History

The Nepalese Army Wives Association (NAWA) was established in BS 2040 Kartik with the Motto of "Service is ultimate worship, Service is ultimate devotion". It was initially called the Army Officer's Wives Association(AOWA) but was later renamed Nepalese Army Wives Association (NAWA) with an amendment in it's constitution aimed at making its more inclusive and representative. It's office is located within the premises of Army HQ, Bhadrakali. It is registered as a non profit organization with the office of the Chief District Officer, which is renewed regularly.

Objectives

The primary objective of the association is to carry out a range of social service activities in support of the families of serving & retired Nepalese Army soldiers.

Education

The NAWA began its Contribution in the education sector by providing basic/ primary literacy to the illiterate wives of Nepalese Army (NA) soldiers. Now it runs the following projects:

• Bijeshwori Gyan Mandir Higher Secondary School, Chhauni: Provides education to the children of soldiers, currently 446 students are studying in the school.
• Ripumardini Primary School, Bansbari: Provides primary level education to the children of soldiers. The school currently hosts 205 students.
• Asha Kiran Girl's Hostel, Chhauni: This hostel is home to 58 girl children of the soldiers who laid their lives for the cause of the nation. The hostel is free of cost.
• Scholarship: Scholarship is provided to disabled children of soldiers under "Divya Smriti Physically Challenged Fund" till they reach the age of 16.Scholarship & Cash incentives to students who augur well in studies in all Nepalese Army run schools.

Health

Though the NA welfare scheme provides for a complete coverage of health support to the families of NA soldiers, the NAWA also conducts various activities in the health sector for the families of soldiers:

• Organizes blood donation programs regularly to meet blood requirement of soldier's family.
• Organizes mobile health camps in various Nepalese Army Barrack family accommodations for the benefit of soldier's families and also for the underprivileged indigenous peoples.

Relief Distribution

The NAWA also steps forward to support the government, when the nation is hit hard by natural calamities. NAWA have collected & distributed relief materials to the victims of natural calamities in Baglung, Terhathum, Bardiya, Terai & many other regions and plans to continue doing so in the future. It has also been providing financial & material support to disabled children, needy population and indigenous groups such as Chepangs that are on the verge of extinction.

Self Reliance Training

NAWA Supports various vocational training for war widows and other aspiring wives of soldiers under it's self reliance training programme:

• Sewing & Stitching training: This was initiated during the time of conflict with the war widows as the beneficiaries. Since then it has been one of the mainstay of NAWA's programme so for 270 have benefited from this scheme. A sewing machine use to be provided to all the trainees at the end of the training however it had to be stopped due to lack of funds.
• Computer Training : Basic Computer training is organized for interested candidates. So far 75 have benefited from this scheme.
• Beautician Training: NAWA started conducting this training a year ago and this has quickly become one of the most popular programme.This programme was also conducted in Hetauda as a joint initiative between Mid-Div HQ and NAWA and Ladies Jaycees. We aim to expand this programme to other regions as well.
• Driving Training : Basic driving training for 3 & 4 wheeler is provided under this project. Many have already benefited from this programme.
• Nursery / Gardening Training: A batch of 7 have already graduated from this programme.

Audit of funds

All the funds that are collected from various donors & fund raising activities is managed by a finance sub-committee. The financial transaction is audited annually by expert government auditors and is made public.

Miscellaneous Activities

In addition to these dedicated programmes, the NAWA also provides assistance and support to various social service oriented civil organizations. This involves distribution of books, stationary, furniture and sports equipments or building of sports facilities. NAWA has also provided assistance to institutions working to spread awareness and control of drug abuse.

Future Plans

NAWA remains committed to carryout various programmes in pursuit of it's objective. In one hand, we intend to provide continuity and seek expansion of our current programmes to other regions and on the other hand we aim to launch new projects such as establishment of Day Care Centre to benefit serving female soldiers with small children. Provision of volunteers in Birendra Hospital is also at the planning stage.

Appeal

Families of soldiers are among one of the most affected individuals by the past conflict. Though the conflict have ended, the scars left by it are still afresh. The war widows and their children are in need of psychological and financial support to get back on their feet. Similarly, the wives and children of the wounded and disabled also need support, the NAWA is organizing many projects to support them and obviously it needs the generous support of all the nation loving and proud citizens of Nepal who truly value the sacrifice made by our brave soldiers. We appeal to all to make whatever contribution you can to help us in helping them.