Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) marked the first anniversary of the Sustainable Development Experimental Village in Dharmasthali of Tarakeshwor Municipality on Thursday.
The event celebrated the successful completion of various projects launched by the CFRD in the municipality, a statement issued on Thursday said.
According to the statement, the event coincided with the 69th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China.
The CFRD launched its “Sustainable Development Experimental Village in Nepal” in Tarakeshwor in May 2023 with the overarching goal of transferring successful rural development practices from China to the Nepali communities, thereby fostering sustainable development and improving living standards. It has executed a number of integrated projects in community water supply, education, nutrition and skill training sectors with a total investment of more than $776,861. The projects have directly benefited 11,976 people, according to the CFRD.
The construction of a water supply system for the whole village, educational support, child nutrition support through school feeding and skill enhancement for farmers were some of the projects implemented by CFRD in Dharmasthali.
On the occasion, CFRD provided farmers with free agricultural tools and equipment support. Likewise, beneficiary schools of the Smiling Children Program received extended support of kitchen materials to sustain the feeding program smoothly.
Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Cheng Song; Mayor of Tarakeshwor Municipality Krishna Hari Maharjan, Country Director of CFRD Nepal Zou Zhiqiang, among others, attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, CFRD Country Director Zou expressed gratitude to all relevant stakeholders and individuals, supporting the smooth completion of the training program and execution of other projects within the Municipality area.
Likewise, Ambassador Song congratulated the CFRD for its rigorous efforts over the past eight years to support social welfare and development activities in Nepal.
