Kamalpokhari in Ward 13 of Pokhara Metropolitan City, a site of religious and environmental significance, has been revitalized through a series of conservation efforts. The area, which covers 70 ropanis (3.56 hectares), was nearing extinction but has been restored through cleaning initiatives that provided temporary employment to local residents.
Ward Chairperson Kiran Baral emphasized the importance of these efforts: "We have been creating employment opportunities during its conservation and will take additional steps in the coming days. The YETI project has inspired us to chip in more budget for better implementation of cash-for-work programs for youth employment. The beneficiaries of temporary employment are very happy. YETI is a great initiative."
Suchit Tamang, a Ward Member, noted that the pond previously caused flooding during monsoon seasons due to soil erosion from nearby hills making it shallower. She stated, "Construction of drainage for better water outlet, removal of excess soil deposits and fencing around have been completed now. In addition, the local Vishwakarma Community has been playing a significant role in protecting this heritage, so we are optimistic about the development of tourism here in the days to come."
Bishnu Prasad Dahal, Coordinator at Employment Service Center (ESC), highlighted the project's impact: "As the Ward office has taken ownership of the YETI project seriously, it has resulted in this exemplary work here. In addition to this, the beneficiaries employed in regular cleaning of drains have been able to earn for daily living and the public has got a respite from clogged drainages.”
The Youth Employment Transformation Initiative (YETI) helped establish over 740 Employment Service Centers across Nepal by May 2024.
In Nuwakot's Panchakanya Rural Municipality, Ghyangswara Martyr Memorial and Sports Park emerged as a new tourist attraction after extensive redevelopment led by local authorities since 2021. Spread over 10 ropanis (0.508 hectares), it features picnic shades and playground equipment.
Saroj Kumar Khati from ESC mentioned that park construction offered temporary jobs under YETI Project policies: “As mandated by YETI project policies, we have been spending budget entirely on beneficiaries’ wages.” Additional infrastructure such as guest houses and staircases funded by local budgets further improved public amenities.
Kapil Shahi Thakuri from ESC revealed plans for tea farming on adjacent land with support from various municipal units: “In collaboration with the Prime Minister Employment Program/YETI Project... [we] are preparing for procurement and transportation of tea seeds/saplings from Illam.”
Tej Bahadur Tamang, Chairperson of Panchakanya Rural Municipality, expressed aspirations for future development: “As the local government is also responsible to create employment opportunities within the municipality... I have a dream to develop [the sports ground] into a stadium in future and organize regular sports tournaments.”
The YETI Project aims to bolster Nepal’s Prime Minister Employment Program by enhancing employment services for youth, particularly women from marginalized communities. Financed by World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA), it supports over 135,000 beneficiaries through temporary jobs and other services while strengthening long-term systems like National Employment Management Information System (NEMIS).
During COVID-19 pandemic-related job losses, YETI provided additional support to 44,000 individuals.