Human Development and Community Services (HDCS) is a Nepali National, non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded on biblical principles and values. It is registered with the Government of Nepal.
HDCS was founded by the National Churches Fellowship (NCF) Nepal, as they felt led by the Holy Spirit to reach out in social ministry, in addition to direct evangelism, to the people of Nepal. As this ministry, which included non-formal education programmes and education and development initiatives, grew and developed from 1990, a decision was made to create an autonomous organisation to continue this ministry in 1998. Thus Human Development and Community Services was created, and was registered with the Government of Nepal in 2000.
Our Values
- A holistic approach to community needs
- A servant attitude
- Accountability and transparency
- Care for God’s creation
- Emphasis on long term solutions and sustainability
- Equal opportunity for all
- Love for one’s neighbour as one’s self
- Ministry to the needs of the oppressed, the poor and the sick
- Promotion of self reliance, as well as team spirit
- Respect for cultural values
We work in three key areas: health services, education and community development.
Our goal is not simply the operation of programmes, but the improvement of the living standards and the transformation of the lives of those to whom HDCS ministers.
WHO WE ARE
HDCS works under a General Assembly of nearly 250 members, representing many different denominations and organisations.
We are governed by a Nepali Executive Committee, the members of which are elected for a three year term at the Annual General Assembly.
HDCS staff and volunteers are Nepali and expatriate.
WHERE WE WORK
Nepal is a landlocked country in South East Asia which shares its borders with India and China. Its landscapes range from the flat plains of the Terai in the North, to the slopes of Kathmandu Valley, to the peaks of the Himalaya mountain range in the North which is home to eight of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest!
The country has undergone significant political upheaval in recent years. From 1996, Nepal was caught in civil war between the Government and the Maoists, until a Peace Accord was reached in November 2006. During this time, the King had assumed complete power over the governance of Nepal. In 2008, the interim Parliament declared Nepal to be a democratic federal republic, the King vacated his throne and elections were held to appoint our first president. Nepal is now experiencing exciting and crucial times of change, and yet still exists in a delicate political climate.
Nepal is a culturally rich and diverse land. It has a population of over 29 million people, with many different ethnic groups, many languages and customs. Nepal is also one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world, with one third of the population living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for approximately three quarters of the population. The literacy rate (with literacy meaning over 15 years old and can read and write). The life expectancy in Nepal is sixty five years.
The new government has declared Nepal to be a secular state. However 80% of people are Hindu and 10% are Buddhist. Therefore Christianity is a minority religion, with Christians in some areas still subject to persecution. However, the Church is flourishing here, and God is doing mighty works across the land. HDCS seeks to be part of God’s work in Nepal.
Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.
