Wind of Change International

Our News

Stories, updates and milestones from our work in Nepal and beyond.

Nepal floods 2026 impact

Nepal Floods 2026

On 26 August 2026, devastating flash floods struck Nepal's Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Tanahun Districts along the Nepal-Tibet border, sweeping away homes, roads and bridges and cutting off entire communities. At least 84,270 people, including 32,000 children, have been affected. Over 1,300 people, including children, have reportedly died, and thousands more are still missing — this number is likely to rise. We are extremely saddened by this devastating event and whilst all our beneficiaries in Pokhara are safe, there are so many others who are not. The newly elected Nepal Government, the Army and the Police are working hard in co-operation to deliver disaster support and emergency relief to the affected families and communities. For donations, please follow the instructions on the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund.

Congratulations Beautiful Couple

You are married yet it feels like just a blink of an eye when you ran in the doors of Onni with your beautiful beaming grin, straight through and into our hearts where you will always stay. Congratulations chori, welcome to the family chora. We wish you all the happiness in life and will always be here by your side watching you love, laugh and grow together.

Happy New Year 2026

Today we look back on a truly wonderful 2025. Two of our daughters dived in for a huge adventure and started university studies overseas, one took on a work challenge in hospitality abroad, one graduated high school while another completed a diploma in housekeeping and secured a permanent job. We now have two young ones finalising their Bachelor's Degrees in Pokhara and several others who are in stable employment making future plans. And then — our first Onni boy got married and became a dad to a healthy, beautiful baby boy. Our first Onni Grandchild was born. With hearts filled with immense happiness and gratitude, we wish you all a very Happy New Year 2026 with many more blessed moments and fun times to come!

And there she goes..

You would like to hold on to them as long as you can, preferably forever. But if you teach them to fly and always tell them to go catch the world, then you can't expect them to close their wings. When the world is your oyster, you grab it with some fresh lemon and munch away — just like this one here, one of our incredible Onni daughters who has joined Law School in Michigan, USA. Chori, we wish you the very best of all the luck, love and light in this world. Always know just how much we love you, think of you every day and will miss you more than words can ever say.

Congratulations Gorgeous Couple

We cannot believe you are married. It feels like yesterday when we met you for the first time at a police station in Pokhara. We only knew your name and trusted your 4 tiny fingers when asked how old you were. You were our very first Onni child. You cut the ribbon on the day we opened Onni Children's House, on the 26th of October 2008. We have loved you, your cheeky smile and beautiful nature ever since, and always will. We are so incredibly happy for you and welcome your beloved wife into Onni Family with wide open arms and hearts.

Happy Journey of Life, our beautiful Xori

You did it — you finally had your big dream come true and are now embarking on a whole new adventure as a university student in Japan. While you grab this opportunity of a lifetime with both hands, always know just how much we all love you, think of you and miss you so much, our precious xori. The gratitude, love, happiness — and the big huge butterflies — we feel for you are out of this world! You are always in our heart. Go get 'em you beautiful girl — the world is yours!!

Happy Onni Day

On the 26th of October we look back on the past 16 years together and could not be more grateful, happy and proud of these young hearts we've had the privilege to share life with — to watch them grow and flourish and become the most incredible adults they are today. Words are not enough. We extend our biggest gratitude and love to everyone who's been on this journey with us — from our loving local partners and staff to volunteers and supporters all over the world. To all of you we say thank you, thank you, thank you. 26th of October will always be our day — Happy Onni Day.

Make an EOFY donation to support victims of domestic violence in Bhutan

End of Financial Year donations — this year we're directing all EOFY donations towards Bhutan and their battle against domestic violence and abuse. Wind of Change will provide bilateral support to Australian Himalayan Foundation in collaboration with a Bhutanese partner RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women) who work tirelessly to increase opportunities and improve wellbeing for children who've experienced domestic violence, abuse or neglect. This collaboration works to ensure vulnerable children, especially girls, can access school until at least Year 10, as well as receive counselling, medical and legal support. WoC director's visit to RENEW early June uncovered a program which is run in the most professional, efficient and heartfelt manner. As we share the core values of education and wellbeing, WoC is honoured to offer our support to this essential cause.

Happy Holi from Pokhara

We catch up when we can! With the ones who can make it. Always so incredibly great and grateful.

Happy Festive Season — Citizenship for Roshni

This year we get to wish you a very merry festive season with some fantastic news. Citizenship. To belong to a country (or two) at birth and become part of a nation. Something that many of us get to take for granted. In Nepal citizenship is not automatically a birth right but needs to be applied for when the child reaches adulthood. This was the case with our beautiful Roshni — even after various attempts she wasn't able to convince the officials of her Nepali heritage. This incredibly bright young lady with endless potential to go far and wide in life was facing a paperless future. Until last week, when Roshni and our wonderful Onni Narayan embarked on a long and challenging mission — a 10-day journey to collect 10 witnesses who were willing to vouch for Roshni's case. When the incredible news of success finally came through at the end of their long and hard battle it felt like the heavens opened and millions of angels loudly sang. No doubt the best news all year. Happy celebrations everyone!

Greetings from Pokhara

Greetings from Pokhara where life is holding up well. Our young ones are mostly thriving and loving life. With independent life comes some challenges but we're ready to overcome them together, one by one! It was so wonderful to see everyone again and gather with the new and the old — we even had visitors from the very early days. While everyone in our bubble is fine, our hearts fly out to the people of Jajarkot after the recent earthquake. We certainly felt the Earth shaking and could sense how every wound from 2015 was ripped wide open. All our love and prayers are with you. Happy Tihar Nepal!

The Closing of our Sister Association in Finland

After 15 years of successful operations, our sister association in Finland has now officially closed. Subsequently we have closed our Nordea bank account in Finland. Our work in Nepal continues as usual under Wind of Change, Australia. Any donations from Finland are still warmly welcomed via our online PayPal payment portal. Thank you all for your love and support, for you have changed the lives of so many.

We have a healthy knee!

It was the 9th of May when a very brave, resilient and strong Manish underwent a challenging knee construction surgery in Kathmandu. The operation went well and he is now in rehab, on the slow and steady path of recovery, being nicely cared for by our loving family in Pokhara. From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank you all for making this possible. This was a truly global operation involving a whole team of orthopaedic surgeons from Melbourne to the best on ground in Nepal. Not to mention the funds from all over the world which were available only because of your love, care and kindness. Thank you for giving Manish a new, healthy future.

The Ceremonial Closing of the Onni Project

14 years of Nepal. 14 years of Onni. 14 years of celebrating love, joy, family, friendships, partnerships. 14 years of 'Project J338N' now officially closing after coming full circle with successful young adults all living independent lives. We still continue to support them both emotionally and financially but Onni House as we all used to know it, is now officially closed. Projects may close but love and family will forever continue to expand and flourish. As we always say, an end is just another opportunity for new beginnings. Thank you everyone for being such an integral part of our Onni Journey. We will remain forever grateful for your unyielding support during these 14 years.

Meet Roshni

Roshni is one of our Onni graduates. We tell her story with her permission. Roshni came to us in 2008 as the first Onni girl. She was about to turn six. From day one she was the bright sunshine who lights up the room everywhere she goes. Her sparkling smile, happy chatter, gleaming giggles, lingering laughter and witty way of looking at the world instantly had her in the heart of Onni family. We will never forget the very first night at Onni when the sun had set and dinner was cooking on Punam's stove. We were all sitting under the dim lights, the cool evening breeze was whispering in from the open windows while the generator kept on humming in the distance. We were all getting to know each other, every little heart beating a little nervous and shy. Suddenly there was this young lady who stood up and started dancing. So brave. So beautiful. So Roshni. Biraj who was our in-house teacher at the time instantly grabbed his fipple flute and started playing 'resham firiri' — a song that anyone who's ever been to Nepal will know instantly. One by one all the children stood up and soon we were all dancing and clapping to this familiar tune. Suddenly there was so much love under the dim lights. The ice had melted. The little blue house had become a home. Onni was born. Throughout the years at Onni, we were privileged to watch Roshni continue to flourish and grow to be the incredible young lady she is today. Since day one Roshni has been the strong one, the one who always gets stuff sorted. Today Roshni works as a Montessori teacher in Pokhara, a job she loves and which also provides her a private room as part of the work contract. After graduating from Year 12 with great grades in December 2021, Roshni also started university studies with Bachelor of Education. Words can't express how incredibly proud and grateful we are for Roshni. She is a true manifestation of our dreams and hopes now coming to fruition after 14 years — a strong independent young woman about to conquer the world!

Meet our Waling Trio

Meet Dal Bahadur, Indra Kala and Shova — our one and only 'Waling Trio', and now also our Onni graduates. We tell their story with their permission. These siblings came to us 14 years ago. Throughout the years at Onni we were privileged to watch these siblings grow and begin to flourish. Since day one, it was like watching beautiful flowers gently opening up and starting to reach for the sun. Dal soon became the leader of the Onni pack, the firm and formative, yet gentle big brother of the house while Indra took a quiet, caring and loving role of a big sister. Young Shova has always been a natural leader just like her elder siblings, always curious and keen to learn new things. Today Dal, Indra and Shova are happy, successful, capable and confident young adults sharing a beautiful little house and independent life together. Dal and Indra have both commenced university studies, and to earn some extra income, they are both teaching elementary students outside university hours. Shova got selected to study Year 11 and 12 in an exclusive law stream — only the very best Year 10 graduates are chosen for this special college program. Words cannot express how incredibly proud and grateful we are for these young ones.

