Chautari Youth Club (CYC): A Launchpad for Limitless Youth

Empowering care-leavers and young minds through learning, connection, and real-world readiness — where passion meets purpose.

Started in 2019 as one of the project activities of Umbrella Organization Nepal (UON), Chautari Youth Club (CYC) is a vibrant platform where all young people, especially care-leavers, regardless of their background, can come together to engage in a wide range of youth-related activities. These activities include training sessions, workshops, language and computer classes, career coaching, and counseling. CYC serves as a common space where youth can learn, share, and become informed about various...

Started in 2019 as one of the project activities of Umbrella Organization Nepal (UON), Chautari Youth Club (CYC) is a vibrant platform where all young people, especially care-leavers, regardless of their background, can come together to engage in a wide range of youth-related activities. These activities include training sessions, workshops, language and computer classes, career coaching, and counseling. CYC serves as a common space where youth can learn, share, and become informed about various subjects related to their growth and development. The club’s mission is to provide specialized and relevant training to young people on how to handle real-world challenges — effectively acting as a “crash course for adulthood.” CYC believes that limitations do not come from where youth come from, their qualifications, or dreams, but from their hunger for learning and passion to become change makers.Umbrella Organization Nepal (UON) is a non-profit, non-governmental, family-based child protection organization established in 2005 under the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. UON works to relieve the impacts of trafficking, poverty, and internal conflict on children across Nepal through programs promoting education, reintegration, and community development. Since its inception, UON has directly supported over 400 children and young people through various programs such as Residential Childcare, Youth Development, Family Reintegration, Rural School Support, and Community Empowerment. Following the devastating earthquake in 2015, UON also assisted over 3,000 children and families through emergency projects.UON’s primary focus has been to ensure the safety and well-being of children and young adults under its care, or those reintegrated with their families. The organization was established in response to the growing number of displaced, separated, and orphaned children affected by poverty and conflict in Nepal. Many of these children arrived in Kathmandu from remote rural areas seeking work but ended up in vulnerable situations such as street homelessness, domestic slavery, or residing in poorly managed and unregistered care homes. Between 2005 and 2009, UON rapidly expanded, rescuing 388 children from adverse conditions in Kathmandu orphanages, and played a key role in closing sub-standard children’s homes with the help of the Nepali District Child Welfare Board (DCWB). At its peak, UON managed eight care homes in Kathmandu, caring for over 300 children. Recognizing the negative impact of institutional care, UON firmly believes that the best environment for a child’s development is with their family or community. Therefore, UON’s long-term goal is to reintegrate children back into their families or communities, a challenging task given the diverse geographical origins of the children.CYC, as part of UON’s programs, acts as a resource center and safe space where youth—especially care-leavers—can seek advice and support on a range of issues including sexual reproductive health, consent, academic and career pathways, peer pressure, safe migration, and computer skills ranging from basic to advanced levels. The center includes a library and a free cafeteria, where young people can enjoy tea or coffee and socialize. CYC’s main focus is to encourage and support youth who are out of education or employment to return to these fields. It also provides a safe, welcoming environment for young people from diverse backgrounds to meet, exchange ideas, and build professional networks.The need for CYC was identified through UON’s 16 years of experience working with children from vulnerable backgrounds. Many organizations running residential care programs are not fully aware of the negative impacts of institutional care or do not prepare children for life after leaving care. The transition from institutional life to independent living is extremely challenging; many care-leavers struggle with stress, depression, or end up involved in criminal activities due to lack of support. CYC was envisioned as the first care-leavers club of its kind in Nepal to provide a community where these young people can share their problems and receive guidance from social workers.The main objective of CYC is to facilitate the smooth socialization and reintegration of care-leavers into their families and communities. Since its planning in 2014, CYC has offered children leaving institutional care a place to get advice, information, and support on how to live independently. While primarily serving care-leavers, CYC is also open to other young people in need. The platform aims to enable young adults to become dignified, independent, employable, and responsible citizens of Nepal. Beneficiaries receive in-house training, workshops, personal skill development opportunities, financial assistance during emergencies, and psychosocial support. CYC prioritizes skill training for care-leavers, helping them develop the tools needed for social reintegration and self-sufficiency. It also acts as a strategic bridge between institutions and families or communities, promoting a smooth transition.The key aims and objectives of CYC are to ensure youth access support and opportunities to live independent and dignified lives; assist their transition from institutional care to family/community reintegration; support their educational and vocational progression; foster employability through technical training and career counseling; encourage reintegration with families and communities; and build links with employers, educational institutions, and scholarship funds. CYC also inspires youth to contribute to their communities and provides counseling services as needed.CYC’s major components include:

Coffee Shop: A free cafeteria with tea, coffee, and internet access where youth can meet and discuss relevant topics under the guidance of Youth Coaches.


Weekly Workshops: Regular workshops on a variety of youth-related topics, including on-demand sessions based on youth needs.


Skills Training Classes: In-house training such as short-term tailoring and other skill-building programs depending on funding availability.


Computer Skill Training Center: Basic and advanced computer courses including programming, website design and development, video production, and app development.


Youth-led Activities: Regular visitors are encouraged to participate in community and educational activities, supported by logistical funding when available.










Through CYC, Umbrella Organization Nepal continues its commitment to empowering vulnerable youth, particularly care-leavers, helping them build resilient futures and contribute meaningfully to Nepali society.

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