About Us — YKP Lead Nepal
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About YKP Lead Nepal

Who We Are
& Why We Exist

"For the Youth, By the Youth, and Led by the Youth."

YKP Lead Nepal is a youth-led, community-based organisation working to advance the rights, health, dignity, and meaningful participation of Young Key Populations and YPLHIV in Nepal. Founded in 2011 through national consultations, led by young people aged 18 to 29, and officially registered with the Government of Nepal on October 2, 2021.

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Our Foundation

Vision, Mission & Core Values

Vision
"A society where Young Key Populations and Young People Living with HIV enjoy equal rights, access to services, meaningful participation, and opportunities to reach their full potential."
Mission
"To empower Young Key Populations and YPLHIV through advocacy, capacity development, community mobilization, research, leadership development, and evidence-based interventions that promote health, human rights, social protection, and social inclusion."
Core Values
Youth Leadership Human Rights Social Justice Community Empowerment Health Equity Dignity & Respect Inclusion Meaningful Participation Evidence-Based Practice Sustainable Livelihoods
Our History

How We Got Here

YKP Lead Nepal was built from the ground up by young people who experienced firsthand the gaps in health systems and policy for marginalised youth. What started as a community conversation in 2011 has grown into a national organisation with programs across all 7 provinces.

From food support packages during COVID-19 to national CABA conventions, vocational training for YPLHIV, and landmark provincial budget advocacy — every milestone has been driven by young people for young people.

2011
Organisation Founded
YKP Lead Nepal established through national consultations supported by UNAIDS, UNFPA, Youth LEAD Bangkok and other partners — built from the ground up by young key populations in Nepal.
2014
CABA Cash Transfer Program
Began engagement with the CABA Cash Transfer Scheme, a Global Fund program providing NRS 1,000 per month to children living with HIV under 18 years old.
2021
Official Government Registration
YKP Lead Nepal officially registered with the Government of Nepal on October 2, 2021, formalising its national mandate and enabling broader program delivery.
2022
Vocational Training & Capacity Building
Launched barista training at Nine Bar Cups Coffee, web designing at Broadway Infosys, psychosocial counselling certification, and food support to 186 families across 4 districts.
2023
CABA Provincial Advocacy
Conducted CABA advocacy meetings in Lumbini, Karnali, Gandaki, and Sudurpashchim provinces with 147 stakeholders pushing for integration into Nepal's social security framework.
2024
National CABA Convention
Organised the National CABA Convention with 70 participants from 7 provinces and 28 districts. Provided food support to 475 families across Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.
2026
Healthcare Training & Budget Advocacy
Trained 64 healthcare workers, held the National Consultation of YKPs and YPLHIVs with 31 participants, and secured the first dedicated "HIV and Key Population" budget line in Gandaki Province.
Leadership

Board of Directors

Our board brings lived experience, professional expertise, and deep community ties to guide YKP Lead Nepal's strategic direction.

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Manish Tendukar
President

Joined YKP Lead Nepal in 2018 as Secretary and has been a driving force in the organisation's growth. Global Fund Youth Council Member since 2019 (volunteer). Became President in 2023 and is also Founder of Harmony Care Foundation, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

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Hemant Rai (Daina Rai)
General Member

Brings a personal and community-rooted perspective to YKP Lead Nepal's board. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, contributes lived experience and advocacy for the rights and inclusion of young LGBTQIA+ key populations in Nepal.

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Tirtha Kumar Rai (Karan)
General Member

Represents the LGBTIQ Key Population on the board. Previously worked with the Human Welfare Society, currently engaged with Prayas Mahila Samuha in HIV programs. Focuses on monitoring, financial discipline, and coordination with local governments and partner agencies.

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Sadikshya Shrestha
General Member

General Member of YKP Lead Nepal's board, contributing to governance and community engagement with commitment to the rights and wellbeing of young key populations in Nepal.

✉ sadikshyashr123@gmail.com
📅 Member since January 1, 2026
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[ Board Member Name ]
[ Role — to be confirmed ]

[ Bio to be provided by the organisation. ]

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Executive Director
Sonam Choenzon Sherpa
Leading YKP Lead Nepal's operations and strategic programs
Our Team

Staff Members

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Ripu Hamal
Program Officer
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[ Staff Name ]
Finance Officer
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[ Staff Name ]
Advocacy Officer
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[ Staff Name ]
Community Volunteer
How We Work

Our Program Approaches

Every program is built on five core principles ensuring our work is effective, ethical, and genuinely community-led at every stage.

01
Youth-Led Approach
Programs designed, implemented, and monitored with active leadership from young people at every stage. The motto: "For the community, by the community."
02
Rights-Based Approach
All interventions guided by principles of human rights, dignity, inclusion, and equity — from harm reduction to SRHR training to advocacy.
03
Community-Centered
Activities informed by community needs and lived experiences. Task groups formed in each district with local NGO partners to reach YKPs where they are.
04
Evidence-Based Advocacy
Research and documentation inform our advocacy priorities. National studies, needs assessments, and program reports guide every policy ask we make.
05
Meaningful Participation
Young people involved in all stages — design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Not consulted at the end, but leading from the start.
Geographic Reach

Working Across All of Nepal

YKP Lead Nepal operates through community networks, task groups, partner organisations, and youth leaders across all regions — combining grassroots outreach with national and international advocacy.

Task groups have been formed in Chitwan, Dharan, and Pokhara in collaboration with partner NGOs — Chitwan Sakriya Samaj, Women's Forum Pokhara, and Dharan Positive — to reach YKPs in districts where YKP Lead Nepal does not have its own CBOs.

7
Provinces with active programs and GBV coordination
28
Districts reached through programs and advocacy
6
Focal implementation districts
2011
Year the organisation was established
🗺️ [ Nepal map — to be added ]
Credentials

Registered & Recognised

Founded
2011
Registered
October 2, 2021
Registered With
Government of Nepal
Office Address
Balwatar, Kathmandu
Partners & Supporters

Who We Work With

🌏
UNAIDS
Founding Support Partner
🇺🇳
UNFPA
Founding Support Partner
🤝
Youth LEAD Bangkok
Regional Network Partner
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Global Fund
Funding Partner
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AHF Nepal
Program Partner
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NAP+N
Advocacy Partner
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NFWLHA
Community Partner
🏛️
NCASC
Government Partner
YKP Lead Nepal — Footer
Together, we can build
a more just Nepal.

Support youth-led advocacy for the rights, health, and dignity of young key populations.

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Supported & Recognised By

UNAIDS UNFPA Youth LEAD Bangkok Global Fund AHF Nepal NAP+N NFWLHA NCASC