We earned revenue of NRs. 60,000 by selling four goats. Earlier we had bought a cow for NRS. 61,000. Benefiting from selling of milk, we were able to pay loan. We also have 18-month-old calf from the cow.
We have with us four goats, which reproduces twice a year. We generate revenue by selling those kids. At present we have four goats, three castrated goats, worth NRS. 25,000.
This occupation of animal husbandry was not as easy as it seems today. Animal husbandry diverted our attention from farming. It was difficult to balance farming and animal husbandry. But now it has become way simpler balancing the two, credit goes to DSS.
It was six years ago when DSS began implementing food security project in our village. Initially, DSS organized all farmers in the village. They were briefed about organic farming and it’s benefits. We were urged to plant grasses. We planted mango, litchi. DSS taught us to prepare seedlings and methods of nursery.
We had 15 kattha lands, where production dependent on annual rainfall. Production from the same land was enough for the whole year, while it was not the same always. With the help of the instructions as provided by DSS, we now are able to balance farming and animal husbandry.
Sustainable agricultural activities are conducted in village. As we have been able to balance farming and animal husbandry, we now have sufficiently enough production. Also, there is not much problem with grasses these days. We spend six months in animal husbandry while rest six months in farming. We make pretty good earnings from animal husbandry as well from farming. If in case there are less rainfall and production decreases we can earn our living from animal husbandry. This helps us in our livelihood. We have now started planting grasses, rather fruits. We have been benefited more from it.
Sustainable agricultural programs have been organized by DSS, since six years, under its program of right to food. DSS has provided support in many ways to farmers like us, at lower scale. DSS has been helping through orientation on manure, compost, pesticides, and its proper use. It has been helping in providing advance ways of making cowsheds, improvements and proper use of by-products. As a result of which, we are now using organic pesticides.
We are a family of five. We stay at Dhalkebajar, 1, Kemalipur, Dhanusha.

Earlier there was no practice of involving women in village council. These days, women are sent written invitation. Till date, I have participated five times in the council meeting.
We requested allocation of certain sum for vocational training. 1.5 million was allocated by VDC, and we received nine-month vocational trainings. Nine of us received the training. Among us, three set up business in the village itself from the acquired skills, while six of us are utilizing the skills for household purposes.
We have understood our need, due to which it was easier for us to seek help, which forced the institution in helping us, in reaching us.
Six years back, I didn’t know about rights of women. I was unaware that women have equal rights to that of men. Earlier, when there were visitors from organizations, we used to hide. We were ashamed to talk. Now, I stand for women and their rights. I am now the president of Women Rights Club, at village level.
I find that I have moved ahead in one way or the other in my life. Now, I am in a position of taking problems of our village to VDC Secretary. I raise issues regarding development and problems of community, before local development officer, at VDC.
I have got an opportunity to learn many things. I was illiterate earlier. I could not even write my name. Now, I have been helping the women who become victim to different kinds of discrimination. Pushpabalpur VDC Women Club comprises seven executive members. We save by depositing monthly Rs.10, and have also been able to receive aid.
Our Club is supported by contractor, lends Rs.500. Likewise, individuals have financially assisted. Ambika Lama has contributed Rs.2, 000. Now, we have a total of Rs.22, 000. We, women have been left behind in various walks of life. The attitudes of men towards us have changed. They are more supportive.
We are also running a cooperative. We take loans at decreased interest rates, lowering from 60% to 18% now. We have been taught all these by DSS. I am thankful to DSS for these supports.
My house is located in Dhanusha district, Dhalkebar, Pushpalpur VDC, ward no. 8, 7 km east from the highway. I am 45 years in age. We have a family of six members. Agriculture is the source of our income.

