From Struggle to Ownership: The Inspiring Journey of Upallo Amintara

[Sandhya Bhandari]

On 8th May 2026, Regional Convening Program of the GFC Team was held in Upallo Amintara, which is one of our working fields.

The program focused on strengthening community participation, ownership, and unity. Upallo Amintara is a community where many families face economic and emotional challenges in their daily lives. Since many NGOs and organizations had previously visited the area to distribute food, money, and other support, community members initially expected similar assistance from our team as well. Because of these expectations, it was not easy in the beginning to introduce ideas related to community ownership and long-term participation. Some community members were unsure about cooperating with us. However, instead of giving up, we continued building relationships with them by spending time listening, communicating, and understanding their experiences beyond formal office hours and I am also from that community so I met them before and after office hour. Gradually, the people of Upallo Amintara began understanding the importance of SALT, community ownership, and collective responsibility. They realized that sustainable change becomes possible when the community itself takes leadership and works together.

One of the most emotional and inspiring moments came during a difficult period when news spread that the government might remove slum areas all over Nepal. The news created fear and uncertainty among the people living in the community. Many families became worried about their future, safety, and stability.

However, even during that challenging situation, the community members showed incredible unity and ownership. They did not step back from participation. Instead, they became even more involved and responsible. Seeing them support one another, cooperate as a community, and continue participating actively made the program feel truly meaningful and impactful. Community members prepared snacks on their own, youth and children performed dramas and song reflecting their issues and five years of dream. Even though children and youth participate in this program after school. The program was on their regular day so that they went to school at morning and after school they came back and directly participate with us. Their efforts reflected confidence, teamwork, and a growing sense of belonging toward their community.

This experience became a strong example of how unity and ownership can create positive transformation within a community. The program helped people develop confidence, leadership, responsibility, and hope for the future. Today, many people in Upallo Amintara are gradually developing a stronger sense of belonging and ownership toward their community.

Seeing this positive transformation has become a source of happiness, inspiration, and motivation.

[santosh bishowkarma]

Although goverment  used to destroyed slum area like same as upallo amintara.all over neplease slum people are suffer from that goverment 35 dats notice they could take wonership of community program