DFAT Officials Visit Jhapa to Review Community Development Efforts

Jhapa, May 12, 2025 — Two senior officials from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) visited Kankai Municipality, Jhapa, to assess ongoing development initiatives under the Nepal Livelihoods and Resilience Program Phase II (NLRP II). The program, implemented by Caritas Nepal with support from Caritas Australia and Australian Aid, aims to strengthen community resilience and foster sustainable development in rural areas.

The visiting delegation included Ms. Anna Mackintosh, Acting Assistant Director, and Mr. Tobias Smith, Senior Program Officer. Their monitoring visit was part of DFAT’s regular oversight to evaluate the progress and impact of the aid programs supported by the Australian Government. During their field visit, the officials were warmly welcomed by Caritas Nepal, local authorities, and community members. They toured various project sites, interacted with beneficiaries, and participated in dialogues with local stakeholders. The team engaged in meaningful conversations with farmers, women’s groups, youth representatives, and other participants of the program to understand how the initiatives have affected their lives and livelihoods.

Community members shared their personal stories, highlighting improvements in income generation, agricultural practices, and resilience to climate-related challenges. The DFAT representatives appreciated the feedback and emphasized the importance of community voices in shaping effective development strategies. “It’s inspiring to see how the community has taken charge and actively contributed to the success of this initiative” Ms. Anna Mackintosh remarked, reflecting on the community-led efforts observed throughout the visit.

In addition to observing project outcomes, the officials provided constructive feedback and suggestions for further program enhancement. They commended the collaborative approach between Caritas Nepal and local communities, recognizing the value of participatory development in achieving long-term results.

The visit was a clear reflection of the strong partnership between Caritas Nepal, Caritas Australia, and the Australian Government, all working together to support communities at the grassroots level. Caritas Nepal also took a moment to appreciate the local stakeholders and volunteers whose efforts made the visit meaningful and smooth.

More than just a check-in, the monitoring visit helped everyone involved see the real impact of the NLRP II program on people’s lives. It also helped strengthen the connection between the partners and showed a shared commitment to keeping development efforts community-driven, transparent, and accountable.