I grew up in the crowded city Kathmandu, where modernity and urbanization are transforming landscape. Attending ECCA’s Counsellor Training Camp provided me a profound platform to enhance my knowledge through volunteering in rural communities of Nepal. I feel privileged to volunteer in the Chepang community living in Rapti Municipality, Chitwan, Nepal.

Stepping out of my comfort zone and going to the Chepang village was an eye-opening experience, which offered me a deeper understanding of the world I live in. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the enchanting Chepang community, where I was warmly welcomed with smiles of the villagers into a unique world of traditions. This visit proved to be an unforgettable adventure and I was touched by their struggle. Seeing small children coming to the school without wearing proper dress and slippers melted me.

The Chepang people are one of Nepal’s most marginalized indigenous groups. They have faced centuries of exclusion and discrimination, lacking access to the basic services (education, healthcare, infrastructure). The Chepang community has a distinct cultural heritage, living a traditional way of life deeply rooted in nature and subsistence farming. Their children are most vulnerable although they are the future pillar of our nation.

The Chepang Child, a symbol of hope and change for them, represents the struggle of the indigenous communities in their pursuit of education and a brighter future. Children have to walk long distance to reach the nearest school. Accessing quality education remains a distant dream for many of them.

The training I provided them mainly focused on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), as maintaining personal hygiene was a big deal for Chepang students, since their family could not fulfil even the basic needs properly. My session also included school environment indicators, making of school garden, and making six-month action plan for the school-based child club (which also helps to implement their learning from the training camp).

Children were curious to learn each and everything and also all of them were active throughout the camp. As an impact of ECCA’s training camps, students are slowly learning to maintain their hygiene. But, to make them habituated, this type of training should be conducted frequently in schools and community.