A holistic adolescent and youth empowerment package.
Rupantaran is a holistic adolescent development social and financial skills package, with a focus on two age groups (10–14 years and 15–19 years) separately. It is fully tested with and among adolescents and adults. The package, comprising 15 modules, was designed in partnership and consultation with various UN agencies such as UNICEF and UNFPA, as well as international and national non-governmental organisations, and has been endorsed by the Government of Nepal.
During the project period, Restless Development Nepal served as a hub for Rupantaran by providing capacity-building initiatives. In more than 30 districts, Restless Development Nepal worked to strengthen the capacity of adolescents in collaboration with the Department of Women and Children, District Women and Children Office, Ministry of Youth and Sports, UN agencies such as UN Women, UNICEF and UNFPA, and other I/NGOs.
I used to believe that menstruation is a sin from the past. Rupantaran sessions truly changed my perception. It made me understand that it is possible to challenge outdated perception and practices such as discrimination during menstruation.
Anita Baniya, Rupantaran Trainer
Rupantaran was one of the major tools used by Restless Development Nepal and was rolled out in all its programs through a pool of trainers and young leaders.
The Rupantaran package includes six crucial areas identified by the National Planning Commission (NPC) as key to holistic adolescent development, now included in the National Plan of Action. These areas are life skills, leadership, livelihood, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and micro-enterprise development training.
Key results of the project included stopping child marriages and improving livelihood skills to help women sex workers change careers and protect their health. Restless Development worked as a hub to deliver Rupantaran training through a pool of master trainers, who then delivered sessions for groups including the Department of Women and Children, UNICEF, Save the Children, Nepal Red Cross Society, and many others.
Rupantaran training packages have been adopted and are still in use by many local and international organisations.