I have passed School Leaving Certificate Examination (SLC). Since childhood, I am interested in artwork, but due to various circumstances I could not continue with my passion. But, now I am a pretty good artist. It is because of a letter and the greetings from my sponsor, I got an opportunity to become an artist.
I had an aspiration to study. Due to poor economic condition, I could not go to school. We had only 10 dhur of land, and one hut. It was difficult for us to survive. Our family’s economic condition was too bad. I went to school until I was in grade seven. Then, my father could not afford my education.
I began helping my father at his work. I was good at art. My sponsor saw my work, and was impressed. My sponsor had sent me a letter, and a greeting card. I became enthusiastic and got an opportunity to continue with my studies.
I am a child sponsored by Action Aid Nepal. With the help of DSS, we have become successful in establishing Child Club (Child Rights Club). I am the secretary of the Club now. DSS frequently organizes programs at schools and in community. It conducts awareness campaigns, along with sports events.
It feels good to participate in events like- quiz competition, running competition, and other events. DSS also looks into the issues of education, health and child rights. Association with the child club provided me with an opportunity to participate in various activities and discussions and learn so many things. I got to know more about education, health and child rights. I have been able to involve myself in cleanliness campaigns and lead my community.
My house is situated in Dhanusha district, Hahriharpur, ward No.1, Durgatol. I am the second child of my family. We are seven members in our family.
Sustainable agricultural programs have been organized by DSS, since six years, under its program of right to food. DSS has provided support in many ways to farmers like us, at lower scale. DSS has been helping through orientation on manure, compost, pesticides, and its proper use. It has been helping in providing advance ways of making cowsheds, improvements and proper use of by-products. As a result of which, we are now using organic pesticides.

Dhanusha Sewa Samiti (DSS) helped and facilitated setting-up of Village Educational Committee (VEC), Bengadabar- the first of its type in the entire Dhanusha District. The purpose of the VEC is to mobilize the fund of Village Development Committee (VDC) for the betterment of schools of that particular village, based on need and priority.
Village Educational Committee (VEC) has been successful in helping schools, on the basis of priority. The committee has contributed to five primary schools and one secondary school. It contributed 40% of the total VDC budget during its first fiscal year, of worth, RS.760, 000 and 60% during its second fiscal year, of worth Rs.200, 000. Along with it, Dhanusha VDC contributed Rs.200, 000 to Adarsha Primary School, Lalgadh. Schools are moving forward with a plan of identifying local resources, for the long-term development of school.
Alongside this initiative, the children are admitted to schools as the DSS has unleashed the campaign of admitting students in schools. For the reduction of absenteeism in school, scholarship programs are brought up.

Earlier there were many who criticized me. Those who did so have now come to me and appreciated the changes in me. They now share that there is no regrets in educating a girl child. I have been actively involved in movement for Education. I have realized the importance of education. It is one the valuable assets of one’s life. I am able to read and write now.
At the age of 41 I have come to understand that an uneducated person is non-lees then a blind. Without education, we are like an animal. We all need to send our children to schools and colleges. Future of a child depends on their parents.
Leela Rana Magar shares her experience regarding the importance of education she has felt, in an inclusive discussion center. “It was ten years back, I sent my girl to school. My daughter refused going to school. But I anyhow used to send her to school.
I sent her school scolding and beating at times. Then, I was hugely criticized in my community. I was questioned over my economic status. But I refused listening to all of them. I had one meal a day, and saved for my daughter’s education. I was determined in educating my daughter.
Days passed by, and my daughter enjoyed going to school, and studying. My daughter taught me then! Earlier I could not even write my own name. Now, I have been able to do so. My friends are surprised to see the changes in me. They say that I took a good decision by educating my daughter.
The northern side of Dhanusha district, Dhalkebar VDC, ward no. 4, is inhabitant by majority of Dalit community and indigenous population. People in this place earn their living by selling firewood. Since last year, DSS has been conducting Inclusive Discussion Centers, under Vocational Education. Leela Rana Magar is among one of the participant of Inclusive Discussion Center. Discussions on several issues are held in the Inclusive Discussion Center.