Nepal is a nation of 30,000,000 inhabitants in South-Asia, which recently became a republic after years of conflicts.

Many nepalese who fled the 10 year long civil war between the Monarchy and the Maoist rebels have started to return voluntarily to Nepal since 2007.

Caritas Nepal was founded in 1990 to help ease the suffering of people struggling to make a living in one of the world's poorest countries. A decade-long civil war wrecked the country's economy and today people live with ongoing instability. Caritas Nepal has been involved in initiatives for building sustainable peace since 2004. Some of the main program areas of Caritas Nepal currently are: improving food security of rural households through sustainable agriculture; socio-economic empowerment; poverty alleviation through cooperatives and micro enterprises; combating trafficking of women; education for Bhutanese refugee children etc.

Since 2007 Caritas Nepal supports Nepali returnees from Belgium. Director Fr. Silas Bogati is the local partner of Caritas Belgium and is closely involved in the project. The returnees themselves are assisted by Prashikshya Karki, who supports the returnees and meets with them several times. The head office of Caritas Nepal is located in Lalitpur, Kathamandu but they have regional offices as well who are helping returnees in more remote areas. See also  www.caritasnepal.org

In 2009, the project assisted 14 cases, representing 16 people. Many returnees used the reintegration budget to start a business or to restart their old one. This included businesses such as small grocery shops, an electro shop or travel agencies. The story of R. is written out below.

After four years in Belgium, Ramchandra (33 years old) was convinced that it was impossible for him to obtain legal documents, so he decided to return to his country. He wanted to return before the Diwali festival, so he could celebrate this religious "festival of lights" together with his family. Before returning, he had a clear plan about what he wanted to do. Ramchandra wanted to use the computer knowledge he gained in Belgium to start up a computer accessory shop, because computer business is growing in Nepal. He discussed this with Caritas in Brussels and asked them for support to help him start up his business.

Once returned home, he was very warmly received by his family. He moved back in with his parents, where his wife and son were living as well. As planned, he invested the reintegration budget into a computer shop. As it was too expensive to start a new business, he joined the business of a friend. The shop is doing well, although there are some disagreements. It is not easy but Ramchandra is satisfied with the result. If he can find some extra funds, he wants to expand his shop with an electronics department.

Ramchandra is convinced it is very important to have friends and family to rely on. It made his return much easier. And of course earning an income is essential as well. Ramchandra has good hopes for the future and will do everything to make his business work. "When I came here, I restarted my business, I hope it will be a success. I think I did the right thing".

Our colleagues, Annelieke Carlier, Sofie De Mot and Ine Lietaert visited Caritas Nepal in February 2009

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For any question concerning reintegration in Nepal, please contact :

Stefanie Duysens

+32 2 211 10 52

s.duysens@caritasint.be