Like every youth, Raju Shrestha, a 29-year-old resident of Khalte in Belkotgadhi Municipality of Nuwakot district, also has a dream to provide a quality life for his family of four- a wife, two daughters and a son. For the same reason, Raju took up a job in Malaysia to make a livelihood and support his family, but it didn’t last for long.
When MCA-Nepal acquired the required lands for the construction of Ratmate Substation under the Electricity Transmission Project (ETP), Raju and his family had to relocate as their land fell within the territory designated for the project. MCA-Nepal legally acquired 20 Ropani of land, which was in his father’s name, for which Raju and his family were fairly compensated. Raju’s father provided him with some amount of the compensation money. Raju used the fund to construct a house along the highway. He also decided to open a small restaurant in his house realizing the potential of the location. During the same time, MCA–Nepal also launched the Livelihood Restoration Program (LRP) to restore the livelihoods of people affected by the project. During consultations for the program on choices to enhance skills, Raju opted for training to improve his cooking skills to better his restaurant business. He then enrolled in a two-month long training in sweet and snack preparation.
With newfound knowledge and skills, Raju expanded the menu of his restaurant with delicious sweet and snack items, such as Samosa, Momo, Pakauda (fritters), and a variety of sweets. His culinary creations were well-received by the local community. Raju’s hard work paid off when he sold around ten kilograms of Jerry, along with other sweets, on the occasion of Mother’s Day to earn approximately NRs. 10 thousand in a single day.
Buoyed by his initial success, Raju now plans to produce and sell more sweets during upcoming festivals. The increased demand during festive occasions presents an opportunity for him to further boost his sales and expand his business. Currently, his restaurant generates daily sales of around NRs. 3,000 to 3,500. Raju envisions expanding his business with the addition of more delectable items in the menu.
Raju is grateful for the support he received from the LRP. The training he received not only enhanced his cooking skills but also gave him the confidence to venture into culinary entrepreneurship. Raju’s journey from being affected by the project to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to his hard work and the transformative power of the support and opportunities provided by the LRP. The two-year program being implemented by MCA-Nepal Consultant SAPPROS Nepal is conducting livelihood activities as per the livelihood choices made by affected people. Currently, 272 people are being supported by the program, of which 108 are engaged in agriculture and livestock related activities, and 164 are engaged in one of 18 different vocational and skills based trainings. The program is an integral component of MCA-Nepal’s resettlement action plan based on international standards to ensure improved means of livelihood for physically and economically displaced people.
