Sahara Nepal, in collaboration with Global Learning Lab (GL2i), successfully launched the first-ever Leadership Academy in Jhapa, Nepal. The initiative aims to empower local youth to become responsible citizens, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

The academy was facilitated by three certified trainers from Sahara Nepal and conducted entirely in the Nepali language. It brought together 24 young participants—14 women and 10 men—from seven municipalities for an immersive, hands-on learning experience focused on self-leadership, teamwork, and community transformation.
Participants designed five Sustainable Impact Projects (SIPs), with one ready for immediate implementation in a local community. Feedback from the event highlighted its interactive and transformative nature.

Mahendra Kumar Giri, Chief Executive of Sahara Nepal, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in addressing youth migration and social issues, stating that empowering young people from the ground up can lead to lasting change.
The program is expected to be scaled up in partnership with local governments to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.