✨ Rising Up, Reaching Further: Chaurjahari’s Leap Toward Disability Inclusion

Since its launch in March 2025, the Rise-Up Project—a joint initiative by Human Development and Community Services (HDCS) and Himal Partner—has sparked meaningful change in Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum West. Within just a few months, this bold disability inclusion effort has transformed mindsets, strengthened systems, and uplifted lives in one of Nepal’s most remote regions.

 

🚀Rapid Progress, Real Impact

In a short span, Rise-Up has achieved several powerful milestones:

• Formed and activated 14 disability network groups and 14 mothers’ groups committed to promoting disability rights
• Engaged 2 local schools in disability awareness activities, helping foster inclusive values early
• Provided assistive devices to over 10 individuals, giving them greater independence and mobility
• Facilitated issuance of 12 official disability identity cards, ensuring access to government services
• Delivered physiotherapy and counseling to more than 48 beneficiaries, promoting health and emotional well-being

 

📻 Raising Voices, Changing Perceptions

To amplify awareness, the project disseminated disability rights messages across Chaurjahari through:

• Local radio jingles that reached thousands of listeners
• Widely distributed IEC materials designed to be accessible and culturally resonant

These efforts helped shift public attitudes and planted seeds of empathy and understanding across the community.

 

🤝 Building Inclusive Governance

One of Rise-Up’s key achievements has been forging strong coordination with the municipal government, deepening local ownership and accountability for disability inclusion. Through collaborative workshops, the project equipped:

• Local government officials
• Educators
• Private sector representatives
• Political leaders
• Persons with disabilities

…with vital knowledge on disability rights, legal frameworks, and systemic barriers. Every session culminated in actionable plans aimed at:

• Integrating disability into local policy and governance
• Improving institutional accessibility
• Strengthening advocacy through Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)

 

🌍 A Community Transformed

Beyond tangible results, Rise-Up has triggered a cultural shift. Persons with disabilities are increasingly seen as contributors, not just recipients of support. They are stepping into leadership roles, participating in decision-making, and helping co-create a more inclusive Chaurjahari.

The project is gaining undeniable momentum. With shared commitment and compassion, Rise-Up is not just changing lives—it’s changing the landscape of possibility.