Before the Lumbini Youth Club was established in Maya Devi Rural Municipality, many young people in the community struggled with low confidence, limited practical skills and a lack of access to opportunities. Although they were motivated to bring change to their community, they had no idea how. They had no resources and experience but had hope and a deep sense of responsibility.

With support from UMN’s CYCC project, youth club members were able to build on their existing skills and knowledge through several capacity-building trainings, which significantly boosted their confidence and equipped them with practical skills.

As a result, the youth led various awareness and development events, such as street dramas against child marriage and dowry, sanitation campaigns, tree plantation, school enrolment campaigns, nutrition sessions and youth events. Today, they actively join ward-level planning meetings and collaborate with the local government bodies and other organisations.

The local government and non-government organisations have also recognised their efforts and leadership, regularly involving the club in their meetings. “Youths are the main pillars of our community’s change and development. The leadership and commitment shown by Lumbini Youth Club is inspiring, and we will continue to support such youth-led initiatives in the coming days too,” shared the ward chairperson.

Investing in youth leadership leads to sustainable community transformation.