The Rotary Club of Patan Durbar Square (RCPDS), in collaboration with the Self Help Group for Cerebral Palsy (SGCP) (CP Center), successfully organized an Awareness Program in Biratnagar Municipality on 15th August 2025.
Participation and Dignitaries
The program was attended by key representatives of Biratnagar Municipality, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and ward chairpersons from various wards, along with stakeholders working in the disability sector and parents of children with Cerebral Palsy. A total of 55 participants took part in the program, making it a meaningful platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Program Leadership and Key Presentation
The program was led by RCPDS Club President 2025–26, Rtn. Dr. Pragya Karmacharya Rajbhandari. She delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “Cerebral Palsy in Nepal: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Community’s Role in Creating an Inclusive Future.”
Her presentation highlighted:
- The current status and challenges of Cerebral Palsy care in Nepal
- The importance of early diagnosis and intervention
- The critical role of families, communities, and local governments in building an inclusive society
Dr. Pragya also addressed the sensitive but crucial issue of Early Child Marriage, emphasizing its negative impact on maternal and child health and its potential link to long-term developmental and health challenges.
Panel Discussion and Community Voices
A panel discussion was conducted focusing on the challenges faced by children with Cerebral Palsy and the role of the community in creating an inclusive future. The discussion was highly appreciated by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, ward representatives, and other participants.
Parents of children with Cerebral Palsy actively participated by sharing their personal experiences, struggles, and challenges, adding strong emotional and practical perspectives to the discussion.
Focus on Inclusive Education
The program also emphasized the importance of Inclusive Education and Distance Learning for children with Cerebral Palsy. As Biratnagar Municipality has already established a center for Autism, the local government expressed strong interest in future collaboration with Rotary and SGCP to expand services for children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities.
Awareness on Early Child Marriage
The discussion on Early Child Marriage generated strong awareness and resulted in a positive commitment from stakeholders to initiate targeted awareness campaigns among students of grades 7, 8, 9, and 10, aiming at long-term behavioral and social change.
Outcome and Conclusion
Overall, the awareness program was engaging, impactful, and outcome-oriented. It strengthened coordination between local government, civil society, and healthcare organizations, while laying the foundation for future collaboration in disability care, inclusive education, and community awareness.
The program reflects the Rotary Club of Patan Durbar Square’s continued commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and community-driven solutions for children with Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities.