Aakar Foundation Marks First Cohort Of Block Printing Trainees With Autism
22nd July 2026, Kathmandu
Aakar Foundation marked the completion of its first Block Printing Training Program for young adults with autism, holding an exhibition of their work alongside a certificate ceremony at AutismCare Nepal Society, Godavari on 21st July.
Aakar Foundation Marks First Cohort
Twelve trainees graduated after completing an eight-week module in textile block printing, with their handmade creations on display at the exhibition, a clear sign of what persons with autism can achieve when given the right vocational opportunities.
Dr. Rajni Rijal, Chairperson of The Women’s Council, UK, attended as Chief Guest. Also, present were Mr. Sekhar Chettri, Founder of Aakar Foundation, Ms. Archana Shah, President of Aakar Foundation, Mr. Surendra Bajracharya, Director of AutismCare Nepal Society, the Dabu Textile Studio team, parents, and supporters.
The program grew out of an action plan Archana Shah developed during the Community Initiatives in Inclusion course at ADAPT, Mumbai, sponsored by The Women’s Council, UK. It has since become a joint effort between Aakar Foundation, AutismCare Nepal Society, and Dabu Textile Studio.
Chief guest Dr. Rajni Rijal, Chairperson of The Women’s Council, shared her thoughts. “It has been an honour and a privilege to be invited by Aakar Foundation to join this celebration and witness the wonderful work being done with adults with additional needs. Their achievements today are truly an inspiration to us all. As Chairperson of The Women’s Council, it gives me great pleasure to see this firsthand and to be part of this journey with them,” she said.
Mr. Sekhar Chettri, Founder of Aakar Foundation, expressed his pride in the participant’s achievements. “I am so proud of them. Celebrations like this motivate our foundation to grow and reach every person with autism and intellectual disabilities, to nurture what they’re capable of and build a life of independence,” he said.
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Speaking at the event, Archana Shah, President of Aakar Foundation, noted that support for persons with autism often fades after childhood, leaving few to no paths to employment in adulthood. “People with disabilities need opportunities to contribute, create, and earn. This graduation is just the beginning of a longer journey towards meaningful livelihoods,” she said.
Trainees learned block printing under Dabu Textile Studio’s guidance, working at their own pace in a supportive setting.
The program supports Aakar Foundation’s larger goal of building an Inclusive Workplace, a hub where persons with autism and intellectually disabled adults can work and earn through ventures like a café, bakery, textile studio, lifestyle store, art gallery, and production workshop.
The Foundation thanked Global IME Bank Limited for its financial support in making the training possible, AutismCare Nepal Society, Dabu Textile Studio, and The Women’s Council, UK, for their support.
About Aakar Foundation
Aakar Foundation is a Nepal-based non-profit organization committed to advancing the financial empowerment of persons with disabilities, particularly individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Through vocational training, creative enterprise, market access, and inclusive employment initiatives, the Foundation is building pathways for persons with disabilities to create, earn, and thrive with dignity.
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