A final review,
reflection, and learning workshop for the GOAL II project was held on December
18-19, 2024, in Pokhara. The event brought together donors, partners, staff,
and project beneficiaries to reflect on the project’s journey, sharing insights
on achievements, impacts, challenges, and the way forward.
Enthusiastic
participation from executive representatives and project staff from ADRA Nepal
and its implementing partners, FIRDO Nepal from Pyuthan and RUDAS Nepal from
Rolpa, underscored the significance of the meeting. Facilitated by Mr. Suraj
Acharya, the Project Manager, the workshop featured sessions on project
impacts, experience sharing, group discussions, and presentations. Adding to
the event’s prestige, Ms. Olive Orate, International Program Director at ADRA Australia,
and Ms. Kamakshi Rai Yakthumba, Program Manager at the Embassy of Australia in
Nepal, graced the opening session and expressed their gratitude for the
project’s dedication and impact in uplifting vulnerable communities livelihood.
Mr. Kabir Ratna Sthapit,
Team Leader for Livelihood at ADRA Nepal, set the tone with a comprehensive
overview of the project’s journey from 2019 to 2025, highlighting key
milestones achieved along the way. Palika Coordinators, Mr. Mohan Subedi and
Mr. Basudev Pokhrel, followed with district-specific achievements and program
reviews, sharing impactful stories that brought the project’s transformative
work to life.
Insights into monitoring and evaluation were provided by Mr. Dibash Chandra Karki, M&E Coordinator, who presented findings from external evaluations and the Social Welfare Council of Nepal. Ms. Karuna Baral, Gender and Safeguarding Officer, delivered a powerful presentation on the implementation of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI)-responsive approaches, emphasizing their significant impact on the communities served. Adding a personal touch, project participants from Pyuthan and Rolpa shared their heartfelt experiences, offering a glimpse into the tangible changes brought about by GOAL II.
Mr. Purna Lal Shrestha, Senior Project Officer, highlighted innovative branding and visibility strategies that enhanced the project’s outreach. Mr. Acharya and Mr. Sthapit, facilitated a dedicated session on project sustainability and exit strategies where the partners from each district shared their project sustainability and exit plans. Field staff and beneficiaries also contributed to a dynamic learning-sharing session, offering invaluable grassroots perspectives. The event culminated in a moment of appreciation as Mr. Tom Pignon, Country Director of ADRA Nepal, presented certificates to field staff, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to the project’s success.
Closing remarks brought the workshop to a heartfelt conclusion. Mr. Bhim Bahadur Gharti, Chairperson of RUDAS Nepal, and Mr. Chhanda Bahadur Basnet, Chairperson of FIRDO Nepal, expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts of everyone involved. Dr. Ghanshyam Bhatta, Program Director at ADRA Nepal, commended the dedication of all the staffs working to uplift the poor and vulnerable. Mr. Pignon delivered a sincere vote of thanks, extending appreciation to all participants, including virtual attendees from donor agencies like Australian Aid and ADRA Australia.
About the GOAL II Project
The GOAL-II project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and ADRA Australia. It is implemented by ADRA Nepal in partnership with FIRDO Nepal Swargadwari municipality of Pyuthan and RUDAS Nepal in Runtigadhi rural municipality of Rolpa, with the aim of empowering women and increasing the income of poor and vulnerable people.”
