Building Dreams Together – The Impact of Cross-Border Collaboration in Nepal

As the lead engineer for the Simara multi-purpose sports court, I witnessed firsthand how international collaboration can turn an ambitious vision into reality. This new multi-sport court stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when youth from different countries, local organizations, and communities unite with a shared purpose.

The story began in November 2024, when four high school students, all just 15 or 16 years old—Monique Siu, Fifi Wong, James Yan, and Nathan Chow—from the Chinese International School (CIS) in Hong Kong visited Nepal. Their experience playing volleyball with local children in villages like Ghandruk and Chhomrong sparked a vision: to bridge the gap in recreational opportunities between privileged and underserved communities. Their passion, drive, and resolve not only showed their maturity and empathy, but were an inspiration to me. They formed Peak Potential, a student-led initiative with a mission to empower Nepali youth through sports, and reached out to IRD to turn their vision into reality.

From our very first meeting in December 2024, I was struck by their professionalism, clarity of purpose, and the diplomatic approach they brought to every discussion. Although still in high school, the members of Peak Potential were deeply involved in every step of the project—engaging in thoughtful conversations about planning, budgeting, and the many logistical and cultural challenges we faced. Their willingness to listen, ask insightful questions, and contribute ideas ensured that every major decision was made collaboratively. Their maturity and commitment to transparent, respectful partnership were truly impressive, and their involvement elevated the entire process.

Peak Potential’s fundraising campaign in Hong Kong provided the financial backbone for the project. With these resources, IRD was able to procure sports equipment and manage all aspects of construction and logistics in Nepal.

The internationally collaborative nature of the project required constant communication—weekly progress reports, virtual site inspections, and shared digital folders for financial and photographic documentation. This level of transparency and accountability was not just a requirement; it was a foundation for trust between our teams and an example of best practices for international organization collaboration that can become a national and global standard.

The construction phase began on May 23, 2025. As we transported materials to the site and cleared maize fields under the scorching sun, I often thought about how all of this started with the determination of four teenagers from Hong Kong—and how their vision had brought us to this field, now buzzing with activity.

The technical challenges were formidable: we had to dig two-foot-deep holes for fencing and volleyball poles, overcome the lack of a long measuring tape, and adapt when the available electricity proved too inconsistent for welding. The most physically demanding task was transporting a 90 kg welding machine across rough terrain—a moment that tested our endurance and highlighted the remoteness of Simara, despite its proximity to Kathmandu.

During this period, Mr. Mahananda Dhakal, the elected ward chairperson of Panchakanya Rural Municipality Ward No. 1, visited the site. As the local government representative responsible for Simara village, he observed firsthand the difficulties we faced and expressed deep appreciation for the international collaboration that brought such a project to his community. Together, we discussed the importance of forming a local youth club to ensure the facility’s sustainability and to foster a sports culture in the ward—a place where, historically, youth opportunities have been limited not by lack of will, but by lack of resources.

What continued to inspire me throughout was the unwavering commitment of the Peak Potential team. Despite their age and the distance between us, they were always involved—asking questions, offering ideas, and celebrating every milestone. Their passion was infectious, encouraging everyone—from our team to the village children—to take real ownership and pride in the construction process.The project became not just a construction effort, but a living lesson in global citizenship, youth leadership, and the power of diplomacy.

On the evening welding was completed, local children began playing volleyball on the new court, marking the facility’s informal inauguration. The joy on their faces was a reward for every hardship faced. On the final day, we officially handed over sports equipment to the community and encouraged the children to care for the facility, emphasizing their newfound responsibility to take care of the equipment and court, carrying forward the legacy of Peak Potential and IRD’s passion and hard work.

The impact of this project is already visible. The facility has become a gathering place for youth from all backgrounds regardless of caste or ethnicity, fostering inclusion and community pride. The formation of a youth club is underway, and we are planning tournaments and activities to further encourage the youths. The project aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: reducing inequalities, promoting health and well-being, advancing quality education, and fostering global partnerships.

Reflecting on this journey, I am deeply moved by what a small group of teenagers, armed with vision and empathy, can accomplish on the other side of the world. Their initiative has inspired me and everyone involved to not only to build a sports court, but to believe in the possibilities that arise when young people lead, when communities unite, and where borders become bridges. I am grateful to Peak Potential, IRD, our volunteers, the local community, and the ward chairperson for showing that the impact of working together truly knows no borders. The success of this project has inspired us all, and I look forward to seeing how this partnership—sparked by the dreams of four remarkable teenagers—will continue to grow and empower even more communities in the future.