From food insecurity to economic empowerment for a family in Nepal
Nine years ago, Tika Devi’s world was shattered when her husband passed away, leaving her to raise three children on her own. Despite her relentless efforts as a day labourer, Tika’s income was insufficient to meet her family’s basic needs.
The family faced severe food insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and little opportunity for education. In desperation, Tika made the heartbreaking decision to send one of her children to live with relatives, hoping to give them a chance at a better life.
The turning point
When Tika joined the SOS Children’s Villages Family Strengthening Program in Dhangadhi, everything changed. Since February 2024, she has been receiving education, nutrition, and healthcare support, which has offered her children stability. This assistance has also significantly contributed to Tika’s mental wellbeing, empowering her to envision a brighter future for her family.
Ongoing progress and future aspirations
Tika possesses tailoring skills but lacks the financial resources to start a business. Through the Family Strengthening Program, she was selected to receive livelihood support designed to help her establish a sustainable income source. With this assistance, Tika plans to either start a tailoring business or a small grocery shop near her home. This livelihood support will help her on her journey toward self-reliance and financial independence.
Tika’s children are now in school and doing well. Her youngest son, Devraj*, is in grade 6, and Padma* is in grade 7, proudly serving as President of an SOS Child and Youth Club. Her eldest daughter, Kamala*, is pursuing certification in hotel management.
SOS clubs give children and youth a voice
SOS Child and Youth Clubs bring children and youth together to engage in activities that build their leadership skills and confidence, inspire their creative minds, and provide a safe space to openly discuss their concerns about school, community, and their families. These initiatives have led to remarkable changes, including a reduction in early marriages, prevention of school dropouts, and strengthening of family bonds to prevent separation.
“Through the SOS Child and Youth Club network, I had the privilege of connecting with other kids, making lasting friendships, and being in a supportive community. This club provided me with a fantastic platform to explore my interests and dreams, igniting a desire to pursue education,” says a young participant.
Hope for the future
Today, the family is flourishing. Reflecting on their journey so far, Tika Devi shares, “The support [from SOS Children’s Villages] has been life-changing. We are now happy and confident that we can sustain ourselves.”
Kamala echoes this sentiment, "The help brought our family back together and helped me pass my Secondary Education Examination.”
This family’s transformation highlights the power of holistic family support and a mother’s determination to create a better future for her children.
SOS Family Strengthening Program in Nepal
Since January 2024, the SOS Family Strengthening Program in Nepal has been actively supporting the most vulnerable families and children in Gauriganga Municipality-7, Manakapur, Kailali. This marks a new chapter for the program, following its successful implementation in Ghodaghodi-08, Jarahi, where it operated for eight years until the end of 2023. The program aims to empower families by providing education, nutrition, and healthcare support. Currently, it is directly impacting 46 families and 80 children in Gauriganga-7, Manakapur.
Please donate today to give more children and families the hope and opportunities they deserve.
*Names changed to protect privacy.