% of population ages 15-49): 0.3
Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births): 61

Statistics from: http://devdata.worldbank.org/data-query/

Young people make up approximately 65% of Nepal’s population. The majority live in deprived rural areas and poor education leaves them ill-equipped to tackle local health and environmental problems. HIV prevalence is currently around 0.5 percent of the general population. However, given the existing medical and public health infrastructure in Nepal, it is likely that the actual number of cases is many times higher. Nepal's inherent socio-economic status - the incidence of migration, increasing injecting drug use and acute marginalisation of people - make Nepal an easy target for HIV.

The Response:

Despite the logistical challenges arising from ongoing internal conflict in the country, SPW’s presence has never been stronger or more necessary. SPW has firm partnerships at the ‘grassroots’ level particularly in the Terai Districts of Rupandehi, Sunsari and Nawalparasi, and is delivering vital Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Education to young Nepalese in these vulnerable areas.
SPW Nepal has established 110 active Green clubs across the country, the oldest of which have been in existence for over five years, and are now permanent, youth-led institutions. Green Clubs provide a much needed forum in which motivated young people tackle health and environmental issues, leading community activities and awareness raising events that enhance young people's knowledge, self-esteem and personal development, whilst fuelling a sense of purpose and social responsibility that is vital to the long term development of Nepal.

Key Achievements:

SPW Nepal was awarded 'Best International Organisation' on International Volunteerism Day 2004 by His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
SPW Nepal has opened a Resource Centre in Godawari, which will serve as a demonstration centre for Appropriate Rural Technologies and is an ideal location to train volunteers and provide affordable conference space for local organisations.

Case Study - Green Club

A Green Club in Dhankuta district whose members were trained by SPW volunteers established their own street drama troupe and performed awareness-raising plays in over 15 communities. One street drama on the theme of girl trafficking to India and its links with HIV/AIDS was performed before a government evaluation team. It was highly praised in their report, as was the degree of female participation in the drama and in SPW programmes generally.

Visit SPW Nepal's country website here.

"SPW Nepal has made an extraordinary effort to enhance the capacity of communities, mobilising its young volunteers with creative ideas and energy.”

Executive Director and Partner, SOLVE, NGO