Real people. Real communities. Real change. Discover how Gramin Utthan Abhiyan is making a difference across Madhesh Province.
Real development begins with local people. When we listen, learn, and work together, positive change becomes possible for every family and every community.
When Sunita Devi first joined the women's group supported by Gramin Utthan Abhiyan, she had never spoken in a public meeting. She described herself as "invisible" — someone who cooked, cared for children, and stayed in the background while decisions were made by others.
Through GUA's leadership development programme, Sunita attended training sessions on women's rights, Gender Responsive Budgeting, and community participation. She learned how to speak confidently, how local government planning works, and how to advocate for her community's needs.
Today, Sunita is the secretary of her women's group and an active voice in local planning forums. Her story reflects the thousands of women across Madhesh Province whose lives have been transformed through GUA's programmes.
Every story reflects a real person, a real community, and the power of working together.
Gita Mahato never imagined she would sit on her local ward committee. After two years of leadership training with GUA, she stood for election — and won. She now represents her community's women and ensures their voices are heard in every local budget discussion.
"GUA did not give me power. They helped me discover the power I always had."
Read Full StoryRamesh Tharu was 19 when he joined GUA's youth leadership programme. He learned about local governance, community participation, and civic rights. Within a year, he organized the first youth environmental cleanup drive in his village — inspiring over 60 young people to take action.
"Youth are not the future. We are the present. GUA helped me understand that."
Read Full StoryKamala Devi was a subsistence farmer who struggled to feed her family. After joining GUA's sustainable agriculture programme supported by Tewa, she learned organic farming techniques, seed selection, and market linkage skills. Her household income tripled within one growing season.
"Before this training, I farmed only for us to eat. Now I farm for income, for savings, for my children's future."
Read Full StoryAfter the Community Safety Nets programme trained local leaders in mediation and conflict prevention, a long-standing land dispute between two families in Kalaiya was resolved peacefully by the community group — without involving police or courts. The community itself found the solution.
"We were trained to solve problems ourselves. And we did."
Read Full StoryCommunities trained in disaster preparedness by GUA were the first to respond when floodwaters rose in 2024. Community volunteers had already organized emergency supplies, identified vulnerable households, and established safe evacuation points — saving 12 families before official relief arrived.
"We did not wait for help. We became the help."
Read Full StoryGUA's Free Cloth Bank programme brought the community together to collect and distribute quality clothing to families in need. For many recipients — especially children and elderly women — receiving new clothing was not just practical. It was an act of dignity, respect, and belonging.
"When someone gives you something without asking anything in return, it reminds you that you are not alone."
Read Full StoryA youth network supported by GUA identified that three local schools lacked adequate sanitation facilities for girls. They prepared a formal proposal, presented it to the ward office, and within three months, new facilities were constructed using local government funds — a direct result of youth advocacy.
"We proved that young people can change things when they have the knowledge and confidence to speak."
Read Full StoryA women's saving and credit group supported by GUA helped 24 women transition from dependence on moneylenders to managing their own group savings fund. Within two years, they collectively saved over NRs. 300,000 — and invested jointly in improved seeds and agricultural tools.
"We saved together. We invested together. We grew together."
Read Full StoryHave you been part of a GUA programme? Do you have a story of change to share? We would love to hear from you and help amplify your voice.
