In June 2026, an Innovation Team from Welthungerhilfe (WHH), comprising Jan Kever, Shivangi Kaushik, and Shakab Nabi, visited the Skill Up! – Empowering Vulnerable Youth project sites in Surkhet and Kanchanpur to observe innovative approaches to skills development, green entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient livelihoods. The visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with young entrepreneurs, training participants, and local stakeholders while assessing the project's contribution to creating sustainable employment opportunities.
In Surkhet, the team interacted with graduates of the Boutique and Plumbing training programmes who have started applying their technical skills to establish self-employment and micro-enterprises. The discussions highlighted how market-oriented skills training, combined with entrepreneurship support, is enabling vulnerable youth to build resilient livelihoods and improve their economic prospects.
The delegation also visited the Climate Smart Learning Centers (CSLCs) in Birendranagar Municipality These centre serve as innovation hubs where young people gain practical knowledge on climate-smart agriculture, green technologies, digital learning, and sustainable enterprise development. The team observed demonstration activities and exchanged ideas with project staff and participants on strengthening locally led, climate-resilient solutions.
In Kanchanpur, the Innovation Team visited the ongoing Bamboo Craft Production Training at Shuklaphanta Municipality–7, Kalapani, where participants are developing environmentally sustainable enterprise skills by transforming locally available bamboo into value-added products. The team appreciated the project's focus on promoting green jobs, circular resource use, and enterprise opportunities that contribute to both local economic development and environmental sustainability.
The team also met with members of the Nature Guide Association in Kanchanpur to discuss how nature-based skills are creating employment opportunities in eco-tourism while encouraging biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
The visit reaffirmed the importance of integrating innovation, green skills, and entrepreneurship into youth employment initiatives. Insights and recommendations from the Innovation Team will support the continued strengthening of the Skill Up! project, ensuring that vulnerable young women and men are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to access sustainable livelihoods while contributing to Nepal's transition towards a greener and more resilient economy.
