Background
Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is a national organization established and led by Blind and Partially Sighted (BPS) youth of Nepal. Our vision is “BPS people of Nepal enjoying a dignified life in an inclusive society.” BYAN is actively engaged in advocacy and programs in the areas of education, employment, political participation, disaster risk reduction, and the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for persons with disabilities, with a specific focus on BPS individuals.
We are looking for a highly motivated, results-oriented Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer to join our dynamic team. The MEAL Officer will play a key role in strengthening evidence-based programming, promoting accountability, and documenting learning and impact across BYAN’s interventions.
Position Details
Position: MEAL Officer – 1 Position
Location: Kathmandu-based, with frequent visits to BYAN Chapters
Contract Type: Initial full-time contract for 2 months, with a possible extension for 6 additional months on a part-time basis, subject to funding availability and performance.
Key Responsibilities
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Design, update, and implement MEAL frameworks, plans, and tools for effective tracking of outputs, outcomes, and impact.
- Regularly monitor project activities through field visits and ensure data quality, integrity, and timeliness.
- Support the collection, cleaning, analysis, and reporting of quantitative and qualitative data.
Documentation & Learning
- Lead the development of impact and outcome-focused documentation, including: Stories of change, Case studies, Learning briefs and good practices.
- Coordinate learning sessions and after-action reviews with project teams to extract key lessons learned.
- Consolidate evidence and learning to support program improvement, donor reporting, and strategic planning.
Accountability
- Establish and manage inclusive feedback and complaint mechanisms that ensure the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities.
- Promote a culture of transparency and responsiveness in program implementation.
Capacity Strengthening
- Provide orientation and coaching to staff and partners on MEAL tools, reporting formats, and accountability mechanisms.
- Build internal capacity to apply a learning-based approach to project design, delivery, and adaptation.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Sciences, public health, International Development, or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in the disability inclusion, human rights, or development sector.
- Strong skills in data collection and analysis, both quantitative and qualitative (e.g., use of Excel, SPSS, KoBoToolbox).
- Demonstrated ability to write compelling impact-focused documents and stories of change.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; experience working in diverse teams.
- Proven commitment to disability rights and social inclusion.
- Fluency in English and Nepali is required. Knowledge of Nepali Sign Language is a plus.
- Prior experience working with youth, women, and persons with disabilities will be an asset.
To Apply
Interested candidates meeting the above criteria are requested to send their CV, Cover Letter, and expected salary to [email protected] with the subject line: “Application for the Post of MEAL Officer”
Deadline: 13th June 2025
(Phone inquiries will not be entertained.)
BYAN strongly promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce. We highly encourage applications from persons with disabilities, women, Dalits, ethnic minorities, and individuals from the LGBTIQ+ community.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the further selection process. BYAN reserves the right to reject any or all applications without assigning any reason.
1. Background
Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is a national organization led by and for youth with visual impairments, advocating for the rights, dignity, and empowerment of persons with disabilities across Nepal. With increasing programmatic reach and institutional growth, BYAN acknowledges the urgent need to ensure that its internal governance and operational frameworks—including policies, procedures, and financial systems—are coherent, inclusive, up-to-date, and aligned with both national and international standards.
To strengthen institutional governance and operational effectiveness, BYAN intends to engage a qualified consultant/team to conduct a comprehensive policy review, support the revision and formulation of necessary policies, develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a Financial Operational Manual, and deliver capacity enhancement training to its board and staff.
2. Objectives
The primary objectives of this assignment are to:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of BYAN's existing policies for relevance, alignment, and coherence.
- Support the revision and development of policies to address identified gaps.
- Develop clear and practical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with revised policies.
- Develop a user-friendly and robust Financial Operational Manual based on the existing financial and procurement frameworks.
- Strengthen the understanding and application of policies through capacity enhancement training for BYAN’s board members and staff.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant/team will be responsible for the following:
A. Policy Review and Alignment
- Collect and review BYAN’s existing policies
- Analyze policies for internal consistency, compliance, and inclusivity.
- Identify areas for revision and any policy gaps requiring new policy development.
B. Policy Revision and Development
- Revise existing policies and draft new ones based on findings.
- Ensure policies are inclusive, aligned, and reflective of BYAN’s values.
C. SOP Development
- Identify key operational areas and develop step-by-step SOPs.
- Ensure SOPs are practical and accessible.
D. Financial Operational Manual
- Develop a comprehensive manual covering budgeting, accounting, internal controls, audits, and reporting.
E. Capacity Enhancement Training
- Conduct training sessions for board and staff.
- Provide accessible training materials and documentation.
4. Deliverables
The following deliverables are expected:
| Deliverable | Description | Timeline |
| Inception Report | Detailed work plan, tools, and policy inventory list | Week 1 |
| Policy Review and Gap Analysis Report | Summary of key findings and recommendations | Week 3 |
| Draft Revised and New Policies | Revised versions and newly developed policy drafts | Week 5 |
| Draft SOPs and Financial Operational Manual | Initial drafts for validation | Week 6 |
| Validation Workshop | Presentation of drafts and feedback collection | Week 7 |
| Final Policies, SOPs & Financial Manual | Finalized documents incorporating feedback | Week 8 |
| Capacity-Building Training | Trainings delivered with supporting materials | Week 8 |
5. Duration
The assignment will be completed over a period of 8 weeks from the date of contract signing.
6. Consultant/Team Qualifications
The consultant/team should have:
- Experience in NGO policy and operational manual development.
- Expertise in financial systems and SOPs.
- Sound understanding of disability, non-profit development, and safeguarding.
- Familiarity with Nepal’s regulatory frameworks.
- Strong facilitation and documentation skills.
7. Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will report to the Executive Director of BYAN.
8. Budget and Payment Schedule
Budget and payment installment will be determined based on the negotiation with the contracting party.
9. Confidentiality and Ownership
All materials produced or accessed during this consultancy are the intellectual property of BYAN and must be treated with strict confidentiality.
10. Application Process
Interested consultants or firms are invited to submit the following documents]:
- Technical Proposal including understanding of the assignment, methodology, and timeline
- Financial Proposal with a detailed budget
- Examples or portfolio of previous relevant work
- CVs of key personnel involved in the assignment
- Legal documents of the company/firms
Interested and qualified individual consultants or firms are invited to submit their proposals by 25th May 2025 to [email protected] with the subject line: “Proposal Submission – Comprehensive Organizational Policy Analysis and Capacity Enhancement Support”.
BYAN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected consultants.
This TOR is subject to revision based on discussions and agreement between the contracting parties.
1. Background
Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) is a national organization led by youths with visual impairments. Since its establishment, BYAN has worked to promote the rights, dignity, and inclusion of youth and persons with disabilities across Nepal.
BYAN’s current Strategy Plan 2021–2025 has guided its operations, programs, and advocacy efforts over the past five years. As the current strategic period nears completion, BYAN recognizes the need to review, reflect, and renew its strategic direction for the next phase (2026–2030), ensuring alignment with emerging priorities, national policies, and international commitments related to disability rights, youth empowerment, and inclusive development.
2. Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to support BYAN in developing a new Strategy Plan 2026–2030 through a participatory and inclusive process. The plan should build upon the successes and lessons from the 2021–2025 strategy, reflect stakeholder inputs, and define clear strategic priorities and pathways for the next five years.
3. Objectives
The specific objectives of the assignment are:
- To review and assess the implementation and relevance of BYAN’s Strategy Plan 2021–2025.
- To facilitate a participatory strategic planning process with BYAN’s members, leadership, staff, and key stakeholders.
- To develop a new, realistic, and forward-looking Strategy Plan 2026–2030, identifying strategic goals, thematic focus areas, and action frameworks.
- To ensure that the new strategy is inclusive, disability-sensitive, youth-led, and aligned with national and international disability frameworks (including UNCRPD, SDGs, and other relevant commitments).
4. Scope of Work
The Consultant/Consulting Firm will:
- Conduct a desk review of existing documents, including BYAN’s Strategy Plan 2021–2025, annual reports, project evaluations, and relevant policies.
- Conduct a SWOT and PESTLE analysis to understand internal and external environments.
- Facilitate strategic planning consultations and workshops with BYAN’s leadership, district chapters, staff, youth members, and partners.
- Map key trends, challenges, and opportunities related to disability, youth leadership, inclusion, advocacy, and development sectors.
- Develop draft and final versions of the Strategy Plan 2026–2030.
- Incorporate feedback from validation meetings and consultations before finalization.
5. Key Deliverables
- Inception plan
- Draft Strategy Plan 2026–2030
- Final Strategy Plan 2026–2030
6. Timeline
The assignment is expected to start immediately and be completed within two months of the contract considering a whole assignment as 15-days assignment.
7. Required Qualifications and Experience
- Proven expertise in strategic planning, preferably for NGOs, OPDs, or youth-led organizations.
