Working cooperatives are revolutionising lives in Nepal

Women's cooperative in Nepal

Laxmi Tamang, a member of a co-operative in Makwanpur proudly says:
“I was able to borrow $400 from my cooperative and started a grocery shop. My children helped me in running the shop. Now my profit is good enough to support my family and send the children to school.”

Laxmi is from Makwanpur, a poor rural area with low agricultural output due to the hilly terrain, which provides inadequate subsistence for the population. When families struggle to meet their basic daily needs, children often miss out on an education as the whole family work together to put enough food on the table.

After much discussion with members of the community, Plan began supporting the development of rural cooperatives here, by providing training and advice to people who could see the benefits of working collectively to create business opportunities.

This has proved so successful that there are now more than 600 rural cooperatives in Makwanpur. They offer women in particular an opportunity to develop their own businesses and use their traditional skills to provide for the family.

Working together in this way, people are creating greater opportunities for themselves and their neighbours. Increasing family income provides greater security for the family, and results in more children being able to attend school.

Laxmi if proud of her achievements and has high hopes for the future:  “My younger daughter stands first in her class. I never imagined my life would take such a big turn.”