Transformative Career Opportunities in Dhangadhi through Vocational Training 

Transformative career opportunities, like those offered through Olgapuri Vocational School (OVS), allow Nepali young people to begin building economic independence and even generational wealth. But that’s just the beginning.

Communities all over Nepal are eager to upgrade their standard of living, whether by improving clean water access, making electrical connection more reliable, or scaling up local vegetable production. These changes transform villages, impacting public health, access to outside resources, educational opportunities, and much more. But in many rural areas of the country, young people struggle to access the skills training required to enter these industries.

Development in Nepal’s “far western” province, Sudurpashchim Province, has fallen behind most of the country. But NYF is working with local leaders to turn the tide.

Skill Fair: Connecting Youth to Employers

In early March 2025, Olgapuri Vocational School (OVS) participated in the Skill and Employment Fair in western Nepal. This event, organized by Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, provided hands-on training opportunities for young adults eager to enter the workforce.

• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• Barbering
• Electrical
• Fast Food Preparation
• Furniture Making
• Plumbing
• Welding

These fields offer strong job prospects, helping participants gain financial independence and contribute to their local economies. Notably, 50% of the trainees were women, reinforcing NYF’s strong commitment to gender equity and economic empowerment.

But this fair was only one small part of NYF’s work in this area of the country.

As the district headquarters of Kailali District (one of nine districts in Sudurpashchim Province), Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City is home to a dynamic and ambitious potential workforce. However, many young people seek employment abroad due to limited local access to specialized skills training. Through Olgapuri Vocational School (OVS), NYF is equipping young professionals with high-demand, practical skills, enabling them to build fulfilling careers, contribute to Nepal’s growing industries, and strengthen their own communities—right at home.

Expanding Access to Skills Training

On July 29, 2023, OVS and Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City formed a partnership to begin equipping the region’s young people with electrical and plumbing skills. A major milestone was reached on March 8, 2024, when officials gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new satellite OVS facility in Dhangadhi. The event was attended by Dhangadhi Mayor Gopi Hamal, city officials, NYF representatives, and funders from a UK-based organization, whose generosity is making this project possible. Once completed in June 2025, this facility will bring vocational training opportunities directly to the region.

Nepal’s Labor Migration Crisis

Labor migration is a major factor shaping Nepal’s workforce. In 2014, over 500,000 young Nepali people left the country in search of jobs. By last year, that number rose to 750,000—2.5% of Nepal’s entire population. Today, an estimated 3.5 million Nepali people (14% of the country’s population) are working overseas, primarily in Malaysia, India, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Over 82% of these workers are men, leaving behind millions of families struggling with economic and social strain.

With limited job opportunities in Nepal, young adults—especially those from subsistence farming communities—often turn to foreign labor markets as their only option. Unfortunately, many of these jobs come with steep recruitment fees, exploitative contracts, and unsafe working conditions. Unscrupulous employers frequently take advantage of Nepali workers’ low bargaining power. Cases of wage theft, forced labor, and inhumane treatment are common. Some even find themselves trapped in global conflict zones, such as those recruited into both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Meanwhile, despite high youth unemployment, Nepal’s own industries struggle to find skilled workers. Many businesses hire from abroad, bringing in Indian and other foreign laborers to fill positions that Nepali youth could have taken—if they had the right training. This means millions of dollars in wages are leaving Nepal’s economy instead of circulating locally.

Vocational training offers a sustainable solution. By equipping Nepali young people with high-demand skills, NYF is ensuring they can secure stable, well-paying jobs in Nepal, reducing reliance on migration and keeping Sudurpashchim’s workforce strong for the future.

Sustainable Growth Through Local Investment

Once the Dhangadhi Vocational School is completed, its funding will follow the same model as NYF’s 16 Nutritional Rehabilitation Homes. The local government will gradually take over operational costs, ensuring long-term sustainability by 2031.

Olgapuri Vocational School (OVS) provides industry-recognized certification in six high-demand trades:

• Electrical (3 months)
• Plumbing (3 months)
• Carpentry (3 months)
• Welding (4 months)
• Industrial Tailoring (6 months, focused on women’s empowerment)
• Greenhouse Farming (SAAET Project, 1-month program for women in Nepal’s southern plains)

The results are transformational. Between NYF’s reporting period of July 2023 to June 2024:

• 354 young adults completed construction training (electrical, plumbing, welding, carpentry).
• 151 young women completed the Industrial Tailoring program, preparing them for stable, well-paid work in Nepal’s textile industry.
• 100 young adults (92 women, 8 men) completed greenhouse farming training, helping them launch high-yield vegetable businesses in Nepal’s southern plains.

