Budhathum 6: Nepal after the earthquake

The two earthquakes that hit Nepal in April and May 2015 claimed many lives. We chose to help the village of Budhathum 6 as we already knew the area surrounding the village, and it was badly affected.

Located 140 km northwest of Kathmandu in the Dhading district, the village of Budhathum is divided into 9 hamlets. Located in the mountains, Budhathum 6 is a hamlet of 600 people including 110 children. The villagers normally meet their basic needs through agriculture (rice, millet, wheat, corn) and livestock (goats, buffaloes, cows, chickens).

The need to build a Community Center for the residents of Budhathum 6 was, in consultation with the villagers, instantly raised.

The Community Center Project

In December 2015, a reconnaissance mission enabled Alaya to make a preliminary assessment of the situation, learn more about infrastructure design in Nepal, build a network with local organizations, and a close relationship with the local community.

  • A ROOM TO WELCOME THE CHILDREN

    This room will provide children a safe space to study.

  • A ROOM DESIGNED FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, TRAINING WORKSHOPS AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS

    These workshops are mainly intended for the village’s women, to allow them broaden their income sources, and provide them greater stability and financial autonomy.

  • WATER ACCESS AREA

    Toilets, sinks and drinking water

In January 2017, two Alaya Foundation members traveled to Budhathum 6. It was an opportunity to see the villagers gather and unite to express their needs. Trust and collaboration between Alaya and the residents progressively built through a thorough, active listening process. The village’s Construction Committee formed soon after that meeting. Thanks to this event, we have strengthened our partnership with the Nepalese and concluded an agreement with a local NGO (Budhathum Welfare Society (BWS)) to ensure the project’s sustainability. BWS is composed of men and women, to enable the community assume ownership of the project and integrate it into their daily life.

We continue to support the village by raising funds for future projects.