Shikharapur Community Learning Center (CLC) had the great honor of welcoming Mr. Tun Ruppert, Former President of ONGD-FNEL Luxembourg, along with his six-member team, during their recent visit to our project sites in Pharping.The team received a warm traditional Nepali welcome with garlands and smiles at the historic Sheshnarayan site—the birthplace of Shikharapur CLC. Program Director Mr. Niroj Shrestha, along with the Chairperson, founders, staff members, and beneficiaries of the Open School Program, extended heartfelt greetings and shared stories of how the CLC began its inspiring journey toward community empowerment and education for all.

Exploring Shikharapur’s Innovations

Mr. Shrestha introduced the group to participants of the Open School Program, a flagship initiative that provides free education to school dropouts—an opportunity made possible through the generous support of ONGD-FNEL.

The delegation then explored the remarkable Bottle House Project, a shining example of sustainability and innovation. Constructed using recycled bottles, the site now serves as a vibrant hub for training, administration, and environmental education. Visitors were impressed to see how this eco-friendly initiative has expanded to include greenhouses, animal husbandry, bee-keeping, kitchen gardening, and vermi-composting, all promoting sustainable livelihoods within the local community.

The team engaged in heartfelt conversations with women entrepreneurs and scholarship beneficiaries, who shared personal stories of resilience and growth through Shikharapur’s programs. They also visited greenhouse tunnelsmanaged by local farmers, showcasing tangible results of agricultural empowerment.

Education Through Every Level

Continuing their tour, the group visited Shikharapur Kindergarten, Formal School, and Shikharapur University-level College, learning how education at every level is interconnected under one community-driven vision. The college building—rebuilt after the devastating 2015 earthquake with support from many well-wishers—stood as a symbol of determination and partnership.

Inspiring Visit to ALRC

The visit concluded at the Agriculture Learning Resource Center (ALRC), one of the most impactful projects supported by ONGD-FNEL in collaboration with the Government of Nepal. Inaugurated by former ONGD-FNEL President Mr. Nicolas Magnette, ALRC has become a center of excellence, providing vocational training to over 200 youth annually in diverse fields such as agriculture, electrical work, welding, computer literacy, and beautician skills.

Although the delegation could not visit the newly acquired project land in Phakhel, Makwanpur due to time constraints, they gained meaningful insights into Shikharapur’s journey, progress, and expanding community impact. The visit concluded with delightful Nepali snacks and refreshments, fostering joyful exchanges and reflections.

A Moment of Reflection

Mr. Tun, who had visited the area long before ONGD-FNEL began its formal collaboration, expressed his heartfelt admiration for the remarkable transformation achieved in such a short time. He shared his personal reflections on how the once modest initiative has grown into a dynamic center of learning, innovation, and opportunity.

Shikharapur CLC expresses its deep gratitude to ONGD-FNEL, Mr. Tun Ruppert, Mr. Claude, and the entire Luxembourg team for their continued guidance, encouragement, and partnership in our shared mission of community development and empowerment.

Together, we continue building sustainable futures—one community at a time.

Visit Report By:

Niroj Shrestha, Director, SCLC

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