Kathmandu: Aakar Foundation has successfully completed its first Block Printing Training Program for young adults with autism, marking an important step toward promoting inclusive livelihoods and vocational opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Foundation celebrated the achievement through an exhibition showcasing trainees’ handmade creations along with a certificate distribution ceremony held at AutismCare Nepal Society, Godavari, on July 21.
A total of 12 trainees graduated after completing an eight-week training module in textile block printing. Their handmade products were displayed during the exhibition, demonstrating the creativity, skills, and potential of persons with autism when provided with appropriate vocational opportunities and support.
The event was attended by Dr. Rajni Rijal, Chairperson of The Women’s Council, UK, as the Chief Guest. Also present were Mr. Sekhar Chettri, Founder of Aakar Foundation; Ms. Archana Shah, President of Aakar Foundation; Mr. Surendra Bajracharya, Director of AutismCare Nepal Society; representatives from Dabu Textile Studio; parents; and supporters.
The initiative originated from an action plan developed by Archana Shah during the Community Initiatives in Inclusion course at ADAPT, Mumbai, sponsored by The Women’s Council, UK. It has since evolved into a collaborative effort between Aakar Foundation, AutismCare Nepal Society, and Dabu Textile Studio.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Guest Dr. Rajni Rijal, Chairperson of The Women’s Council, UK, expressed her appreciation for the initiative. “It has been an honour and a privilege to be invited by Aakar Foundation to join this celebration and witness the wonderful work being done with adults with additional needs. Their achievements today are truly an inspiration to us all. As Chairperson of The Women’s Council, it gives me great pleasure to see this firsthand and to be part of this journey with them,” she said.
Mr. Sekhar Chettri, Founder of Aakar Foundation, expressed his pride in the trainees’ accomplishments. “I am so proud of them. Celebrations like this motivate our foundation to grow and reach every person with autism and intellectual disabilities, to nurture what they are capable of and build a life of independence,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Archana Shah, President of Aakar Foundation, highlighted the importance of creating long-term opportunities for persons with autism and disabilities. “Support for persons with autism often fades after childhood, leaving few to no pathways to employment in adulthood. People with disabilities need opportunities to contribute, create, and earn. This graduation is just the beginning of a longer journey towards meaningful livelihoods,” she said.
During the program, trainees learned textile block printing under the guidance of Dabu Textile Studio, working at their own pace in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
The training program supports Aakar Foundation’s broader vision of establishing an Inclusive Workplace—a platform where persons with autism and intellectual disabilities can work, earn, and develop independent livelihoods through initiatives such as a café, bakery, textile studio, lifestyle store, art gallery, and production workshop.
Aakar Foundation expressed gratitude to Global IME Bank Limited for its financial support in making the training program possible, as well as to AutismCare Nepal Society, Dabu Textile Studio, and The Women’s Council, UK for their valuable contributions and collaboration.
About Aakar Foundation
Aakar Foundation is a Nepal-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the financial empowerment of persons with disabilities, particularly individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Through vocational training, creative enterprise development, market access, and inclusive employment initiatives, the Foundation works to create opportunities for persons with disabilities to build skills, generate income, and thrive with dignity.
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