Namaste (again) from Nepal

Hi folks, we're back in Nepal, and deep into our writing process again. Thanks to those who have supported us - energetically and financially. It really helps us bring this amazing work into the world.

It is our second visit here in 2025, and we are no less inspired by Sahakarmi Samaj's Facilitating Empowerment and Social Transformation (FEST) approach to community development. We're still learning heaps, and have been able to apply some of the approach beautifully in other contexts (including a few months in Central Australia with the Central Land Council and NPY Women’s Council). Sharing in this way helps us see and reflect on how strong this approach can be in so many other community development contexts.

We started this 10-week journey in Nepal, gifting ourselves a one-week yoga and meditation retreat, a soulful treat for the body and mind - which also supported a beautiful writing practice from this serene space.  But now, we're constantly dodging mosquitoes (we don't want malaria nor dengue), while anticipating a 13-day trek into the Tsum Valley at the end of our trip (a reward you might say). 

Enjoying some time in the beautiful Himalayas

Meanwhile, we enjoy daily walks in the village of Kolhapur. We embrace the rural vista and hang out with chickens, goats, pigs, ducks, cows (we love our 3-legged cow friend), water buffalo, dogs and today even a few turkeys. Lots of namaste's, but sadly, our local chai shop isn't yet open.  We’re curious about the weather and our body’s response to it – and how different it is from the locals. For us, it is hot and humid (still), but our local friends dress in puff jackets and beanies. It’s a sight that bemuses and bewilders us all daily.

As we continue to write and learn, we’ve been reflecting on a few of the standout elements of the FEST process:

• it is one of the most clearly theorised approaches to community development available - dialogic, collective, rights-focused, process-oriented, inclusive of all, not separating women/men, young people, caste

• it includes a critique of mainstream ‘top down’ development - when things are done to or for people, or organisations deliver 'social packages' from outside

• it offers an alternative clear philosophy - a facilitated approach, an analysis, and a methodology (individual and social transformation, Freirean and humanistic)

• and, importantly, difficult development concepts have been made clear and accessible for practitioners to learn. 

These ingredients have helped with sustainability and scaling across, having a wider impact nationally.

We're here with the organisation for a over a month and excited to be:

• going deeper as we craft 11 chapters of the book – due for publication November 2026

• very excited to be hosting Lara Cooper, artist extraordinaire, as she supports a group of local Community Educators and Community Group members to portray their learnings in artistic form (which we will then use in the book and for an art exhibit in November 2026)

• anticipating attending the FEST Federation Meeting in late November, where Community Development Group representatives come from all over the country to share stories, lessons and explore policy-related issues.

Our goal - a solid book draft by mid-December. 

Thanks again for the support everyone. And stay tuned for news of a second field trip for practitioners in November 2026!

Love, Rachael and Peter

Our Saharkarmi Samaj family welcomes us back