- Strong knowledge of disability rights, youth leadership, and inclusive development issues in Nepal and globally.
- Experience with participatory methodologies and inclusive consultation techniques.
- Excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills.
- Ability to produce high-quality, accessible, and clear strategic documents.
- Familiarity with BYAN’s operational context is an advantage.
8. Management and Reporting
The Consultant/Consulting Firm will work closely with BYAN’s Executive Team and report to the Executive Director. A Strategy Development Taskforce appointed by BYAN will support coordination, provide feedback, and ensure quality assurance throughout the assignment.
9. Budget and Payment
The budget will be determined based on the technical and financial proposals submitted. Payments will be made in installments upon delivery of key milestones.
10. Application Process
Interested individual consultants or consulting firms should submit:
- A technical proposal describing their understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, and work plan.
- A detailed financial proposal.
- Profiles/CVs demonstrating relevant experience.
- Samples of previous similar assignments.
Applications must be submitted by 24th May 2025 via email to [email protected] mentioning the clear subject line: “Expression of Interest for Development of Organizational Strategic Plan- 2026-2030”
BYAN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected consultants.
This TOR is subject to revision based on discussions and agreement between the contracting parties.
1. Background
Nepal has made significant strides toward inclusive education, as reflected in its commitments under the Constitution of Nepal, the Disability Rights Act (2017), and international obligations such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). These frameworks emphasize the right of all learners, including those who are blind or have low vision, to participate equally in education, including assessment systems.
However, despite these commitments, the current examination system in Nepal remains largely non-inclusive. At present, visually impaired students are primarily allowed to participate in examinations through the writing assistant (scribe) system. Other accessible modalities—such as Braille-based assessments, oral examinations, screen-reader-compatible computer-based exams, or tactile graphics—are not yet officially endorsed or institutionalized.
Since 2020, the National Examination Board (NEB) has taken a positive step by introducing alternative text-based questions in place of pictorial questions in a few subjects at the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) level. Nevertheless, this provision has not been scaled up to other assessments, such as internal school examinations, basic level exams, or Grade 12 board exams. This inconsistency continues to limit the full participation of blind and low-vision students across the education system.
The lack of accessible and inclusive assessment mechanisms undermines the performance and learning outcomes of students with visual impairments. Without suitable alternatives, these students are assessed in ways that do not reflect their actual capabilities, knowledge, or skills—resulting in systemic discrimination.
In this context, this Policy Brief aims to document global and national best practices in blind-friendly assessments, present a model framework based on universal design and inclusive education principles, and offer clear policy recommendations to guide education authorities in Nepal. The brief will serve as an advocacy tool for organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and other stakeholders to engage decision-makers such as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), CEHRD, CDC, and NEB in reforming the current examination and assessment system to make it fully inclusive and equitable.
2. Objectives of the Assignment
The primary objective of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive Policy Brief on Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal that promotes equitable learning outcomes for students who are blind or have low vision.
Specific objectives include:
- To document global and national best practices on inclusive and blind-friendly assessment systems.
- To analyze the gaps and barriers in Nepal’s current assessment practices affecting visually impaired learners.
- To propose a practical, contextually appropriate model framework for blind-friendly assessment aligned with the principles of inclusive education and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- To develop a concise, evidence-based, and solution-oriented policy brief that outlines actionable recommendations for government agencies, particularly NEB, CEHRD, CDC, MOEST and local governments.
- To equip advocacy organizations with a strategic tool for influencing policy reform and implementation around accessible and inclusive assessments in Nepal.
3. Scope of Work
The consultant or firm will undertake the following tasks:
- Conduct a desk review of relevant policies, curricula, examination guidelines, and national and international frameworks related to inclusive education and assessment.
- Identify and synthesize global and regional best practices in blind-friendly and accessible assessment systems.
- Review local practices implemented by schools, NGOs, and pilot projects in Nepal that demonstrate elements of inclusive or adapted assessment.
- Analyze the barriers faced by visually impaired students in Nepal’s existing examination systems at various levels (school-based exams, SEE, and Grade 12 exams).
- Develop a model framework for blind-friendly assessment suitable for adoption within Nepal’s education system, with practical and scalable components.
- Draft a policy brief that is persuasive, accessible, and well-structured, addressing: Overview of the current challenges; Best practices (global and national); Proposed model framework; Policy recommendations and advocacy messages.
- Draft a 2-page advocacy summary brief for use with decision-makers and media.
- Incorporate feedback from a validation workshop with key stakeholders and finalize the brief accordingly.
