STARRY in Nepal | 59 Days of Impact

April 24, 2026

As part of the STARRY – ESC Humanitarian Aid Project, funded by the European Commission, a 59-day volunteering activity was successfully implemented in Okhaldhunga, Nepal in collaboration with Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN).

During this impactful mission, international volunteers Noemi Canabal Cerdeira, Nerea Nicolás Martínez, Anna Criado Rueda, Giulia Guccione, and Alessandra Moleri contributed to two key areas: women’s empowerment and children’s development, creating meaningful and lasting change within local communities.

Women’s Empowerment – Financial Literacy

The project reached 133 women, exceeding its initial target, through structured and participatory learning activities focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Volunteers developed locally adapted learning materials, ensuring accessibility and cultural relevance. Through workshops and group discussions, women gained practical skills in:

Budgeting and savings
Income and expense management
Debt awareness
Understanding the difference between needs and wants
Financial planning and decision-making

A strong emphasis was placed on participatory learning, creating a safe space for women to share experiences and support each other.

Key Results:

Over 95% of participants clearly understood the difference between needs and wants
Increased confidence in household financial decision-making
Stronger participation in community groups and cooperatives
More open and constructive financial discussions within families

Beyond knowledge, the project fostered confidence, independence, and long-term behavioral change, empowering women to actively shape their financial futures.

– Children’s Development – Education & Protection

In parallel, the project supported over 50 children across 2 schools, focusing on creating engaging, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environments.

Volunteers, together with local interns, developed interactive educational materials and delivered dynamic sessions using storytelling, games, and real-life examples.

Activities included:

Classroom support and structured learning sessions
English language development (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
Awareness discussions on environment, human rights, emotional intelligence, and good habits
Creative activities such as wall magazines, drawings, and group work

Key Results:

Improved communication and self-expression skills
Increased participation in group activities and extracurricular engagement
Greater confidence in English language and life skills
Around 95% of children actively engaged in sessions
Positive behavioral changes, including better teamwork and improved hygiene habits

The interactive and inclusive approach helped children become more confident, expressive, and actively involved in their learning process.

– The Role of Volunteers

The dedication of Noemi Canabal Cerdeira, Nerea Nicolás Martínez, Anna Criado Rueda, Giulia Guccione, and Alessandra Moleri was central to the success of this activity.

They:

Designed and delivered educational and financial literacy sessions
Facilitated inclusive and participatory learning environments
Supported both women and children in building essential life skills
Encouraged confidence, collaboration, and community engagement

– Lasting Impact

This 59-day activity not only strengthened financial literacy among women and educational outcomes for children, but also contributed to building more resilient, confident, and empowered communities in Okhaldhunga.

Through solidarity, learning, and collaboration, the STARRY project continues to create meaningful impact where it is needed most.