Successful Completion of Five-Day Training for Field Researchers

To build a skilled and inclusive research team, PERC Nepal conducted a comprehensive training for field researchers from March 25 to 29, 2025, in Lalitpur, Nepal. The sessions were facilitated by experts, along with representatives from the Blue Diamond Society (BDS). A total of 12 public health graduates from Bagmati and Madhesh Provinces—participated, all bringing prior experience in field data collection and research. This training marked an important step in preparing a competent, passionate, and ethically responsible research team for the SAATHI Program. SAATHI program focuses on preventing violence and promoting mental well-being among the LGBTIQA+ population.

The training employed diverse methods, including lectures, role plays to enhance basic helping skills, group discussions, and pretesting of data collection tools.

Sharing session: Representatives from Blue Diamond Society (BDS) Nepal share their journey in LGBTIQA+ advocacy and mental health support, offering field researchers practical guidance and motivation to engage respectfully and effectively with the LGBTIQA+ community in preparation for the SAATHI program.

Glimpses of training sessions facilitated by members of the PERC team, including Research Coordinator Ms. Runa Tandukar, Research Specialist Ms. Reena Koju, and Senior Health Advisor Dr. Keshab Deuba, among others.

Training participants actively engaging in group discussions and sharing experiences during the five-day training program.

Feedback Session: Participants sharing their reflections and feedback following the pretesting activity.

PERC would like to thank all the participants and facilitators for making this training a resounding success and SAATHI program is a milestone effort aimed to address experience of violence and improve mental health well being among marginalized and hidden communities in Nepal.