Disaster Relief
"During times of great need, we always stand ready to support our nation through the deployment of our resources and abilities."
Bikash Adhikari, Executive Director. SDSS.
Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa (SDSS) carries out inclusive disaster relief efforts to support individuals and families affected by emergencies, giving priority to persons with disabilities whenever they are among those in need. The aim is to provide timely humanitarian aid, accessible shelter, and long-term recovery support that uphold dignity and foster resilience. Through community engagement, inclusive planning, and economic rehabilitation, SDSS helps affected individuals and families recover and rebuild with confidence and hope.
Earthquake
During April/May of 2015, Nepal suffered greatly from a devastating earthquake and aftershocks. Hundreds died, thousands lost homes, family members, and livelihoods. The Sundar Dhoka headquarters was designed to be earthquake safe, and immediately served as a haven for those suddenly homeless. It became a base for relief work of local agencies and our own focused response. Several INGO's reached out to Nepal through our resources, knowledge, and guidance.
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Medical supplies, essential food, and rehousing projects quickly became our priority as we served our nation. ​Recognized for our effective use of resources and ability to get help to those in need with precision and efficiency has opened the door to relationships with local and national bodies. As later calamity hit Nepal, we have a reputation to work in further avenues of help.
Floods
Nepal experiences an annual season of Monsoon rains characterized by flooding and mudslides. When the rains are extreme, severe hardship results for all but especially the poor and those with disabilities.
SDSS responds with food, medical teams, transportation support, and expertise based on years of living and working in/with those living in remote regions.
Junechandi Economic Rehabilitation Project
The economic rehabilitation program is one of the flagship initiatives of Sundar Dhoka Saathi Sewa since its founding. The main goal of the program is to empower persons with disabilities and their families through economic rehabilitation efforts. With support from our funding partner CAMA and collaboration with local government bodies, the SDSS team has seen life-changing stories from the right holders through this program in Junichade Rural Municipality of Jajarkot district. This project has been carried out for 9 months in six wards of Junichade Rural Municipality of Jajarkot district. Eighty-five persons with disabilities received support for economic initiatives and treatment. All right holders were selected based on their disability type and those affected by the Jajarkot Earthquake in November 2023 AD.
Pandemic
The Covid pandemic struck Nepal with catastrophic results. The people we routinely serve, the "least" in our society, faced losses of health, life, income, food sources, ability to travel locally - all threats to their immediate survival.
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With our years of expertise in reaching the "least of these," local authorities and agencies immediately turned to Sundar Dhoka for help. We used our resources and skills to oversee, train, manage, and advise service providers throughout Nepal as the country struggled to cope.
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SDSS provided direct distribution of vital food supplies to the neediest. Our team trained and equipped local ambulance professionals in safe handling of Covid patients. We guided and worked alongside government staff with effective processes of contact tracing and later vaccine deployment. The government also asked us to partner and manage a Covid isolation centre. These are among a few of the ways we were able to mobilize our dedicated team of workers to provide vital care to the needy.
