After visiting and rapport building with HMG/N officials and NGOs in
the initial period and after many ups and downs and challenges in the
way, the first orientation programme for NGOs was organised on 21st
November 2005 at the Rupandehi cluster office.

Thirteen NGOs attended the programme among which eight were from
Rupandehi and five were from Nawalparasi District, 13 out of 25 female
participants represented their organisations. The participants said
that UMN was not new in the area and they were enthusiastically looking
forward to partnership programmes with UMN.

United Mission to Nepal, Dhading cluster organised an
orientation programme on 5th January 2006. The programme was well
attended by Government Officials from District Development Committee,
District Health Office, District Education Office, District Police
Office, Army Battalion, representatives from local NGOs, local
representatives, and UMN staff. The Chief District Officer appreciated
the partnership module of UMN and emphasized that development can be
achieved only through community empowerment in Nepal. He welcomed UMN
in Dhading and assured UMN that he would provide any necessary help.UMN
Executive Director, Jennie Collins, thanked the attendees and efforts
of UMN Dhading cluster and asserted that UMN will work in close
partnership with local organisations for the development of Dhading
district.

Similarly, an orientation programme was organised for HMG officials
from Ministries and Social Welfare Council on 6th January 2006 at
Thapathali office.