Year 10 graduates celebrating

More Year 10 Graduates

A few months ago there were little butterflies in the air before the final exams for Year 10 — today they have all officially graduated from Secondary School!! We are so excited, proud and grateful and can't wait to see where the future will take these incredible young ladies. "When we educate a girl, we educate the world"

Greetings from Pokhara

We're very happy and grateful to share some great news from the top of the world after such a long time. From toddlers and pre-schoolers 14 years ago to university students and teachers today, we now have young adults starting their independent lives, living on their own, studying, working and navigating life. Thank you everyone for your continuous love and support for these young lives.

Happy New Year 2022

From all of us to all of you a massive thank you for 2021. We are wishing you wonderful end of year celebrations and happy new adventures ahead. For us year 2021 has been one with many hiccups but above all one with many more incredible achievements and meaningful moments. Year 10 graduations, Year 12 graduations, university admissions, new jobs, new homes, new beginnings. We welcome year 2022 with open hearts and minds filled with happiness, gratitude and excitement.

Kiran, one of the first Onni children

Meet Kiran

Kiran is one of our Onni graduates. We tell his story with his permission. Kiran came to us as the very first Onni child. He was only 4 years old. He is the beautifully cheeky little fellow we picked up from the local police station before the official opening of Onni in 2008. He had been found abandoned at a bus stop and after days and weeks of searching for someone to claim him, we were asked to become his guardians. To provide this little angel with a safe, healthy, happy home. We will never forget his sparkling smile and enthusiasm — or the bubble gum he squeezed under the police officer's desk just when we're leaving the quarters, and waved good bye with a big smile! Throughout the years at Onni, we were privileged to watch Kiran grow to become the incredible young man he is today. Along the way Kiran has melted as many hearts as he has met. His cheerful, funny, gentle, generous, uncomplicated self has touched countless lives and continues to be the beacon of light for the people around him. Today Kiran is well on his way to lead a fully independent life. He has recently started vocational training to become an electrician and is currently working in a paid apprenticeship with a senior electrician. Words cannot express how incredibly proud and grateful we are for Kiran. To see our work come full circle like this is exactly what we set out to achieve in the beginning — this is our dream coming to fruition.

Vaccines for staff

Excellent news! All our staff has now received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. We are relieved, happy and excited for them for the brighter and healthier future that lies ahead.

Deumaya, Onni graduate and Montessori teacher

Meet Deu Maya

Deumaya is one of our Onni graduates. We tell her story with her permission. Deumaya came to us in 2008 as one of the first Onni children. She was 8 years old. When we first met her in her home village, the entire family had just experienced severe trauma, events unimaginable to any family. We were touched and humbled to be able to help her deeply traumatised single mum by offering a safe home for her two young ones, Deumaya and younger brother Ganesh. Throughout the years at Onni, we were privileged to watch Deumaya grow to become the incredible young lady she is today. Deumaya was always the responsible, kind and considerate big sister in the house, caring for the young ones and helping out wherever she could. Not to mention her determination and top marks at school! Today Deumaya lives independently in a peaceful village nearby Pokhara where she works as a Montessori teacher for Maya Foundation. Since graduating Year 12 with great grades, Deumaya has also started university studies with Bachelor of Business Management. Words cannot express how incredibly proud and grateful we are for her.

Five students celebrating Year 10 graduation

Another 5 students graduate Year 10

After one of the hardest years in Nepal, these incredibly resilient, smart, hard-working young minds have managed to graduate Year 10, which is the last (and most demanding) year of compulsory Secondary Education in Nepal. For these students it has been a very long year filled with online learning, uncertainty and regular setbacks, yet they have done it — securing great grades as well! Upward and onward they go! Our hearts are bursting with love, happiness and pride — Go Champs — the world is your oyster!

Flood relief efforts near Pokhara

Immediate Relief for Covid-19 and Floods' Victims

Wind of Change has been involved in helping families affected by the devastating floods in the Bhalam area near Pokhara. 12 desperate families (67 people) received basic food supplies such as rice, lentils, cooking oils and spices. We have also donated some essential items for two community health posts, who are helping the villagers to fight Covid-19 with basic sanitary items from face masks and shields to hand sanitiser, gloves and oximeters. Thank you for your continuous support toward our work in Nepal.

Aasish, Onni graduate studying Culinary Arts

Meet Aasish

Aasish is one of our Onni graduates. We tell his story with his permission. Aasish came to us in 2009 as a 9-year-old boy. Today Aasish lives in Kathmandu after graduating from Year 12 with us with great results. He's undertaking a degree in Culinary Arts and loving every moment of engaging in his passion. We are so incredibly proud and grateful for him.

