Figure 1. Honorable Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Surendra Raj Pandey at Girls’ Learning Center.

Devchuli, Nawalpur- September 18, 2024

The Honorable Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, made a significant visit to the Girls’ Learning Centre (GLC) at Devchuli-10, Prithvinagar, on September 18, 2024. His visit was aimed at supporting the empowerment of young girls and women, aligning with the GLC’s mission to provide access to education, resources, and opportunities for the community.

Chief Minister Pandey was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including Constituent Assembly member and former Minister Mahendra Dhwaj GC, former parliament member of Gandaki Province Honorable Omkala Gautam, and other esteemed dignitaries.

General Secretary of JCYCN, Mr. Dipak Sharma, highlighted that the Girls’ Learning Centre is designed as a model learning space that prioritizes being girl-friendly, child-friendly, and environmentally friendly. Mr. Sharma also shared the history of JCYCN, an organization founded by child club graduates, which has been actively working in the field of children’s and youth empowerment since its establishment in 2001.

During the visit, Ms. Rejina Gharti Magar, a former peer educator, former vice-president of Jagriti Child Club Nepal (JCCN), gave an insightful briefing on the concept, history, and purpose of the Girls’ Learning Centre. She explained how the GLC was the collective dream of peer educators envisioned in 2018, designed to provide a dedicated space for girls to access education, information, and resources for personal and professional development. Additionally, Ms. Magar handed over a formal letter to Chief Minister Pandey. The letter detailed the significance of the GLC and its goals, while also requesting his support for the initiative. Ms. Magar conveyed her best wishes for Chief Minister Pandey’s successful tenure as the leader of Gandaki Province.

Ms. Magar emphasized that the GLC was born out of a desire to create a sustainable, long-term impact on the lives of young girls, symbolizing hope and opportunity. The Centre, nearing completion, is expected to offer a wide range of programs and resources aimed at advancing the education and empowerment of girls in the community.

Chief Minister Pandey expressed his deep appreciation for the vision behind the GLC and praised the dedication of the team involved in its development. He pledged his commitment to supporting the Centre’s initiatives and integrating them into Gandaki Province’s broader development plans.

“This Girls’ Learning Centre is more than just a building; it is a powerful tool for the empowerment of our daughters. I wholeheartedly support its mission and will ensure it is included in our provincial development agenda,” Chief Minister Pandey stated during the visit.

The GLC, led by JCYCN and supported by KANALLAN, is designed to be a model learning hub for girls, providing them with a safe space to acquire skills, knowledge, and guidance. The dream project is gaining increasing support from various stakeholders.

The collaborative efforts between the Government of Nepal, local governments, communities, and stakeholders underscore a shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of the next generation. Even before its completion, the GLC has drawn significant attention, serving as a powerful symbol of hope and progress in advancing gender equity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of girls’ empowerment in Nepal.

News prepared by Rejina Gharti Magar

Project Associate

Jagriti Child and Youth Concern Nepal

Former Peer Educator of GEP-I

Former Vice-President of JCCN (Jagriti Child Club Nepal)