Author: space4knews

Gulmi district has been officially declared a fully immunized district once again. Ramji Ghimire, Health Minister of Lumbini Province, stated during a program held in Tamghas that the immunization program forms the primary basis for child health protection. The declaration came after all 12 local levels in the district met the necessary criteria.

During the special event in Tamghas on Monday, Minister Ghimire emphasized the vital importance of immunization while announcing the district’s status as fully immunized. He highlighted that vaccination is fundamental for safeguarding children’s health and urged enhanced collaboration among local authorities, health workers, representatives, and the community to create an environment where all children receive timely and regular immunizations.

Pushpa Thapa, Public Health Officer at the Gulmi Health Office, provided information about the achievements attained through the immunization programs in the district and the strategies adopted for sustaining full immunization coverage. Prior to the official declaration, all wards and the 12 local levels of the district fulfilled the required standards. Notably, Gulmi was previously declared Nepal’s seventh fully immunized district on Chaitra 30, 2071 BS.

Amuka and their family members face discrimination and humiliation in public spaces due to their physical disabilities. While boarding a bus in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, the conductor remarked, ‘You walk like you’ve been drinking; why do you ask for a discount just because you’re disabled?’ Amuka responds with a smile, showing their ID card, but feels a deep hurt inside. Their foot has a thin groove, preventing them from placing direct weight on it, forcing them to walk unsteadily. Others wrongly assume Amuka is intoxicated and look down on them. This is a small glimpse into Amuka’s daily life.

Born in Nayapur village, Kaski district, Amuka is now 25 years old. Their family consists of 10 members, among whom 4 have physical disabilities—the eldest sister, two brothers, and Amuka. The other four siblings are unaffected. All four disabled members share similar conditions: a slightly raised spine, feet with thin grooves, and bent or twisted legs. This makes standing and walking very difficult. The eldest sister is the most severely disabled and cannot walk even with a stick, requiring assistance. One brother, Mylo, is somewhat stronger, while Amuka is the least affected, able to walk lightly. Medical examinations found no definitive disease; everything appeared normal. The government has issued red or blue disability cards, but the associated benefits are minimal. When asking for discounts on public buses, conductors often insult them.

After completing basic education in their village, Amuka moved to Kathmandu with the goal of learning Thangka painting. A disability-focused organization offers free painting training, where Amuka and Mylo started learning together. The organization provides 6,000 rupees per month for rent and expenses, but the rent alone is 5,000 rupees. To cover the remaining costs, Amuka sometimes has to skip classes and sell incense sticks. While selling incense, some people show sympathy. Some praise them, saying, ‘Many with disabilities beg to make a living, but you work to support yourself.’ Others ask, ‘If you can walk this way, why don’t you do other jobs?’ However, some use buying incense as an excuse to splash water on Amuka in humiliation. Occasionally, travelers mockingly say, ‘I’m disabled too,’ as an insult. Amuka retorts, ‘I’m physically disabled; it seems you are mentally disabled.’ Although born female, Amuka identified as male from a young age.

After moving to Kathmandu during adolescence, Amuka learned about the LGBTQ community and transgender individuals through social media. Their identity became clearer after hearing a disabled friend’s experience. Now openly living as a trans man, Amuka dresses in male clothing and keeps short hair. Their first romantic relationship was with a girl who did not want to continue it. One day, Amuka was attacked by a group of boys who tried to assault them with knives. Neighbors intervened and saved Amuka. The assaults repeated two or three more times. Filing a police complaint led only to photographs being taken but no action. These events deeply hurt Amuka, forcing them to live alone for a time. Later, they met another woman through TikTok who identifies as lesbian. They now share a stable relationship and openly communicate about everything.

Amuka has completed their undergraduate studies and is learning Thangka painting. Financial difficulties make it challenging to attend courses regularly. Their greatest dream is to undergo surgery to fully transition to a male body. However, weak financial status is a major obstacle. ‘My family is very poor; if we were wealthy, perhaps I could have done it,’ Amuka says. But they have not given up. ‘I will earn a lot of money and do the surgery myself,’ they affirm. Amuka’s life is a collective struggle against disability, transgender identity, poverty, violence, and social discrimination. Yet, they say joyfully, ‘Whatever happens, I live, I fight, and I dream.’

The Passport Department has successfully completed the largest data migration in Nepal’s history, implementing a new passport production and management system. Approximately one crore citizens’ information has been securely transferred to the new system, and the responsibility for passport printing has now been awarded to a German company. Due to potential technical challenges and possible system slowdowns, the department has requested that only those with urgent needs submit passport applications at this time.

Kathmandu, 14 July – The Passport Department announced the successful completion of the largest-ever data migration in Nepal, launching services through a new passport production and management system. According to an official notice released on Monday, the new system has been operational starting today. In this process, the department has securely migrated passport-related information of nearly one crore Nepali citizens to the new platform. Previously, passports were printed by the French company IDEMIA; the German company has now taken over this responsibility.

The department noted that in the initial phase following implementation of such a large-scale IT system, some technical difficulties, system slowdowns, and minor delays in passport delivery are to be expected. To address these issues promptly, the department’s technical team, staff, and the system development company’s experts are monitoring, testing, and improving the system around the clock. The department has requested that only those applicants with urgent needs apply for passports during this initial phase. They believe this approach will contribute to stabilizing and enhancing the effectiveness of the new system.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Saathi Children has reported empowering over 400 children through education and skills training to become self-reliant. Kathmandu. Initially established to offer immediate shelter to women and children affected by gender-based violence, the program has evolved into a campaign focused on fostering self-sufficiency. Over the past 25 years, Saathi Children has guided more than 400 children impacted by violence towards education, skill development, and a secure future, the organization announced on Sunday while marking its 25th foundation day.

The organization started operating the first shelter for women affected by violence and drug abuse victims in 1992. Recognizing the need to protect children accompanying their mothers, Saathi Children initiated its dedicated program in 2001. Presently, separate residential protection centers for boys and girls operate in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Bara, and Kanchanpur. According to program coordinator Anju Singh, the organization offers educational opportunities ranging from secondary to bachelor’s levels, along with vocational training in plumbing, tailoring, computer skills, hotel management, and other trades.

“We do not send them out once they turn 18; we continue to support them until they can stand on their own feet,” Singh explained. Currently, over 200 children and adolescents reside in the various residential centers managed by the organization. Over 25 years, more than 400 children have gained education and skills here and embarked on independent lives, the organization reported. Rajan Gahtaraj, a beneficiary, shared that with Saathi’s assistance, he has acquired education and skills, enabling him to live a respected life with his family.

“Had Saathi not provided me education and skills, I would not be in a position today to build my own home and live with my family,” he remarked. Vinita Suchikar, Sonia Shrestha, and Anil Kumar Sarki also recounted their experiences of achieving higher education with the organization’s support. At the event, French pharmacist Jean-Michel Penny was honored for his long-term support of the organization. Through the profits of his company, Smart Pharma, and contributions from his family and employees, he has provided financial assistance to Saathi annually.

“Children’s lives are short, and projects do not change overnight,” Penny stated. “My support will continue until they become empowered citizens through higher education and skill acquisition.” Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chief Chiribabu Maharjan noted that the municipality has been prioritizing social programs targeting women, children, and senior citizens. Saathi Children’s chairperson Sajani Amatya affirmed that the organization’s primary goal remains to provide safe shelter, education, and pathways to self-reliant lives for women affected by violence, orphaned children, street children, and those dependent solely on their mothers, and that this mission will continue unabated.