4. Key Deliverables
Inception Report
- Draft Policy Brief: Including Executive summary; Background and key challenges; Global and national best practices; Proposed model framework; Policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Final Policy Brief (in Nepali language): Professionally edited and designed for dissemination.
- Advocacy Summary Brief (1–2 pages): A condensed version for use with policymakers, media, and education stakeholders.
5. Timeline
The total duration of the assignment is expected between 12-15 days. The assignment will immediately be started and completed by the end of June. 2025.
6. Required Qualifications
- Proven expertise in inclusive education, disability rights, or education policy development.
- Experience producing high-quality policy briefs or advocacy publications.
- Familiarity with assessment design, curriculum adaptation, or Universal Design for Learning.
- Strong research, writing, and stakeholder consultation skills.
- Understanding of the national education system and disability context in Nepal.
- Proficiency in English (and preferably Nepali).
7. Application Procedure
Interested individuals or firms should submit:
- A brief technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology
- A financial proposal (with detailed breakdown)
- CVs of consultant(s) or team profile with relevant experience
- Sample of similar previous work (policy brief, framework, or guideline)
Applications should be sent to [email protected] by 23rd May 2025 with the subject line: “Application for Policy Brief – Blind-Friendly Assessment in Nepal”.
BYAN reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal and to annul the selection process at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected consultants.
This TOR is subject to revision based on discussions and agreement between the contracting parties.
The Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin brought together global leaders, OPDs, and advocates to push forward disability-inclusive development. BYAN proudly represented Nepal, highlighting our youth-led initiatives in inclusive education, SRHR, and political participation. Our team actively participated in side events, consultations, and high-level dialogues, while our exhibition booth attracted over 1000 visitors with innovative, accessible materials.
From contributing to the Youth Call to Action, presenting in global forums, to advocating for the Amman-Berlin Declaration, BYAN reinforced the importance of grassroots voices in global policy discussions. The summit became a platform to share our work, build international networks, and reaffirm our commitment to inclusive development led by and for young persons with disabilities.
Follow this link for more → https://byanepal.org/resources/global-disability-summit-gds-2025-byans-participation-contributions-and-reflections/
Follow us on Social Media to know more → https://www.facebook.com/blindyouthnepal https://www.instagram.com/blindyouthinnepal/
As part of the First Deafblind International Asia Regional Conference, we proudly release our Call to Action on advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for individuals with deafblindness. This Call to Action highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies, accessible education, and strengthened healthcare services to ensure that individuals with deafblindness can fully exercise their rights to SRHR.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Policy & Legal Reforms – Inclusive SRHR policies and laws.
- Inclusive CSE – Accessible curricula and support materials.
- SRHR Services – Accessible and tailored healthcare services.
- Advocacy & Awareness – Challenging stigma and promoting participation.
- Monitoring & Accountability – Tracking progress and ensuring implementation.
This Call to Action serves as a roadmap for governments, policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations to create a world where individuals with deafblindness enjoy their full SRHR rights.
📥 Read the full Call to Action here: https://www.byanepal.org/resources/%f0%9f%93%a2-call-to-action-advancing-srhr-for-individuals-with-deafblindness-in-asia/
Let’s act now to break barriers and ensure no one is left behind in achieving SRHR for all.
#SRHRForAll #DeafblindRights #InclusiveHealth #CallToAction
Bangkok, Thailand | February 19–21, 2025
The Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) Youth Forum 2025, held at Prince Palace Hotel, Bangkok, brought together high-level delegates, ambassadors, and participants from over 30 countries, along with virtual attendees, to discuss and advance sustainable development goals.
During the three-day event, Jaldeep Sapkota and Rijan Thapa represented the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) at a dedicated panel and exhibition booth showcasing our initiative, "Empowering Young People with Disabilities through Accessible IEC Materials." This innovative approach ensures that Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is inclusive and accessible for youth with disabilities, addressing critical gaps in information and education.
Participants from diverse backgrounds, including policymakers, civil society leaders, and youth advocates, actively engaged with our representatives, discussing best practices, challenges, and future strategies for making CSE more inclusive. The booth also provided an opportunity to demonstrate accessible IEC materials, emphasizing the importance of universal design in education and advocacy efforts. In addition to the exhibition, BYAN actively contributed to the Call to Action preparation, advocating for inclusive policies and youth-led initiatives at national and regional levels.
