Caritas Nepal

Caritas Nepal was founded in 1990 by Anthony Francis Sharma to support the most vulnerable members of society, particularly in response to natural disasters or other emergency situations.^[1][6] In 1991, the organisation opened its first school for Bhutanese refugee children. Four years later, Caritas Nepal provided help to families from 17 villages of Bardiya affected by floods.^[4]

In 2003, the organisation started its integrated pest management (IPM) approach and became one of several organisations that played an instrumental role in the dissemination of IPM technologies in the country.^[7] Another major pillar of Caritas Nepal's work is its climate change adaptation projects.

In 2015, Nepal was struck by a devastating earthquake. Caritas Nepal redirected much of its ongoing work to life-saving activities and quickly became a major relief and rehabilitation actor. Its initial efforts included the provision of immediate relief materials to earthquake-affected individuals, such as clothes, sleeping mats, blankets and WASH items like buckets and soap, as well as tarpaulin sheets.^[8] Later, the organisation supported the reconstruction of thousands of homes for affected families.^[9][2]

In 2023, Sr. Durga Cecilia Shrestha, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, became the first woman to lead Caritas Nepal.^[10]

The organisation consists of a head office, three provincial offices, and nine field offices. Caritas Nepal carries out its work through both staff and volunteers.^[8] In 2024, the organisation operated in 23 districts, supporting more than 40,000 people.^[4]

• Official website