On the Ground in Nepal: A Milestone for The Pokhara Project

September 30, 2025 | News

Each year, members of the Give Freedom International team travel to Nepal to connect in person with our incredible field partners, 3 Angels Nepal. These visits are an essential part of our partnership. It’s a chance to listen, learn, celebrate, and conduct our annual Field Partner Health Check, an organisational assessment designed to keep our partnership transparent, accountable and closely aligned to international development best practices. But above all, this process is a powerful way to deepen trust and shared purpose.

In early September, founders Steve and Robyn Raymond were joined by Program Manager, Hayley Saxby, for what was both a joyful and bittersweet trip. Thanks to your support, we recently reached a momentous milestone for The Pokhara Project: securing enough funds to begin construction on three priority buildings. This trip marked the next step in turning this dream into reality — signing contracts with the same skilled local team who completed the Riverworks in 2024. Their expertise and local knowledge are invaluable, and we are thrilled to work alongside them again.

After time with 3 Angels Nepal founders, Rajendra and Sarah Gautam, the team visited the site of The Pokhara Project. Standing on the land that will soon become a place of safety, learning, and freedom was a surreal moment. While our team was there in person, it was the generosity of so many supporters that made it possible to reach this stage.

Alongside reviewing construction plans and celebrating this milestone, the team also visited the 3 Angels Nepal School, Women’s Safe Haven, and children’s homes. Being able to connect with the wider 3 Angels team and survivors is always a privilege and a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.

Here, Program Manager Hayley Saxby shares her trip reflections, and why connecting face to face is so vital for building strong partnerships.

“My time spent in Nepal was a deeply meaningful and eye-opening experience. Meeting the 3 Angels Nepal (3AN) team in person for the first time brought to life the stories, emails, and Zoom calls we’ve shared over the last few months. There is nothing quite like spending time together in person to foster a deeper sense of trust and further strengthen our collaborative ways of working.

What also stood out to me was the standard to which 3AN operates. They’re not just doing good—they’re striving to do it with excellence. Their alignment with best practices and their relentless pursuit of quality was evident. What also became abundantly clear was how their current facilities and resources are severely limiting their ability to execute their projects to a standard that they are striving for. The need for The Pokhara Project is urgent and vital and the start of the build signifies a new era for 3AN. An era where they will no longer be crippled by hefty rent and maintenance costs and limited by space. The Pokhara Project will not only meet pressing needs, but will be transformational in allowing 3AN to scale and excel in their work. 

Being present to witness the breaking of the land and to be part of the contract signing was an incredible honour. It was affirmation that the hope 3AN and GFI have been holding on to for so many years is almost here. The joy and excitement that was radiating from both teams was infectious and you couldn’t help but celebrate this momentous occasion.

There is a collective sense of calling, of purpose, and of determination between 3AN and Give Freedom that continues to strengthen our relationship and fuel our work and I am very excited to be a part of this next chapter of The Pokhara Project.”

The trip ended with an unexpected turn. On Monday 8 September, just as widespread political unrest broke out in Kathmandu and across Nepal, the team were preparing to leave. Thankfully they were able to depart safely before the airport was temporarily closed.

Our partners and their communities remain safe, though they have been impacted. We’ll share more updates as the situation unfolds, but for now our focus is standing with 3 Angels Nepal through this challenging time. More than ever, long-term, sustainable solutions and strong partnerships are needed — and we are determined to see The Pokhara Project brought to life as soon as possible.