Transformation in the Chepang Community: From Hesitant Silence to Confident Dialogue and Participation

[nisha Baskota]

When we first began working with the Chepang community, the initial situation was marked by silence and hesitation.
When we entered the village, most people would turn away, avoid speaking, and even hesitate to make eye contact. The presence of outsiders seemed to raise unspoken questions—“Why have they come?”—which were reflected in their expressions. Sharing their thoughts was far from expectation; even engaging in simple conversation felt distant.
It was from this point that the work began. Initially, we focused on simple, informal one-on-one conversations. These were not about big issues, but about everyday life—farming, family, children, and small joys and struggles. Through these interactions, we aimed to build a foundation of trust. Although there was some hesitation at first, gradually people began to open up and engage more freely.
After establishing individual connections, we moved toward group discussions (FGDs). In the beginning, people were shy, quiet, and often followed others rather than expressing their own views. However, with repeated meetings and continuous dialogue, a noticeable change began to emerge. People no longer remained silent; they started sharing their thoughts, listening to others, and actively participating in discussions.
Over time, the transformation within the Chepang community has become deeply meaningful. The earlier tendencies of withdrawal, silence, and hesitation have gradually diminished. Now, community members speak openly. They raise issues related to their daily lives—such as mutual labor exchange (melapat/armaparma), education, children’s well-being, and infrastructure like roads and pathways—with clarity and confidence.
More importantly, the shift is not limited to expressing problems. Community members have started thinking in terms of solutions. They now initiate discussions like, “This footpath needs improvement,” “We should maintain cleanliness,” and “Children must be sent to school.” There is a growing habit of collective action and shared responsibility.
In terms of children’s behavior and education, the earlier tendency to remain limited to complaints has evolved into a more solution-oriented mindset. People now sit together, discuss, advise one another, and work collectively toward improvement.

This transformation in the Chepang community is not merely the result of external engagement, but of a gradual process built on continuous trust-building, personal interaction, and collective dialogue. A community that once turned away and remained silent is now speaking openly, participating in discussions, and actively working toward solving its own challenges.

This change clearly shows that when communities are given time, listened to with trust and respect, they begin to open up, express themselves, and take active ownership in shaping their own future.