CAN (Community Action Nepal)

CAN works throughout Nepal without bias towards any tribe, religion or culture, based on the needs of the wider village community and is currently involved in over 40 projects in Nepal.

Started and headed by mountaineer Doug Scott who formed strong bonds and relationships during his climbing career with the Nepalese people and gained a growing understanding of their culture. Doug knew he had to do something positive and purposeful for the people of Nepal as, although they were "emotionally" wealthy, they had little infrastructure wealth in terms of educational opportunities, access to primary health care or clean water systems.

As a result Doug formed a charitable trust 'Community Action Nepal' .

CAN operates and is active in the middle hill regions of Nepal. This area, lying between 2,000 and 4,000 metres sees least benefit from the tourism industry, and its people are amongst the poorest in Nepal.

CAN's main focus and work is about sustainable health and education projects, working with the local people and village communities. The foundation and essence of its work is based on a community development approach to achieve long lasting, valuable and genuine partnerships with the Nepali people in the belief that this cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility towards a project's success and development and improvement in the quality of daily life.

To avoid 'donor dependency' CAN actively encourages local participation in the project development. Villagers are asked to contribute whatever they are able in work and skills to ensure that the finished project is valued and felt to be fully 'owned' by the community. In financial terms, the village's contribution is around 30% of the total cost of the project.

One of our more regular donor companies is 'Community Action Treks' who organise trips and expeditions to Nepal on a "people not profit" principle. They also try to ensure that at least one of our projects in the middle hill area is visited by their clients. This creates a real and genuine connection with the rural people of Nepal and develops a better understanding of the spiritual and cultural diversity of ordinary village life; it is greatly enjoyed and appreciated by both the villagers and the trekkers

All money donated to CAN goes straight to Nepal without exception or interference from "administration" or "salary" costs. All trustees and officers of the charity in the UK are unpaid and give their time and skills free as their commitment to our work in Nepal.

CAN's work is only limited by its funding.

Postal Address: Warwick Mill, Warwick Bridge, Carlisle, Cumbria. CA4 8RR

Tel: 01228 564488

Fax: 01228 564431

Email: info@catreks.com

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