A four-day intensive training on ‘Envisioning Holistic Child Development’ was conducted by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) in Nepal from 12-15 February 2026. Forty participants—including NCM Nepal leaders, pastors, Child Development Center (CDC) teachers, and area coordinators—attended the training.
The training focused on equipping participants with child and community friendly tools to engage children, youth, and existing church members. It provided participants with practical methods to implement Holistic Child Development (HCD) in their own contexts. They explored different HCD models being implemented across the Eurasia Region and learned to integrate relevant practices into their local ministries.
The attendees also learned to identify the assets and strengths within their churches and communities so they can use those resources to practically respond to children’s needs.
The workshop—which included conceptual sessions, group work, mock exercises, and live demonstrations with children and youth from two nearby CDCs—emphasized paying attention to the voices of children, youth, and families and designing programs through direct engagement—dialoguing with communities and finding solutions together.
The training encouraged churches to design creative programs tailored to the children’s contexts while nurturing their activity across the five dimensions of holistic development: spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social.
As these churches look to expand their reach and services, they discussed how NCM can walk alongside them, supporting innovation and helping address gaps in their dialogues.
On February 16, Komal Waghamare, holistic child development center coordinator for the Eurasia Region, visited several Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed by parents of CDC children through the church. He was encouraged to see the collaborative efforts of the churches toward the holistic development of the children.