Soniya Tudu, a recent graduate of Nepal’s Lutheran Holistic Development Service, runs her own tailoring business, after gaining skills through the church’s youth empowerment project. Photo: NELC
Lutheran church supports young men and women from marginalized communities
(LWI) - Nepali students Sabitri Hembram and Soniya Tudu own home-based tailoring businesses, earning around USD 53 and USD 59 per month, respectively, and supporting their families while building more independent futures.
They are among 210 young women and men from marginalized communities of Morang and Jhapa districts, eastern Nepal, who completed vocational training courses through the Lutheran Holistic Development Service (LHDS) program of the Nepal Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC). Others are generating income from courses on beauty and skin care, masonry, plumbing, computer skills, and electrical work.
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) supports LHDS through its Member church projects program, offering vital opportunities for many young people who would otherwise face unemployment and insecure work, often leading to migration. It is estimated that each year, more than 750,000 Nepalis leave the country seeking employment abroad, while many others struggle to find stable jobs at home. Young people from marginalized communities (Dalit, Janajati, Musahar, and Madhesi) face even greater barriers, including poverty, caste discrimination, gender inequality, and limited access to education, leaving many without pathways to decent work and opportunity.
Building skills, confidence and ownership
The youth empowerment project was designed to ensure that different skills are spread across communities and adapted to the local needs. Plumbing and electrical training equipped young men with technical skills for construction and repair work, and tailoring and beautician courses enabled women and girls to start small businesses from home. All students also received computer and ethical character training, as many were using a computer for the first time while learning practical business and digital skills.
Significantly, by following Nepal’s Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training and National Skill Testing standards, the project transformed locally learned skills into nationally recognized qualifications, helping graduates access employment and income opportunities with greater confidence. During the 2023-2025 period, the NELC youth project successfully transitioned from a temporary skills development initiative into LHDS, which is a legally registered local organization.
Lasting impact
Success can also be measured by the way the center’s graduates have taken ownership of LHDS. Participants were involved in shaping the curriculum, managing activities, and giving regular feedback. Through peer monitoring, technical problem-solving, and engagement with local officials, many young women not only generate income, but they have also gained leadership skills and confidence, changing family attitudes and challenging traditional gender roles.
In 210 households across Morang and Jhapa, there is a young woman or man who can now say ‘I am skilled. I am employed. I am no longer invisible’
Rev. Patrash Marandi, General Secretary, Nepal Evangelical Lutheran Church.
“In 210 households across Morang and Jhapa, there is a young woman or man who can now say ‘I am skilled. I am employed. I am no longer invisible’,” said NELC General Secretary Rev. Patrash Marandi.
He noted that the youth project did not simply give people job skills. It restored dignity and broke cycles of exclusion that had held families back for generations. “Above all, it turned a church community into a force for economic and social transformation - quietly, faithfully, and with remarkable results.”
Overcoming challenges
The project has seen its share of challenges, for instance, the case of Manisha Rajanshi, who had successfully started a tailoring business. Her sewing machine broke down within months, abruptly ending her income and highlighting the fragility of many small businesses, especially for women without access to repair support or financial assistance. Graduates in urban areas have difficulties accessing tools, business resources, and the capital needed to expand beyond home-based work.
At the institutional level, LHDS faces funding shortages and uncertainty about sustaining its activities beyond the youth empowerment project. Despite the availability of trained instructors, a functioning training center, and a proven curriculum, new students are yet to be enrolled in 2026, raising concerns about losing skilled staff while community demand continues to grow.
Sabitri Hembram, utilizing the technical skills she gained through the NELC youth empowerment project. Photo: NELC
Graduates of the NELC vocational training center, after receiving certificates in different skills. Photo: NELC
The vocational training center offers computer skills to manage business records and navigate the internet with confidence. Photo: NELC
Looking ahead with a focus on gender justice
LHDS is now focusing on resource mobilization through new funding sources, advocacy with local government, and maintenance of training equipment. A newly approved project with LWF’s support aims to continue some of these efforts with a strong focus on gender justice beginning in 2027.
“The training center is ready, the instructors are ready, the curriculum has been nationally accredited, and the community is waiting,” Marandi said, expressing hope for the launch of the new project.
