OUR OVERVIEW
Asal Chhimekee (Good Neighbor) Nepal is a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded by the Pokhara Christian Community (PCC) in 2003. ACN is a faith-based organization committed to serving poor and marginalized communities by improving health, education, livelihood, empowerment, capacity enhancement, rehabilitation of women with drug and alcohol dependency, disaster response, and resilience. In 2015, when Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake, ACN was among the first organizations to provide disaster relief support. ACN immediately responded to the crisis, assessed the need, and provided emergency food and non-food items to the earthquake survivors. Since then, the disaster response program has been providing emergency relief and long-term reconstruction, rehabilitation, and disaster resilience. ACN mainly works in the western part of Nepal, prioritizing poor and marginalized people. However, the organization may also respond to disasters outside its usual working areas.
OUR HISTORY
ACN is a non-profit, non-governmental organization registered with the Government of Nepal in 2003. The organization was established with the vision of “A transformed Nepali society,” as envisioned by the Pokhara Christian Community (PCC). Inspired by Jesus Christ’s love and teachings, the PCC aimed to demonstrate God’s love by practically helping the poor and marginalized. ACN is registered under the Kaski District Administration Office and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council since 2003 (2059 Nepali year). Every year, ACN obtains government approval to carry out development projects in different districts of Western Nepal.
The name “Good Neighbor” was chosen for ACN, based on the story of the Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. Jesus taught people to love one another, and the story illustrates the Samaritan as an example of a good neighbor. The Samaritan in the story cared for an injured traveler at great personal cost, even though the traveler was from a different social and ethnic group that looked down on him. By doing so, the Samaritan reflected God’s unconditional love and care for all people. Similarly, ACN aims to be a witness of God’s unconditional love by selflessly serving people in need without prejudice.
For over two decades, ACN has been serving poor and marginalized people in Kaski, Nawalparasi, and Gorkha districts. ACN carries out various projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Nepal’s national priorities, including adult literacy, saving-credit groups, income generation, vocational training, provision of safe drinking water and toilets, awareness raising (on HIV, drug abuse, hygiene, sanitation, general health, and gender issues), female drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and outreach, care and support for people affected by HIV, child protection, disaster response, and resilience.
OUR MISSION
To demonstrate God’s love by serving and empowering communities through a holistic and participatory approach, in order to improve livelihoods, health and equality for poor marginalized people in Nepal.
OUR VISION
A transformed society where people enjoy fullness of life in harmony with God, each other and creation
VALUES OF ACN
Following the teaching of Jesus Christ, “Love your neighbor as yourself. Our Values are foundational to our work. They influence our behavior and the way of our working.
A- Attitude
– We Respect all and behave in humility.
– We Take care of God’s creation.
S- Sharing
– We share needs, resources and credit with each other.
A- Action
– Putting faith into action, we are proactive for sustainable solutions of problems.
L- Love
– We enjoy God’s love in Jesus Christ and our conduct is prompted by love.
HOW WE WORK
WHERE WE WORK
ACN Central Office is located in Pokhara, Kaski District. ACN works in four districts of Nepal. These are as follows.
- Kaski – ACN has been working among poor communities of Kaski district since its establishment in 2003.
- Nawalparasi – ACN expanded its work to include Nawalparasi focusing on serving poor and marginalized groups with n this district.
- Gorkha – Gorkha was the epicentre of the devastating earthquake in 2015. Since the earthquake, ACN together with Pokhara Christian Community (PCC) has been actively responding to the needs of the affected people with relief, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
WHOM WE WORK FOR
ACN is dedicated to putting an end to poverty in all its forms. To achieve this goal, the organization is fully committed to serving poor and marginalized communities and individuals without any prejudice. ACN’s aim is to empower these communities and individuals to fight against all forms of poverty, including disease, illiteracy, ignorance, injustice, oppression, discrimination, disasters, and other vulnerabilities. ACN is dedicated to putting an end to poverty in all its forms. To achieve this goal, the organization is fully committed to serving poor and marginalized communities and individuals without any prejudice. ACN’s aim is to empower these communities and individuals to fight against all forms of poverty, including disease, illiteracy, ignorance, injustice, oppression, discrimination, disasters, and other vulnerabilities.
WHO WE WORK WITH
ACN works together with government, local communities, women’s groups, child clubs, and networks and other non-government organizations. ACN creates opportunities for churches, partners, donors, and communities to take active roles in community transformation.
Recognition
ACN is grateful to government, our funding partners, prayer supporters and many individuals, groups, churches and communities without whom, achieving the vision is not possible.