Many Nepalese families are tricked into giving up their daughters for promised employment, but most end up being trafficked to the hungry brothels of India. If they escape, there is little hope of returning home. In Nepal, victims of the commercial sex industry face strong social stigmas and are typically shunned by family and community. Without that support, victims are often forced back into a life of prostitution.
To combat this dismal reality, and to provide a safe refuge in their home country, Shared Hope International founded Asha Nepal in 2005 in a mountainous area outside of Kathmandu. This safe and caring Village of Hope offers young women trafficked domestically and in neighboring India an opportunity to rebuild their lives in a safe environment with their children. Through counseling, biblical guidance, health care, HIV/STD treatment, education, and vocational training they grow confident and independent, allowing them to leave campus for shopping, medical services, or errands in town. These emotional milestones are proven traits of an effective rehabilitation program.
Shared Hope International provides business mentorship for the Asha Nepal leadership team, providing guidance on budgeting, operations, and effective business practices. Through funding from Shared Hope, Asha Nepal actively provides safe housing for 11 women and 15 children. Shared Hope also supports formal education for the campus’s school-age children. This critical investment in their education will reduce their chances of being lured into unsafe environments or exploitive situations.
Asha Nepal works with Shared Hope supported outreach team in India, receiving Nepali victims rescued on the streets of Mumbai by our partner, Bombay Teen Challenge. This strategic partnership ensures that women are returned to their own culture and native nation for healing.
Women’s Investment Network
Through the WIN program funded by Shared Hope, residents study a variety of skills. These essential life skills are provided with the goal of empowering women to lead fully-restored self-sustaining lives. Women are taught financial and business management skills along with marketing. They learn how to monitor quality and hone creativity. Capitalizing on their unique partnership, Nepal and Ashagram share their excellence in workmanship with each other.
Spotlight
One student, Manisha, became the first Hope child to graduate high school, securing a job immediately as a teacher at the Christian school attended by the Asha Nepal children . Shared Hope is so proud of her accomplishments and confident that she will be a shining example for her fellow students.
Susan, a Nepali resident who excels at embroidery, journeyed to India to help train their residents in this handicraft. She has been hired by a local NGO in Nepal to train women in the community. These accomplishments are a testament to her personal and professional development through the Asha Nepal’s restoration programs.
With the support of Shared Hope, two Asha Nepal residents were able to open their own tea shop, promoting independence for the two women and promoting survivor leadership within the community.