So proud to present our first Year 12 graduates

These beautiful, bright young souls have now received their final exam results from Grade 12 and officially graduated from High School with flying colours! We've been privileged to walk alongside them since day one, and can't express just how proud and happy we are for who they have become, and for the resilience they've shown throughout the years, especially under the challenging circumstances of 2020. Congratulations! The world is yours.

New Year New House

We welcomed 2021 with a move to a new, smaller property in Ratnachowk. The new home is freshly renovated, close to schools and also has space for a vegetable garden. The new neighbourhood is quiet and provides a tranquil atmosphere for studying.

Onni children celebrating World Children's Day

World Children's Day

Happy World Children's Day from our Onni family! Every child deserves a safe home, quality education and the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy. Today we celebrate all the incredible young people we have had the privilege to support over the years.

Dashain celebrations at Onni

Happy Dashain Nepal

Happy Dashain Nepal — the longest and most auspicious festival in Nepal that honours Goddess Durga and the victory of good over evil. Dashain celebrations bring families together to enjoy blessings and rituals of worship, mountains of food, many gifts and good times.

Year 10 graduates Bishaka and Niru

Year 10 Graduates

Congratulations to our Year 10 graduates! After a challenging year of study, these incredible young people have passed their Secondary Education Exams. We are so incredibly proud of their resilience, dedication and achievement. The world is your oyster!

Wind of Change reaches out in the fight against Covid-19

Wind of Change has pledged further support to the people of Nepal by participating in the funding of 73 PPE packages (Personal Protective Equipment) and 5,000 face masks for the front line healthcare workers in Gandaki Hospital, the only government hospital in the Pokhara region attending to the virus. A big thank you to our wonderful partner Namaste Community Foundation for being a key participant administering this support.

11th anniversary celebrations at Dipang Lake

11 Year Anniversary Celebrations

And so has another year officially elapsed with our projects in Nepal! Children are becoming young adults, students are slowly becoming graduates. On the 26th of October we packed the jeep full of food and goodies, filled up a bus with loud singing and cheering, and headed outside the city's hustle and bustle to the peaceful Dipang Lake for a picnic and a play. A heartfelt thank you to all of you who have been walking this incredible journey with us. Without your continuous support none of this would've been possible.

Three students celebrating secondary school graduation

Congratulations to our further 3 Secondary School Graduates!

So incredibly proud of our 3 Onni Graduates who after a hard year of studying in Grade 10 have passed their Secondary Education Exams with flying colours. Next step for all of them will be commencing Higher Secondary School with year 11 and 12. Yet it still feels like yesterday when we almost 11 years ago walked to school together for the very first time, for their very first day at Fishtail Academy. The World is Your Oyster!

Scholarship distribution day at Namaste Community Foundation

Scholarship Distribution Day at NCF

Providing a child an opportunity to Education is at the core of our work. Wind of Change is a proud supporter of this great program that provides financial and medical assistance to allow children from disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education in circumstances where otherwise their families could not afford to send them to school, and they may become vulnerable for child labour, begging or human trafficking. Thank you all for supporting us to support them!

Wind of Change Celebrates 10 years of successful work in Nepal

26th of October 2008 was the day we first cut the ribbon of Onni Children's House, the little blue house in Pokhara that later became our flagship project. That day 11 disadvantaged children started a new life with access to education, safety, health and well-being and unconditional love. Later growing to 16 children, Onni Children's House has been a home and safe haven for these young ones to grow and develop towards adulthood in a supportive environment. Today 10 years later we have intelligent, brave, capable and caring young adults in our hands who now have every opportunity to do well in their independent life. We are massively grateful for these years, especially to our dedicated local staff as well as our partner organisation Namaste Community Foundation.

Earthquake Response

On Anzac Day 25th of April, a 7.9 magnitude Earthquake hit Nepal killing over 8,000 people, and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless, vulnerable and scared. The fear of the unknown accentuated further when only 17 days later the country was struck by a very strong aftershock with a magnitude of 7.3. In the face of the trauma and devastation, together with our partner organisations on the ground, NCF Nepal and Namaste Foundation (The Netherlands), we were able to join in the international efforts to help the earthquake victims. After a day-long drive on difficult roads we reached the remote district of Sindhupalchowk, an area east of Kathmandu where most destruction and the highest casualties were reported, to deliver emergency aid packages and tents to the most affected families. In June 2015, our local partner organisation, Namaste Community Foundation in cooperation with the Kaski District Education Office was able to distribute some of the urgently needed school supplies and school uniforms to the affected villages in the Gorkha district. As part of our Emergency Response, Wind of Change provided financial assistance towards this initiative to support the Education Relief Program coordinated by the Nepali government.