MetLife Foundation partners with Plan International Nepal; provides relief to 40K Nepalese from vulnerable communities in response to the impact of COVID-19  

MetLife Foundation is working with Plan International Nepal (Plan Nepal) to reach the vulnerable groups in communities impacted by COVID-19. Plan Nepal aims to support poor and vulnerable families who have lost their source of income and depend on agriculture, by providing them with seeds and fertilizers for quick cash crops and vegetables to grow at home, as well as offering access to traditional farming tools.

The collaborative program, financed by MetLife Foundation with a US$44,000 grant, will see Plan Nepal closely coordinating with local government to help identify the most vulnerable families experiencing loss of income and those with limited or no access to alternative sources of income.

Additionally, Plan Nepal will continue to support adolescent girls’ specific needs and promote proper handwashing techniques and best practices in communities, as set out by the Government of Nepal. Finally, grants will be provided to help small businesses cope with the damage caused by the pandemic, with the goal of engaging the most vulnerable families. These include female-led households, those migrating back to Nepal as a result of income loss.

Mr. Nirmal Kajee Shrestha, Vice President and General Manager of MetLife Nepal said: “The lockdown caused by COVID-19 has stopped many economic activities. Low-income families and informal workers have been among the hardest hit as they are dependent on daily wages for survival. We are proud to see MetLife Foundation supporting Plan Nepal to help the most vulnerable groups in our society and use the chance to advance gender equality during the crisis.”

Bhusan Aryal, Deputy Emergency Manager, Plan International Nepal said: “Plan International Nepal is happy to serve poor and vulnerable families who are severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Banke District, Baijanath Rural Municipality of Nepal. This includes those who lost their source of income from daily wedged labor work and those who returned home after losing foreign work/employment and who are now struggling to survive. We, in close coordination with our implementing partner and local government, will boost awareness and prevention of the negative impact of COVID-19 on 40,000 people from 7,000 households across the project area.”