Where Community Becomes Family: Art, Stories and Reflections from Nepal

Hi folks,

We're back in Kathmandu after four weeks doing rural field work with our Sahakarmi Samaj family. We’re full of love, food, inspiration, and, admittedly, a little exhausted after a month of intense writing, listening, and immersion in the loud, colourful, sensory world of Nepali community life. It’s a far cry from the soft, quiet hills of Maleny. We have a first draft of the book that will be released in 2026 - A Humanist and Freirean Community Development Praxis. Facilitating empowerment, social transformation and stronger governance – a story from Nepal.

Our authoriship team - Rachael, Peter, Ammar and Amina

Accompanying a gorgeous art project

Alongside this, we supported Lara Cooper, Artist extraordinaire, in two three-day art workshops with 20 participants, reflecting on their personal transformations and the power of collective change. For some participants, it was the first time they'd used a drawing pencil or paintbrush, and it was amazing to watch their confidence and sense of achievement blossom over the three days. We love what they made, and many of the artworks will feature in the book, or form part of the exhibition accompanying the launch in November 2026. They are a beautiful visual expression of the Facilitation for Empowerment and Social Transformation (FEST) approach. Think about coming to join us next year or support this great work here.

Embracing hospitality

During our time here, our Sahakarmi family has continued to warm our hearts with their deep care and connection. Their hospitality is unlike anything we’ve experienced. “Guest is God” is a famous Nepali saying, though we came to understand it in our bodies and bellies long before we heard the words. Once someone explained it a few days ago, everything suddenly made sense. The sentiment is one of the loveliest parts of Nepali culture - heartwarming, endearing, and, at times, a little uncomfortable. Our white-person guilt bubbles quietly; we’re always trying to reciprocate or help, only to be met with gentle offence. So, we’ve learned to surrender to the outpouring of generosity. And receive it with the grace that it is given.

Our Sahakarmi Samaj family

Reflecting on coloniality

We’ve also been reflecting on the little things that feel a tad colonial. Recently, we asked a question about why things seem to be running on time this trip, different from the usual Nepali stretchable time. The answer from the CEO, Ammar, with a cheeky chuckle, was, ‘we learned from Peter’. Now, Peter loves being on time, but we wonder if his ways should change the way things are done in this context? We feel a bit uneasy about our influence. In a similar way, one day Rachael asked Ammar how he manages all the competing organisational events and agendas – i.e. what kind of diary system does he use? He replied that he keeps written notes, which seemed astounding for the CEO of a big organisation, with many international donors. She asked him if he knew about Google Calendar as a management system…and his eyes lit up. After supporting him to set up his calendar and putting in some important events, Ammar asked her to run a workshop with all staff on using the Google Calendar system. He told everyone to come to the workshop the next day, and because no one already had a calendar, of course, they were free and could come. Rachael ran a great workshop, but now their lives could be filled with calendar invites and blocked out time. We wonder what this means for their cultural customs that are adaptive and more in flow.  How will this impact everyday practice?

Practice congruence – the inner and outer

We’ve also loved our daily walks among the animals and children of the village, and many convivial connections with the Sahakarmi family. It’s such a stark contrast to so many organisations back home that treat people as “labour” at best and, at worst, as disposable when they no longer fit budgets or push against the grain of the institutional machine. We even heard a heartbreaking example this week where a large charity organisation retrenched people when they were on sick leave to cut budgets. It’s baffling how easily values and heart are forgotten, how the way people are treated becomes disconnected from the work itself. But here, we really experience the meaning and feeling of family within an organisation. People matter. Their stories matter. Their lives matter. The deep care among staff is why so many have stayed since the beginning, with over 25 years of shared purpose.

Our walk each morning through the village is full of life

This place is home for so many, and it’s become our second home too.

But now, we exhale, as we finally put this book-baby down for a little while. It’s sitting at about 80% and ready for fresh eyes and new readers. We’re grateful to hand it over for others to nurse for a bit. We’re now off on a two-week trek into the Tsum Valley, a welcome reward after an intense few months of research, writing, and walking alongside this remarkable work.

With love and hugs, Rachael and Peter

PS: the next field trip dates are set for 28th November - 6th December 2026 for 10 people only. If you're a community development or community work practitioner and would love to come on a learning exchange, reach out, and we will send more information.

PPS: This week, we also celebrated the release of the Community Builder’s Journal - a yearlong guided workbook, with weekly ideas, stories, reflections, and practical invitations to experiment with building community wherever you are. We're excited to see this great resource released into the world! Grab a copy in time for Christmas :)