Kathmandu, April 1:

Save the Children-Japan, Save the Children-Norway and Save the Children-USA today merged into Unified Save the Children to create a stronger voice for children.

The three organisations were merged into one in line with the decision to unify various Save the Children organisations by the end of 2012.

As a unified force, it will be working in 56 districts with 90 partner NGOs and in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and population and Ministry of Women, Health and Social Welfare (MoWHS).

Gunner Andersen, country director of Unified Save the Children, said the unified body would effectively work for the children in sectors such as health, education and their

development.

“One voice for children is extremely important in coordination with the government and

different Inational and international organisations,” added Andersen.

He said that they were indirectly serving children inside the PLA cantonments even though there were no direct programmes targeted for them.

Ram Charan Chaudhary, Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare hoped that Unified Save the Children would contribute to the growth of Nepali children.

The minister also said that the ministry was committed towards securing the rights of children.

Meanwhile, secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare Binda Hada said they had been working and coordinating with various branches of Save the Children for more than two years.