Employers actively seek out OVS graduates because of their high-quality training and professionalism. Many graduates quickly secure stable jobs, while others start their own businesses—creating a cycle of empowerment.

Shaping the Future of Sudurpashchim

NYF’s work aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for Nepal: creating dignified, well-paying jobs close to home allows young people to contribute directly to growing their local economies and improve living conditions nationwide. With the right skills, young professionals now have more opportunities to establish stable careers in Nepal’s expanding economy.

Through strategic partnerships and hands-on training, NYF and OVS are creating real opportunities—helping Nepal’s workforce grow and thrive within the country.

Psychological Care Camp at Olgapuri

Every spring, as the school year winds down and the holiday break begins, the Ankur Counseling Center team steps in with a unique and impactful initiative for the children at Olgapuri Children’s Village (OCV) — the Psychological Care (PC) Camp. Designed to provide both fun and growth, these camps create a supportive environment where children develop essential psychological skills through creativity, play, and hands-on activities.

Fostering Self-Awareness Through Engaging Themes

In 2024, the PC Camp focused on children in Grades 3-4, with the central theme of Self-Awareness. Over five enriching days, the camp explored different facets of self-understanding, encouraging children to connect deeply with their emotions, social relationships, and personal aspirations.

• Day 1: All About Me
  The camp kicked off with activities centered on self-discovery. Children shared their favorite things, discussed their roles and responsibilities within the Olgapuri family. As well as explored their feelings and learning healthy ways to regulate emotions.
• Day 2: My Social Circle
  The focus shifted to relationships, with discussions about their biological families, Olgapuri family, and friendships. Through storytelling and drawing family portraits, children reflected on cherished memories and the importance of connection.
• Day 3: Knowing Myself
  Activities like mask-making helped children differentiate between their public and private selves. They also explored the concept of the real vs. ideal self, promoting self-acceptance and authenticity.
• Day 4: Loving Myself
  A day dedicated to self-compassion, children engaged in mirror exercises, practicing positive self-talk and affirmations. They identified personal strengths, celebrated physical features and qualities, and highlighted meaningful aspects of their lives.
• Day 5: My Dreams, Hopes, and Wishes
  The camp concluded with collage-making sessions, allowing children to visualize their dreams and aspirations. A reflective review of the camp helped consolidate their learning experiences.

At the camp’s closing, each child received a “strength name” — a title reflecting the positive qualities and behaviors they exhibited throughout the week. This recognition not only boosted their self-esteem but also reinforced their unique identities within the Olgapuri community.

Creative Activities for Holistic Growth

Undoubtedly, the PC Camp activities were designed to be interactive and meaningful. From crafting masks to symbolize different aspects of the self, to engaging in clay work for self-expression and healing, every exercise was thoughtfully curated to enhance emotional intelligence. Moreover, storytelling sessions, family portrait drawings, and hands-on projects helped children internalize lessons in a fun, memorable way.

Ankur Counseling Center: A Pillar of Mental Health Support

Beyond the annual PC Camp, the Ankur Counseling Center plays a vital role in the day-to-day lives of Olgapuri children. The center offers individual and group counseling, skills workshops, and support for house parents. Mental health care is seamlessly integrated into the children’s routines, fostering strong, healthy habits from an early age.

Following the profound loss of NYF’s founder, Olga Murray, in February 2024, Ankur’s role became even more critical. Olga, a beloved grandmother figure to many at Olgapuri, left an indelible mark on the hearts of the children. The Ankur team organized age-appropriate group sessions to help the children process their grief, complemented by a private memorial event where children shared heartfelt memories of Olga.

These efforts not only supported the children through their mourning but also reinforced the stability and permanence of Olgapuri as their home. The compassionate approach taken by Ankur and the Olgapuri team has proven instrumental in helping the children navigate this emotional journey with resilience and hope.

Building Trust, One Camp at a Time

Psychological Care Camps at Olgapuri are more than just seasonal activities; they are integral to NYF’s commitment to holistic child development. By addressing emotional well-being alongside physical health and education, these camps help children build confidence, develop coping strategies, and foster a sense of belonging.

Through Ankur Counseling Center’s dedicated efforts, Olgapuri remains a nurturing oasis where every child can thrive, heal, and dream.

NYF is so grateful to our generous donors for helping us provide a healthy upbringing for the remarkable kids at Olgapuri Children’s Village. Watching these kids grow and thrive is such a privilege for our team—and it creates incredible opportunities for the future for each child. Dhanyabad!