Social service is one of the noblest services in the world. There are many involved in this service. Amongst them is the founder of TSDCBD — Shashikala Singh.

When did you start the activities of this NGO?

Shashikala: The history of this NGO goes back to 1991. I started this NGO with my own efforts. I started with computer, art and craft training for the physically challenged. It was my own investment and I started at Sanepa with just one room.

How is the organisation progressing?

Shashikala: This organisation is progressing at a good speed. I was the only teacher in the initial phase but now we have 16 teachers and about 87 students. We have also developed skilful manpower, which is the main progress of this NGO.

What was your inspiration for the establishment of the organisation?

Shashikala: I was a teacher for such physically challenged people earlier. Being interested in social service since my childhood, I thought of making it my career. As these people have been struggling to earn a living, I thought of training them and make them self-dependent.

What kind of response did you get in the initial phase?

Shashikala: Though people said I was mad to do this, my family members supported me all through.

What were the problems you faced before and after the establishment of this NGO?

Shashikala: At the beginning, there was noone to support me financially and I also lacked moral support. It was very difficult to get students since parents hesitated to do something for their children. Then there was the problem of registering this NGO. Though our session starts from January, I can’t sleep from September thinking about how to get money for the new session. We have to search for donors to provide salary for the staff.

Who finances this NGO?

Shashikala: All the money that comes from the sale of the goods made by our students is one of the major sources. Donors are helping us with their contributions. We have a conference hall where offices hold their meetings and money is raised from this as well.

What type of contributions have you been receiving till date?

Shashikala: We shifted from Sanepa to Kirtipur three years ago and have our own building here, which was made by the aid of Japanese and European social service organisations. We have got wheel chairs from a NGO in Netherlands. We also got a kiln to heat clay pots from The Himalayan Times, which has helped us save a large sum of money. Many other organisations have also helped by giving us various other equipments.

What are the different kinds of training you provide?

Shashikala: Computers, vocal, music, art and craft, weaving, knitting, making clay pots, making candles and others. Altogether we provide 11 training programmes. Some of the trainees are taking care of their families. Though we guarantee jobs for them we make them capable enough to work independently.

What are your future plans?

Shashikala: We are planning to conduct mobile training throughout the country, if possible. Most of the students are from outside the Valley. So, we have planned to make a hostel but due to financial problems we have not been able to do so and it is still only a plan.

— Dipendra KC, Class IX-A, DAV