About Us
Building hope, empowering communities, and creating sustainable impact for a better tomorrow.
Together for Humanity, Together for Nepal.
The Association for Social Transformation and Humanitarians Assistance (ASTHA Nepal), is a non-political, non-profit organization committed to advancing equitable, inclusive and sustainable development across Nepal. ASTHA Nepal in 1996 was established as named “Village Development and Women Awareness Centre” with the objective to contribute for the socio-economic transformation of the country. ASTHA has evolved from a small community initiative into a dynamic national organization recognized for its expertise. Over nearly three decades, it has evolved into a nationally recognized organization with a strong reputation for implementing high-impact programs in livelihoods, natural resource management, health and nutrition, education, governance, renewable energy, and humanitarian response.
ASTHA Nepal is a national NGO working across 35 districts to advance inclusive community development. Through strong partnerships with government and international agencies, ASTHA delivers impactful programs that improve livelihoods, protect children, promote justice, and advance gender equality in line with national priorities and the SDGs.
Our Mission
To serve vulnerable communities across Nepal through humanitarian assistance, inclusive development, and empowerment programs that promote dignity, resilience, and sustainable change. We work hand in hand with people affected by poverty, disasters, and social injustice — enabling them to rebuild lives and shape a better future for themselves and their communities.
Our vision
A just, resilient, and compassionate society where every individual — regardless of gender, geography, or background — has the opportunity to live with dignity, security, and hope. ASTHA Nepal envisions a future where communities are empowered, sustainable, and united in the spirit of humanity.
Our Values
We are transparent, accountable, and ethical in our actions and decisions — building trust with communities and partners.,We celebrate diversity and ensure equal participation for all, especially women, children, and marginalized groups,We believe in the power of partnership — working together with local communities, government bodies, and organizations to achieve lasting impact.
Our Journey
From humble beginnings to a nationwide movement, here is how we have grown over the years.
1996
ASTHA Nepal was established as Village Development and Women Awareness Centre, focusing on women’s awareness, literacy, and grassroots empowerment.
1997
Community mobilization programs expanded, strengthening women’s groups and local participation in rural development.
1998
Adult literacy, health awareness, and social empowerment activities were scaled up in remote communities.
1999
ASTHA began linking women’s empowerment with income-generation and local resource mobilization.
2000
Focus shifted toward integrated rural development, combining awareness, livelihoods, and social justice.
2001
Community-based organizations (CBOs) were strengthened to ensure sustainability and local ownership.
2002
ASTHA expanded its development approach beyond women-focused programs to include marginalized households.
2003
Livelihood and infrastructure support programs began, addressing poverty and basic service gaps.
2004
Renewable energy promotion and post-disaster livelihood rehabilitation initiatives were introduced.
2005
Water supply, sanitation, and clean energy projects were implemented in rural districts
2006
ASTHA expanded work in safe drinking water, sanitation, and renewable energy technologies.
2007
Large-scale poverty alleviation, clean cooking, and livelihood programs were launched.
2008
Agriculture-based livelihoods, food security, and health awareness programs were strengthened.
2009
ASTHA supported conflict-affected children, women, and families through rehabilitation and recovery programs.
2010
Governance, social accountability, education support, and youth empowerment initiatives expanded.
2011
Vocational skills, employment generation, and women’s rights programs were scaled up.
2012
Climate resilience, agriculture innovation, and inclusive livelihood programs were strengthened.
2013
Local governance, accountability, and social inclusion programs expanded across multiple districts.
2014
Renewable energy, sanitation, and disaster preparedness initiatives were intensified.
2015
ASTHA supported communities affected by disasters and strengthened local governance systems.
2016
WASH, climate adaptation, and natural resource management programs continued to expand.
2017
Child protection, education sponsorship, and social accountability programs were strengthened.
2018
Menstrual Hygiene Management, nutrition, and adolescent-focused programs were introduced.
2019
Market-based clean cooking and vulnerable community development initiatives were implemented.
2020
ASTHA responded to COVID-19 with emergency WASH, health, and livelihood recovery support.
2021
Institutional strengthening, safeguarding policies, and evidence-based programming were prioritized.
2022
Partnerships with local governments deepened under Nepal’s federal governance system.
2023
Internal policies, safeguarding frameworks, and organizational systems were updated and strengthened.
2024
Large-scale programs in nutrition, governance, clean energy, and justice expanded nationwide.
2025
ASTHA Nepal operates in 35 districts, recognized nationally for empowering communities and transforming live
Our Partners & Collaborators
We work with world-class organizations to create sustainable change.
