image0011The Government of Japan and Samaj Sewa Samuha, under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme, are collaborating for the construction of a Care Home for Mentally Challenged Children in Kavrepalanchok District. On 3rd May, 2017, the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony was held in Kharelthok, at the site where the Care Home will be constructed. The guests included Shinya Machida, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan; Dr. Ram Thapaliya, President of the Institute of Crisis Management Studies, and Bharat Bista, President of Samaj Sewa Samuha. This project will be implemented through financial assistance of US Dollar 83,270, and accommodate 30 children who are mentally challenged. The current rehabilitation center provides daily assistance and educational opportunities to 20 mentally challenged children. The Center receives an increasing number of requests from parents with children in a similar condition, but the Center cannot accommodate them due to its limited space. The Care Home will consist of four dormitories, two for boys and two for girls, a dining hall, kitchen, and an administrative room. It is expected that the Care Home will offer the children a hygienic and comfortable living environment. This project will not only help the children, but also the parents who are currently caring for the children on their own. By receiving professional assistance from the Care Home, parents can also be engaged in economic and productive activities. Samaj Sewa Samuha (SSS), a NGO registered in Kavrepalanchok District, carries out various social development projects. SSS has been providing economic and technical support to the rehabilitation center, including support for collaboration with other supporting individual donors and organizations. The Embassy of Japan in Nepal expects that the success of this project will benefit the mentally challenged children in the community and also promote a support system for challenged people in Nepal.