Children and their family were facing significant hardship due to the severe flooding in Rajwara village, Madhav Narayan Municipality Ward No. 8. The Bagmati River had overflowed following continuous heavy rainfall, submerging homes, damaging farmlands, and destroying standing crops. Since nearly 80% of the cultivable land lies across the river, families who depend largely on agriculture suddenly lost access to their primary livelihood.
The only local boat, already in weak condition, became completely unsafe and unusable after the flood. With the nearest bridge several kilometers away, daily travel was nearly impossible. As a result, farming activities came to a complete halt. This pushed many families including the child’s household into financial distress.
The family struggled to meet even basic needs. Parents were unable to afford school supplies, and the child faced increased food insecurity and irregular meals. The loss of income and uncertainty about future harvests created high levels of stress and a sense of helplessness within the household. Overall, the child’s wellbeing, nutrition, education, and emotional security were significantly affected prior to WVI Nepal’s support.
Understanding the urgency, Rural Development Centre Nepal, Supported from World Vision International Nepal, swiftly took action. Immediately after the disaster, RDC Nepal and WVI Nepal responded by distributing emergency food packages and tarpaulin sheets to ensure that families had access to essential food and temporary shelter during the most critical period.
As the community gradually began recovering, the partnership focused on restoring long-term access and livelihoods. Based on the request of the Ward Chairperson and the community, RDC Nepal—supported by WVI Nepal—facilitated the construction of a new, safe, and durable wooden boat with a capacity of 80–90 passengers. This new boat, which doubled the capacity of the previous one, was officially handed over to the community, enabling families to safely cross the Bagmati River and regain access to their agricultural land, schools, markets, and essential services.
Furthermore, to strengthen community resilience and preparedness for future disasters, local disaster preparedness materials were handed over to Madhav Narayan Municipality.
Through these combined efforts, RDC Nepal and WVI Nepal helped the child and their family recover from the immediate crisis, restored their livelihood opportunities, and enhanced their overall safety and well-being.
RDC Nepal’s in partnership with WVI Nepal support brought significant positive changes for the child and their family. The new wooden boat restored safe access to farmland, schools, markets, and health services, allowing families to resume their livelihoods and children to attend school regularly. Stress and fear caused by the unsafe river crossing have reduced, and families now feel safer and more hopeful. The Ward’s commitment to appointing a permanent boat rider has added long-term stability. Overall, the response improved mobility, well-being, and confidence for over 1,000 community members.
This initiative is a part of a larger effort to build resilient communities in flood-prone areas. Through disaster preparedness, infrastructure support, and partnership with local governments, World Vision International Nepal and RDC Nepal aim to restore livelihoods, promote child well-being, and strengthen community cohesion.
What began as a response to a natural disaster has now transformed into a symbol of community resilience and collaboration. With continued support from donors and stakeholders, similar interventions can uplift more vulnerable communities across the Madhesh Province.
Quotes of the Ward Chairperson "This boat is a lifeline for our community. Unlike the old one, it can carry twice as many people, making daily travel safer and easier. Thanks to World Vision and RDC-Nepal, families can now reach their farmlands again. We, the people of Rajwada and nearby villages, are truly grateful for this support."
