Pictures by Alex Rumford

Photo by Alex Rumford

Our priority is to concentrate on long term, sustainable support

NCT supports DNC (Disabled New Life Centre) which is a registered charity in Nepal that has been running since 1997.  Some resources are funded locally (mainly through the Rotary Club of Kupandol in Kathmandu and local individuals).

Since 2005, NCT has helped to raise living standards at the centre.  In cooperation with other donors, the children now have an adequate diet, better education and accommodation.  Prior to our involvement, the centre was struggling to provide even the most basic requirements of food and rent.

NCT has now purchased land for a permanent, purpose built, residential centre and has already raised enough money to commence the first stage of building.  Without having to pay rent (more than 30% if their costs), the centre will be more financially secure.  Building plans include retail outlets which will provide an ongoing income for the centre.  (see New Building) In the meantime we have enabled the children to move to a new rented house which is more spacious and has a larger play area outside.

We work closely with other organisations and individuals with a similar interest in helping these children.  We strongly encourage DNC to engage in their own local fund raising activities and to work with other agencies to lessen their dependence on any one source of help.

We have facilitated the involvement of Nepali and foreign volunteers.  They help the children with homework & recreational activities.  They also give them much needed individual attention  which enables the children to feel more confident in their relationships with others.

DNC

Children who come to The New Life Centre in Kathmandu are offered a medical consultation and if necessary they receive corrective surgery and rehabilitation.

They are all enrolled in local schools alongside able-bodied children.

Their families are usually extremely poor and may live many days journey away from Kathmandu. They may not be able to visit their children often, or in some cases at all. A travel fund has recently been made available to help the children stay in contact with their families (courtesy of The Robert Rose International Fund for Children who also provide support for the children when they leave the centre see: TRIFC).

There is no free government support for vulnerable people in Nepal. The centre provides a home and family atmosphere for the children as well as education and medical care. Financially this is a big responsibility and the home relies on the donations and generosity of individuals and organizations to help fund its work.  Whilst New Life offers the children opportunities and a way of life that they would otherwise never have access to, there is still an enormous amount needed to improve quality of care and opportunities for the future.