Kathmandu, October 21:

A project has been launched with the objective of turning the historic spot of Sankhu into a model village in two years. Bal Kshetra Nepal, a local non-government organisation and the Stichting Veldwerk, a Dutch INGO, launched a project titled Hamro Gaun this week to support women and children. The project aims to build a learning centre for school dropouts, a daycare centre for local children, a vocational training centre for disadvantaged women, an orphanage among and other activities.

The project activities cover areas such as animal husbandry, fish farming and kitchen garden. A solar energy project, biogas plants and a micro-hydropower project have been conceived as auxiliary projects.

It is a small but self-reliant and eco-friendly project dedicated mainly to the destitute children and women, says Rene Veldt, programme director of the project. “If everything goes as planned, the project will be completed in two years,” says Rene.

The construction of a two-storey school building has begun. The out-of-school children from Sankhu and surrounding areas will be provided non-formal education at the centre.The orphanage home is expected to provide shelter to over 50 orphans in the beginning, Rene says, adding that more orphans will be accommodated later. Vivek Luitel, treasurer of the Bal Kshetra Nepal, said all buildings under the project will be built in traditional Newari style. The project is the first of its kind in Nepal. The project will use local resources for all needs.

According to him, a micro-hydropower plant will be installed in a nearby river to generate power needed for the project. Biogas plants will supply energy needed for cooking and other

purposes. A sun kitchen will also be installed.