Community forest income powers skill-based training in Gauriganga, Kailali

Kailali: Skill-based training programs funded by community forest income are transforming lives in Gauriganga Municipality of Kailali district. Suban Chaudhary of Gauriganga-7, who now works as a plumber, earns over Rs 25,000 per month thanks to the training he received from the Sunpal Community Forest. While some of his peers have moved abroad for employment, Chaudhary has chosen to stay and work in his village. “Some of my friends who trained with me went to third countries, some to India, but I stay and work here. I am happy,” he said. He is currently also undergoing driving training.

Similarly, Manisha Bista of Gauriganga-8 attends daily beautician training. In total, 97 individuals are participating in various training programs offered by the Sunpal Community Forest, including three-month beautician training, 45-day driving training, three-month basic computer training, sewing, tile and marble fitting, and plumbing courses.

Sunpal Community Forest includes users from wards 7 and 8 of Gauriganga. Forest Chairman Ram Bahadur Kami said the training is being provided to interested youth from the user households. In accordance with the Forest Act, community forest user groups must allocate at least 25% of their annual income to forest development, conservation, and management, and at least 50% of the remaining funds must be directed toward poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and enterprise development in coordination with local authorities.

The training initiative aligns with these provisions. According to the annual approved program for fiscal year 2081/82 BS, the forest has allocated Rs 210,000 for embroidery, Rs 400,000 for driving, Rs 170,000 for beautician training, Rs 125,000 for computer basics, Rs 250,000 for plumbing, and Rs 200,000 for tile and marble fitting—bringing the total investment in training to Rs 13.55 lakhs.

Chairman Kami stated that the goal is to enhance employment opportunities both locally and abroad. “We want people to have skills so they can find good jobs wherever they go. The training is also aimed at increasing employment opportunities right here,” he said.

Priority has been given to single women and individuals from poor households. In addition to the training programs, Sunpal Community Forest has also decided to support the preservation of traditional occupations. Applications have been invited for material support to artisans engaged in blacksmithing (Aran), cane, bamboo and choya crafts, traditional Tharu crafts such as Deluwa, Dhakiya, Helka, and Dilia, as well as Duna Tapri and hand hosiery making.

To further support education, Sunpal has also allocated Rs 220,000 to Khaptad Multiple Campus in Gauriganga for the purchase of laptops and textbooks.