Since 2007, we have been working closely with our partner KETAAKETI. The non-profit organization, based in Bremen, Germany, was founded by Anneli-Sofia Raecker in 2006 after she returned from a journey to Nepal. From its inception in 2007 until today, she has served as the organization's president.
The organization’s main objective is to support primary education for underprivileged children and to stabilize it by providing micro-finance to the children’s parents. This allows the families to support themselves in a self-determined manner. Currently, KETAAKETI is involved in 37 projects within Nepal, including free schools in Kathmandu and rural areas, micro-finance programs, and free health camps. It also cooperates with governmental schools and provides financial aid to talented children from financially unstable families, enabling them to afford an appropriate education and training. Furthermore, the organization has offered "social classes", which serve as a preparatory step for children from very remote areas. These classes help them adjust to school life and its customs.
Over the last fifteen years, Anneli-Sofia Raecker has dedicated herself to empowering poor and needy children, women, and families in Nepal to live better lives. In addition to raising awareness about the living conditions of the very poor in Nepal to collect donations, she has worked tirelessly to expand KETAAKETI's network of members, partners, and supporters in both Germany and Nepal.
Working up to 70 hours a week, Anneli-Sofia has developed unique strategies and concepts to address the ongoing challenges. Thanks to her, KETAAKETI embodies the innovative idea of partnership and cooperation in development work. She developed the concept of "social classes," a pyramid-like micro-finance model, and the "1€-for-one-month social class" initiative. Her annual trips to Nepal, often accompanied by other KETAAKETI members and supporters, allow her to directly engage with SPOWC initiator Rajesh Regmi and project leader Kusum Khakurel to plan future projects.
She is supported by an ever-expanding network of committed individuals, including KETAAKETI members, board members, international organizations, and expert contacts in politics, television, radio, magazines, and newsletters. In addition, Anneli-Sofia receives crucial support from regional groups, which she aims to expand. Each group focuses on a different key area, such as clean drinking water. These groups independently organize fundraisers, presentations, and other events to raise awareness of the living conditions of the poorest children, women, and families in Nepal, appeal for funds, and recruit new supporters.
In addition to the projects mentioned above, KETAAKETI made a great effort to render immediate assistance to those affected by the severe earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015. The organization provided direct on-site support through the distribution of blankets, clothes and stationary, contributed towards the reconstruction and committed itself to stabilizing and securing the existing network of schools and micro-finance-projects.
Warm thanks to KETAAKETI and especially its president Anneli-Sofia Raecker for her great commitment throughout our whole partnership! Her kindness, dedication and progressive thinking enabled us, KETAAKETI and SPOWC, to implement projects together that have a direct and sustainable impact on the lives of the very poor in Nepal!