This engagement not only strengthened our advocacy efforts but also facilitated valuable networking opportunities. Several organizations and stakeholders expressed interest in collaborating with BYAN to expand and adapt our project in their respective countries and institutions. These connections pave the way for cross-border partnerships, ensuring that inclusive SRHR education reaches more young people with disabilities across the region.
BYAN remains committed to advocating for inclusive SRHR education and accessibility for all. Our participation at APFSD 2025 marks another milestone in our journey toward building an equitable future for youth with disabilities.
Stay connected for more updates on our advocacy and innovation efforts!
CBM UK’s partner-led programme, Actions for Change, is testing new ways of shifting resources and decision-making power to our partners. To facilitate shared learning between Actions for Change partners, an exchange visit recently took place between our partners in Nepal and Kenya.
A team from the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), our local partner in Nepal, recently participated in a transformative exchange learning visit to Kenya. Hosted by our Kenyan Actions for Change partner, the Northern Nomadic Disabled Persons Organization (NONDO), the visit aimed to draw valuable insights from Kenya’s Action for Change project, — a project closely aligned with BYAN’s initiatives in Nepal.
Representing BYAN were Nilu Maharjan (Project Coordinator), Ramchandra Gaihre (President) and Arjun Bahadur Rawal (General Secretary). Supported by CBM UK, and facilitated by colleagues from CBM Global Nepal and Kenya, the visit provided an invaluable opportunity for cross-learning, fostering collaboration and shared strategies to advance inclusion and empowerment for people with disabilities in both countries.
The following reflection was written by BYAN’s Nilu Maharjan.
Cultural and historical immersion
The visit commenced with an enriching cultural exchange. The team explored the Giraffe Centre and the iconic Kenya International Convention Center (KICC) in Nairobi, delving into Kenya’s history and culture. These initial interactions laid the foundation for building meaningful connections during the visit.
Organisational learning and courtesy visits
On the second day, the team visited the NONDO office, where they reviewed the week’s schedule and engaged in strategic discussions. Courtesy calls were made to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the CBM Global Kenya office, fostering collaborative dialogues on disability-inclusive development.
“Learning from the inclusive approaches of NONDO and CBM Global Kenya was an eye-opener. The way they empower persons with disabilities in leadership and decision-making inspired us to strengthen similar practices within BYAN.” – Nilu Maharjan, Project Coordinator, BYAN
Field visits: learning from the ground up
The third day took the team to Kajiado County, where they visited key stakeholders and learned about NONDO’s grassroots efforts. Courtesy calls to the County Office’s Social Service and Disability Mainstreaming Departments highlighted Kenya’s governmental commitment to disability inclusion.
The team visited two local Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs), Loodokilani and Ewauso. These organisations, supported by NONDO, demonstrated inspiring practices in capacity building. Members, including people with disabilities, caregivers, and parents, receive training in bee-keeping, table banking, animal rearing, and bead ornament making. Beyond training, NONDO provides financial support to empower these OPDs for self-sustainability.
The hands-on experiences offered an insightful glimpse into how NONDO uplifts communities by enabling OPDs to thrive independently, ensuring long-term impact and resilience.
Peter, the Secretary of the OPD group in Ewaso, shared a powerful insight during the exchange visit, stating, “The success is in the unity rather than the money we get.” This profound statement highlights how the OPD group values the strength of their collective unity above the financial gains from their hard work. It reflects their belief that true sovereignty and success come from the collaboration and connection among members, with unity forming the foundation of their achievements.
“Interacting with OPD members in Kenya was truly inspiring. Their resilience and determination to address community challenges showed us the power of grassroots-level change led by persons with disabilities.” – Ramchandra Gaihre, President BYAN
Exchange with DREAM Achievers Youth Organisation (DAYO) in Mombasa
The team’s journey continued to Mombasa, where they engaged with DAYO, a partner of the Right Here Right Now (RHRN) initiative. The visit showcased the impactful work of youth champions who deliver Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) sessions to individuals with disabilities.
A collaborative meeting between BYAN, CBM Global, DAYO, and RHRN further strengthened partnerships, emphasising the shared mission of advancing SRHR for people with disabilities. As a highlight, BYAN’s president participated in a radio programme organised by DAYO, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities in accessing SRHR services.
Critical reflections
During our visit to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities in Kenya, we learned about their integrated approach to disability inclusion, where each of Kenya’s 47 counties has a council dedicated to people with disabilities. This structure is quite different from Nepal, where no such centralised council exists. It was eye-opening to understand how Kenya’s Disability Act of 2003 and the subsequent establishment of the National Council have shaped their disability policies and support systems. We were particularly inspired by the council’s web-based disability statistics database, the allocation of protection allowances, and the 30% procurement opportunities reserved for women, youth, and marginalised groups, including people with disabilities.
