Inauguration Ceremony Held for New “Community Library and Resource Center” in Morang District, Koshi Province, Nepal
Serving as a hub for community development: from literacy to life skills and vocational training
The Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Kyoei Wakabayashi) held an inauguration ceremony on August 29, 2025, to mark the opening of the new “Community Library and Resource Center” in Letang Municipality, Morang District, Koshi Province, Nepal, where the organization has been active.
From left: Mayor of Letang Municipality, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, and H.E. Mr.Maeda, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal
The new Center was established through the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects under the project “Youth and Women’s Employment Support through Community-based Vocational and Technical Skills Development.” It provides continuous opportunities to learn a wide range of skills—from basic literacy to life skills such as communication and problem-solving, as well as vocational and technical skills. In addition to promoting reading through library services, the Center will provide training tailored to local needs, creating a hub for education, culture, community exchange, and skills development. The aim is to contribute to improved employment opportunities, better livelihoods, and poverty reduction in the region.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Toru Maeda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Nepal; Hon. Hikmat Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province; local government officials; members of the Library and Resource Center Management Committee and staff; youth volunteers; community residents; and students. Ambassador Maeda expressed gratitude to all those involved in the project and shared his hope that the Center would further strengthen the ties between the people of Japan and Nepal.
The establishment of the Letang Community Library and Resource Center was made possible thanks to strong advocacy from local residents and active cooperation from municipal and ward authorities. Shanti Bhagawati Secondary School provided part of its premises for the project, while the youth volunteers organized through this initiative have already begun supporting the Center’s activities. They are expected to continue playing an important role in the community’s development.
SVA will continue to support the Center in becoming a vital hub contributing to the growth and empowerment of the community.
Inside view of the newly completed Community Library and Resource Center
Messages from Guests (Excerpts)
Hon. Hikmat Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province
“I sincerely thank all stakeholders who contributed to this project, especially our friends from Japan for their generous support. I commit to ensuring the necessary budget for the library is secured in the provincial budget planning. Japan is a good neighbor to Nepal, and I also hope to explore the potential for promoting tourism from Japan to Koshi Province.”
Mr. Bhupendra Rawat, Mayor of Letang Municipality
“The establishment of this Community Library and Resource Center was made possible through the warm support and cooperation of the local community, SVA, READ Nepal, the Library and Resource Center Management Committee, schools, the Government of Japan, and the Japanese people. I express my heartfelt gratitude and hope this Center will long remain a place that empowers people and contributes to the community’s development.”
Ms. Hiroko Hagihara, SVA Nepal Country Director
“We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Japan for its support, as well as to the Management Committee, ward and municipal authorities, school representatives, community members, and our partner organization READ Nepal for their active cooperation. We hope this Center will become a foundation for community development and a place where people can find hope for the future.”
Overview of the Library and Resource Center
The new Community Library and Resource Center inaugurated on August 29 includes training rooms, a computer lab, a library, a women’s room, a children’s room, a youth room, and a conference room. Programs planned include literacy classes, women’s and youth empowerment training, and vocational and technical skills training.
| Location | Letang Municipality, Morang District, Koshi Province |
| Official Name* | Shanti Community Library and Resource Center |
| Community Background | – Located in the Terai region, with a mixed population of caste groups and minority ethnic groups such as Rai, Limbu, Magar, and Dimal.
-Agriculture is the main livelihood. The area has many migrants and is undergoing urbanization. |
| Activities | – Construction of an earthquake-resistant library and resource center, and provision of equipment (training rooms, IT room, library, conference room, women’s room, youth room, childcare space, etc.) – Capacity-building training for the Management Committee – Publication of picture books based on local folktales – Vocational and technical skills training – Life skills (transferrable skills) training for women and youth – Literacy programs and library services (book lending and reading activities) |
*(The name “Shanti” comes from Shanti Bhagawati Secondary School, on whose premises the Center is located. It does not derive from our organization’s name.)
※SVA began its activities in Nepal following emergency relief operations after the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. Since then, the organization has carried out school construction, publication of picture books and kamishibai (picture-story shows), school meal programs, and other initiatives. Since 2020, in partnership with READ Nepal, SVA has established a total of seven Community Libraries and Resource Centers across the country.
＜About Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA)＞
The Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA) is a Japanese NGO established in 1981. SVA provides educational and cultural support for children in Asia and implements emergency humanitarian assistance. SVA strives to deliver educational opportunities to children so they can continue learning under any circumstances.
Established: December 10, 1981
President: Kyoei Wakabayashi
Head Office: Jibokaikan 2F/3F, 31 Daikyo-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0015, Japan
Activities: Educational and cultural support, emergency humanitarian assistance
Website: https://sva.or.jp/english/
