From Dreams to Action: Young Leaders Transforming Upallo Amintara Through ARC

[santosh bishowkarma]

On Saturday, 18 July 2026 (2 Shrawan 2083 B.S.), the Child Club and Youth Club of Upallo Amintara Community, Pokhara Metropolitan City–15, successfully carried out a tree plantation campaign under the Addressing Root Causes (ARC) Initiative. This activity was inspired by the community's Five-Year Dream, where children, young people, and community members envisioned a clean, peaceful, and green neighborhood.

  The tree plantation was much more than an environmental activity it represented the community's growing ownership of its own future. Young people who had once participated in discussions as learners have now begun taking the lead as change makers. They independently planned the event, mobilized participants, and invited community facilitators to join them, demonstrating a remarkable sense of responsibility and leadership.

The enthusiasm was not limited to children and   youth. Parents also actively participated in the campaign, recognizing that supporting their children's dreams means investing in a stronger and healthier community. Their involvement reflected an encouraging shift from simply observing community activities to becoming active partners in community transformation.

This positive momentum has been nurtured through the Addressing Root Causes (ARC) Programme, implemented by Child Welfare Scheme Nepal (CWSN) in partnership with the Global Fund for Children (GFC). The programme encourages communities to discover and build upon their own strengths through the SALT (Stimulate, Appreciate, Learn, and Transfer) approach, rather than focusing only on problems.

Over the past several months, a series of participatory activities including Key Informant Interviews (KII), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Group SALT conversations, and Dream Building sessions have helped children and young people explore their aspirations and recognize their ability to create change. These processes have strengthened confidence, encouraged collaboration, and inspired local leadership.

A particularly significant milestone was the community visit on 12 March 2026 by Ritu and Srishti, whose encouragement inspired local children and youth to believe in their own potential. This inspiration was further strengthened during the Convening Group community visit on 8 May 2026, where participants had the opportunity to interact with social development leaders from several South Asian countries.

The visiting leaders shared practical experiences and motivational stories that deeply encouraged the young participants. Among them were:

• Shobha Chettri, Founder of Hill Social Welfare Society (HSWS), Kalimpong, India
• Dhiraj Lepcha, Coordinator of Rural Aid, West Bengal, India
• Laxmikanta Sing, Director of Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO), Bangladesh
• Lipika Devi Gupta, Director of Development of Health & Agriculture Rehabilitation Advancement (DHARA), Bangladesh
• Vaibhav Sharma, Director of Safe Society, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Santanu, Senior Director of Tomorrow's Foundation, India
• Shantiram Bari, Director of Ashirbad Organization, Bangladesh
• Dalia Ray, Director of Jibika Development Society, Bangladesh
• Anuradha, who also joined the community learning visit from India.

Their words of encouragement helped children and youth realize that community transformation is possible when people believe in themselves and work together. These interactions broadened their perspectives and reinforced the idea that local actions can create meaningful and lasting change.

One especially memorable moment came when Shobha Chettri, Founder of HSWS, warmly invited the children and youth of Upallo Amintara to visit Sikkim, offering hospitality, accommodation, and meals. Her generous invitation reminded everyone that organizations may belong to different countries, but people who share the same vision of community development become part of one extended family. This gesture strengthened relationships beyond borders and inspired young participants to dream even bigger.

Today, the impact of the ARC journey is becoming increasingly visible in Upallo Amintara. Following the SALT conversations, children and young people have developed a new way of thinking one that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, initiative, and positive action. Rather than waiting for others to solve community problems, they are taking responsibility and leading solutions themselves.

The recent tree plantation campaign stands as a powerful symbol of this transformation. Every tree planted represents not only a greener environment but also hope, ownership, leadership, and a shared commitment to building a better future.

The story of Upallo Amintara demonstrates that when communities are encouraged to appreciate their strengths, dream together, and take collective action, sustainable change begins from within. Through the ARC approach, children and youth are no longer just beneficiaries of development they are becoming the leaders who are shaping the future of their own community.

 

[Rituu B. Nanda]

So happy that the dream the youth shared with us, they have started taking action. Thanks Santosh for sharing.