BYAN also visited the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK), where we saw firsthand their impactful work in producing wheelchairs, prosthetic legs, and crutches, in addition to providing physiotherapy services. These visits underscored the innovative accessibility and rehabilitation programmes in Kenya and provided us with insights that we could potentially adapt for BYAN’s ongoing efforts in Nepal.
One of the key highlights during the Kenya learning visit was BYAN’s presentation of inclusive Information, Communication, and Education (ICE) materials. These materials, developed in Braille, large print, easy-to-read formats, and pictures, underscored the importance of ensuring accessibility for individuals with diverse needs.
For the NONDO, DAYO, and Kenya teams, this was a significant learning opportunity. They acknowledged the gaps in their own efforts to incorporate inclusive actions in accessibility. The absence of such tailored materials in their initiatives highlighted the need for proactive measures to ensure that no individual is left behind.
BYAN’s approach to inclusivity served as an eye-opener, inspiring the teams to consider how similar practices could be adopted in their contexts. The reflective discussions reinforced the idea that inclusion is not just about practical, accessible solutions that empower all individuals, particularly persons with disabilities, to access information equitably.
“The exchange visit was truly insightful as we learned about the nomadic communities in Kenya and how OPDs are successfully engaging them in their initiatives. Compared to Nepal, where such engagement can be very challenging, this experience provided valuable exposure to the unique ways OPDs can adapt their approaches to include nomadic lifestyles.” – Samjhana Shah, Program Officer, CBM Nepal
Best practice and initiatives for replication
One of the standout initiatives we observed during the visit was NONDO’s work with self-help groups formed by parents of persons with disabilities. These groups are mobilised to develop income-generating skills and work together in a supportive, unified environment. The members not only help each other but also engage in various community development activities, such as training in vocational skills like bee-keeping and bead ornament making. The group solidarity and empowerment is something we coulld replicate in Nepal.
The champions of NONDO were deeply involved in these groups, facilitating the registration of people with disabilities and supporting self-help groups in remote areas like Kajiado. Despite the challenges posed by their location, the members of these groups were remarkably progressive and enthusiastic about their work. Their resilience and sense of community left a lasting impact on us, and we believe there are key elements of this model that we can integrate into our own initiatives in Nepal to further empower persons with disabilities and their families.
“When I introduced myself to participants from self-help groups of OPDs, they admired my journey as a visually impaired individual who became a successful government teacher. The conversations we had during the visit inspired them to strive for greater achievements in their own lives.” – Arjun Rawal, General Secretary, BYAN
Key takeaways
The exchange visit underscored the importance of global learning and collaboration in advancing disability rights and inclusion. Kenya’s Action for Change project inspired the BYAN team with practical strategies for capacity building, empowerment, and sustainability. The team returned to Nepal with renewed vigour and innovative ideas to enhance their ongoing efforts.
Conclusion
This exchange learning visit was more than just an opportunity to observe practices and strategies – it was a journey of shared growth and understanding. It reinforced the importance of global collaboration in advancing disability inclusion while providing a platform to exchange innovative ideas and best practices. Beyond the technical learning, the visit allowed the BYAN team to deeply understand the cultural and contextual nuances of disability inclusion in Kenya. This immersive experience highlighted the value of contextualising solutions to fit the unique needs of communities while embracing shared goals. Such exchange visits are vital not only for identifying challenges and replicating successful practices but also for fostering mutual respect and collaboration across borders. They provide a holistic perspective, encompassing technical knowledge, cultural appreciation, and innovative thinking. BYAN remains committed to integrating these valuable insights into its efforts in Nepal, building a more inclusive society that empowers people with disabilities to thrive.
On December 3, 2024, the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN) hosted a significant meeting at its central office, attended by UK Members of Parliament, representatives from CBM Global Disability Inclusion Nepal, the Coalition for Global Prosperity, and BYAN's staff, board members, and beneficiaries. The meeting highlighted BYAN's impactful work in disability inclusion and empowerment under the "Action for Change" project. The session featured inspiring stories from BYAN's peer educators and champions, emphasizing resilience and unique disability perspectives, as well as an exhibition of IEC materials that garnered appreciation for their inclusivity. The MPs commended BYAN’s accessible practices, including simultaneous translation and sign language interpretation, praising the organization’s commitment to meaningful inclusion and fostering collaboration for disability-inclusive development.