By Joey | Lead Volunteer
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We’re thrilled to share that after months of challenge and resilience, the Panauti Community Hub and Café is finally nearing its grand opening!
This vibrant space, nestled in it’s beautifully restored Newari heritage building, is set to become a space of hope, learning, and empowerment for hundreds of young people in Panauti. From free afterschool tuition and arts programmes to vocational training and a not-for-profit training café, the vision is coming to life.
Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Building renovations have been significantly delayed due to record-breaking rainfall once again, causing landslides, blocked roads, and damaged infrastructure nationwide. Our team have worked tirelessly to protect the site
Compounding this, the fall of Nepal’s government in September, following youth-led Gen Z protests against corruption and censorship, created further instability. Yet, even in the face of political upheaval and logistical setbacks, our local partners and community members have shown extraordinary commitment and courage.
The Good News: We’re Nearly There!
Despite everything, we’re now just weeks away from opening! The energy on the ground is gathering. Furniture is being moved in, training programmes are being scheduled. The space is so very nearly ready to welcome children, families, and visitors with warmth, and with purpose.
What’s Still Needed: Your Support
To truly bring this project to life, we urgently need funding to hire a dedicated team of staff, educators, counsellors, café workers, and youth mentors who will run the Hub and Café day-to-day. We haven’t yet secured the funding we desperately needs to do this.
Your donations will directly support:
This isn’t just a building, it’s a community-powered solution to deep-rooted challenges. In a region where 67% of children are engaged in child labour and 32% report domestic abuse, the Hub offers a lifeline. It’s a place to grow, heal, and thrive.
Every pound you give helps us build a future of dignity, opportunity, and fun. Your support is not just appreciated it’s transformative for a community who really need a break and some optimism.
We’re so grateful to everyone who has followed this project and supported us so far. Please consider sharing this project with friends, family, and your networks. Together, we are working hard to make this dream a reality.
The Freedom to Learn Team
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