KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 18
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has achieved transformative results in Nepal during 2024-25, advancing gender equality, economic empowerment, and human dignity through seven impactful community projects. With an investment of CAD 246,000, the CFLI has empowered marginalized communities, supported inclusive growth, and strengthened the enduring bilateral ties between Canada and Nepal, according to the press release issued by the CFLI.
The Embassy of Canada to Nepal hosted a special reception on Monday to celebrate the achievements of the CFLI program and outline its vision for the upcoming year.
During the program, First Secretary Ian Trites emphasized CFLI's pivotal role in strengthening the Canada-Nepal partnership. As Nepal and Canada celebrate the milestone of 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, Trites underscored the enduring friendship between the two countries, stating: "Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Nepal in its efforts to promote gender equality, sustainable development, and equitable economic growth. As we commemorate six decades of strong diplomatic ties, we also celebrate the values we share-values rooted in sustainability, inclusive prosperity, and mutual respect."
In keeping with CFLI's dedication to fostering local initiatives, CFLI Manager Jasvinder Kaur provided an overview of the program's procedures and shared important details regarding the next call for proposals, which is set to launch in March. This upcoming phase of the program will continue CFLI's work in empowering communities and fostering grassroots change across Nepal.
According to the press release, the highlights from 2024-25 Projects included, Fair Trade Group Nepal which trained 145 coffee farmers and 100 women artisans in sustainable crafts, boosting economic opportunities through livelihood training and entrepreneurial support. Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC) which provided health camps, surgeries, and assistive devices to 250 children with disabilities while educating 300 community members on disability management.
Maiti Nepal: Reduced child marriages by 10% in Dhanusha, provided life skills training to 40 women, and protected 30 women and children from gender-based violence. Media Advocacy Group: Trained 81 women journalists in political reporting, resulting in 32 published stories and enhancing the visibility of women in Nepali media.
Prayatna Nepal: Bridged the digital divide for visually impaired women by training 20 women in assistive technology and developing an accessibility checklist adopted by 150 stakeholders. Rainbow Disability Nepal (RDN): Empowered 100 LGBTQ+ persons with disabilities through rights advocacy and community-building initiatives in Kathmandu. SAATH: Supported the economic independence of marginalized women by training 15 artisans in Mithila art, enabling them to sell their work at the SAATH Danfe store.
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) is a program designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects in developing countries, which align with Global Affairs Canada's thematic priority areas for engagement. The program is directed at projects conceived and designed predominantly by local partners.
