Growing Together: Teaching, Treating & Transforming
Summer 2025 Update (Q2)
A Season of Growth and Recognition
This spring, our classrooms got brighter, our communities stronger, and our impact louder. From diagnostic health camps to national awards, every milestone this quarter reflects the power of community-led change. Here's a look at what we've achieved together, and download a PDF here.
Community Kids Jamming with the Volunteer from NAG at Oda Campus
EDUCATION: Equipping Teachers and Supporting Students
Teacher Training Milestones
In April, 15 teachers from 7 schools joined a 3-day training on Engaging Lesson Sequences, our first-ever STEM-focused training for secondary-level Maths and Science teachers delivered by UK-based educator Rebecca Pitkins.
In May, 24 teachers from 5 schools participated in a hands-on workshop at the Oda Community Centre, jointly hosted with Niten Memorial School.
Learning Through Disruption
Despite nationwide protests, learning didn’t stop. 48 students attended remedial classes at the Oda campus, with some walking up to 3 hours daily to reach class.
Volunteer Support
Four volunteers led over 200 hours of classroom support and creative activities, strengthening the 4 Cs of learning: creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Diagnostic Assessments
One-on-one literacy and numeracy assessments were conducted in four schools, helping teachers accurately understand learning levels and tailor future support.
Health, Hygiene, and Legal Rights at School
Menstrual & Personal Hygiene Sessions conducted at Tila and Dev schools
Leak-proof underwear distributed to all girl students and female staff.
Legal advisory sessions covered: Child rights & protection laws, Gender equality, Child marriage & community violence.
National Recognition for Grassroots Impact: Creators Award 2025
We were honored with First Prize in the Creators Award 2025 for our video on women-led green economy initiatives. The national recognition and NPR 1,25,000 cash award brought broader visibility to our grassroots work in Kalikot.
Mahawai Partnership Summit: Giving Kalikot a Voice
This quarter, we hosted the first-ever Mahawai Partnership Summit at the Municipal Office, bringing together local government officials, NGOs, and civil society leaders for open panel discussions.
What set this event apart was its interactive Q&A session, where community members boldly questioned local authorities about unmet promises and everyday challenges.
The response was overwhelming. “For once, we were heard,” said one participant. Even the Municipal Chair praised the event as “a wonderful exercise in accountability.”
This summit marked a crucial step toward transparent governance and community-led dialogue, and it may pave the way for future town hall-style forums in Kalikot.
Community-Centered Care: From Awareness to Access
A two-day integrated public health and specialist service camp at Mahawai Basic Hospital provided care to 669 individuals, offering services in dentistry, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, and dermatology.
In our first-ever eye treatment camp, held in partnership with Himalayan Eye Hospital, 453 people received eye care, including 70 cataract surgeries, restoring vision and dignity in remote communities.
Routine & Reproductive Health
65 children vaccinated under our regular outreach program.
Ultrasound services supported safer pregnancies through prenatal screenings.
Community Wellness Programs
TB awareness sessions were held in Wards 3 and 4 for mothers, teachers, and community leaders.
The Health & Nutrition Week event taught students the value of local, balanced diets.
A kala-azar case in Ward 6 was swiftly diagnosed and managed, with full contact tracing.
Agroecology: Cultivating Resilience in Mahawai
65 group meetings reached over 554 community members across 35 farmer groups, strengthening grassroots momentum for sustainable agriculture.
13 community-level trainings; 12 on organic fertilizer and one on nutrition education to FCHVs, driving change in farming and household diets.
Staff received intensive training on kitchen gardening, gender transformation, and nutrition.
Project team working at the learning centre for piloting agroecology initiatives
Thank You for Walking With Us!
Every student, mother, farmer, and health worker we reach is made possible because of your belief in a more just, healthy, and sustainable future. Let’s keep growing together.
Questions? Send us a note at info@odafoundation.org.
With gratitude,
The Oda Foundation Team