By Dr. Ram Chandra Lamichhane
Last week unfolded as a truly enriching and memorable journey, both in terms of travel and learning. Flying from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and then traveling overland to Tansen, Palpa, I had the unique opportunity to facilitate a capacity-building training for the staff and representatives of the Dignity Learning Centres—an initiative at the heart of an ambitious project dedicated to promoting equity, learning, and dignity in rural Nepal. The Learning Champion (LC) Project, jointly implemented by REED-Nepal, ADWAN, and Green Tara Nepal (GTN), with the generous support of Karuna Deutschland, Karuna Trust, and BMZ, is working to strengthen educational ecosystems in marginalized communities through the establishment of community-led Dignity Centres.
The training, held at Hotel White Lake in the picturesque hill town of Tansen, brought together 32 participants representing two Dignity Centres. These participants, diverse in gender, caste, and age, reflected the inclusive spirit of the project. The one-day session aimed to introduce the participants to the transformative power of Appreciative Inquiry (AI)—a strength-based approach to organizational development and positive change. Beyond theory, the training delved into leadership roles, participatory management tools, and vision-building exercises. Through interactive games, roleplays, real-life storytelling, and group discussions, participants were not only engaged but deeply moved. Many shared personal stories of leadership, and the training space quickly became a circle of mutual respect and inspiration. Participants reported that the training ignited a mindset shift—from focusing on problems to recognizing strengths. As one participant shared in Nepali, “यो त तालिम भन्दा पनि हाम्रो लागि एक परिवर्तनको थालनी हो” (This is not just a training, but the beginning of a transformation). There was a resounding commitment among attendees to apply the Appreciative Inquiry approach in managing their centres with renewed vision and passion.
Following this, my journey continued through the winding roads of Palpa and into Supadeurali, Arghakhanchi—a route I was traveling for the first time. The thrill of passing through the scenic Kaligandaki Corridor and Ridi Bazaar added another beautiful district to my footprint, bringing my reach to 72 districts across Nepal. At Supadeurali’s Narpani Resort, I facilitated a two-day team-building training for the staff of the Divisional Forest Office (DFO) Pyuthan. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Dhanishwor Neupane, who expressed high expectations for the program, while senior officer Mr. Jay Prakash Gupta welcomed the participants and handed over the session to me.
Over two days, the training explored various dimensions of team dynamics, including trust-building, effective communication, shared vision, and collaborative problem-solving. Participants engaged in brainstorming, group work, and interactive games that made learning fun, energetic, and impactful. Many found the experience far beyond their expectations. Ms. Laxmi Bhandari called it a “lifetime memorable” experience, while Ms. Sita Adhikari reflected on how the training helped her develop a strong “I can do it” attitude. Mr. R.D. Sah appreciated the opening of new avenues for positive leadership, and Mr. Neupane remarked that the event was “more fruitful than anticipated.” Mr. Gupta thanked me for the energetic and thoughtful facilitation that sparked a renewed team spirit.
Immediately after the closing session in Supadeurali, I traveled to Ghorahi, Dang, reaching there at 10 PM to prepare for another round of team-building training scheduled for May 19 and 20. This time, the training brought together 40 participants from the Divisional Forest Office and Nepal Police at Hotel Pauwa. The sessions were designed to promote inter-agency collaboration and strengthen coordination between forest officers and police personnel. Through shared activities and team exercises, participants forged stronger bonds. Several police officers noted that such training, if extended across the force, could significantly improve public service and internal morale. DFO staff echoed similar sentiments, expressing that the training helped them unlock their potential and envision a brighter future. Senior Forest Officer Mr. Om Oli remarked that the program exceeded all expectations, while DFO Mr. Besindra Raj Subedi offered his heartfelt thanks, describing the experience as innovative, creative, and deeply engaging.
After Ghorahi, I set off again—this time for Bhingri, Pyuthan, to facilitate a final session for the Divisional Forest Office Rolpa team on May 21 and 22. The training began with an inaugural session moderated by Mr. Basanta Thapa, with welcoming remarks from Mr. Sanjaya Kumar Mishra and formal inauguration by DFO Mr. Prem Shankar Chaudhary. The session opened with an introductory game that allowed each participant to hear how others perceived their personality, fostering a strong sense of team awareness. Activities included brainstorming sessions, group discussions, and creative team-building exercises. Participants shared that the training helped them see challenges from new perspectives and appreciate the value of teamwork. Ms. Trishna Magar expressed that the training was “thrilling and more than expected,” while Mr. Sanjaya Mishra said it was the best training he had ever received. All participants, including Mr. Thapa and Mr. Chaudhary, praised the facilitation and noted that the training achieved every goal they had hoped for.
Reflecting on this whirlwind journey across four districts Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Dang, and Rolpa, I am filled with gratitude and energy. Despite the long days of work and travel, I never felt tired. The enthusiasm, openness, and deep engagement of participants were energizing beyond measure. I was equally impressed by how rural Nepal is transforming, well-connected by roads, electricity, and internet access. These regions are not only ready for development; they are rich with creativity and innovation. With the right support and inspiration, these rural communities are poised to lead Nepal toward a prosperous and equitable future.
