“YATRA” Project Kick off in Federal and Provincial level
Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), with support from CBM Global Disability Inclusion, officially launched the YATRA Project (Youth Led Action for Transformation through Rights-Based Advocacy and Disability Movement) through two kickoff events held in Kathmandu and Janakpur.
The first federal-level kickoff was organized on 28 April 2026 in Kathmandu at Hotel Square, bringing together 56 participants, including representatives from government agencies, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organizations, and academia. The event created an engaging platform for dialogue, collaboration, and reflection on the importance of youth-led disability advocacy and inclusion.
The second provincial-level kickoff was conducted on 8 May 2026 in Janakpur, Madhesh Province, with the participation of 59 stakeholders from local governments, OPDs, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors. The program was chaired by distinguished guests including Chief Guest Rupa Yadav, and Special Guest Sunita Singh Budathoki. Samjhana Shah represented CBM Nepal during the event.
Both events served not only as formal project launches but also as opportunities for meaningful discussion and collective planning. Participants actively shared their perspectives on the challenges faced by youth with disabilities and explored ways to strengthen disability-inclusive policies, budgeting processes, advocacy initiatives, and employment opportunities. Discussions also emphasized the importance of transparency in grassroots support mechanisms and stronger coordination among stakeholders to maximize impact.
During the sessions, BYAN leadership highlighted that the YATRA Project was developed through consultations with OPDs, government stakeholders, and partner organizations to ensure that the voices and priorities of persons with disabilities remain central throughout the project implementation. A detailed project presentation was also delivered by Project Coordinator Ms. Nilu Maharjan, outlining the project’s objectives, planned activities, and long-term vision.
The YATRA Project will be implemented from April 2026 to March 2029 across Bagmati and Madhesh Provinces. The project aims to strengthen youth-led advocacy and promote a rights-based approach to disability inclusion by empowering young persons with disabilities to actively participate in decision-making processes and social transformation initiatives.
The kickoff events reflected strong enthusiasm and commitment from participating organizations and stakeholders. Several institutions expressed interest in collaboration through policy engagement, research partnerships, and field-level coordination. The discussions reinforced a shared understanding that meaningful disability inclusion requires continuous dialogue, strong partnerships, and collective action.
As both events concluded, participants shared a common vision that YATRA is not only the beginning of a project, but also the start of a broader movement where persons with disabilities are not merely included, but are actively leading advocacy and transformation efforts in their communities.
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