GBC Leads 15-Day Bamboo Weaving Training to Uplift Indigenous Artisans in Badikhel
In a bid to empower indigenous artisans and strengthen Nepal’s bamboo-based economy, Green Bamboo Creation recently co-organized a 15-day “First Phase Bamboo Weaving Skills Enhancement Exchange Training” in Badikhel, Godawari Municipality-4, Lalitpur.
The program, conducted in collaboration with Social Development Vision, focused on enhancing the traditional craftsmanship of the Pahari community and other local artisans who have relied on bamboo weaving as a primary livelihood for generations. Guided by the slogan “Bamboo makes life better,” the training marked a significant milestone in skill development and cross-cultural exchange.
Held from Chaitra 6 to Chaitra 20, 2081 (March 19 to April 2, 2025), the training program was supported by the Goodwill Foundation China and the Nepal-China Kailash Culture Promotion Development Association. Local partners included the Godawari Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Godawari Municipality, making the initiative a robust collaboration between local and international organizations committed to sustainable development through skill enhancement.
What set this training apart was the presence of two bamboo craft experts from Sichuan Province, China—renowned globally for their intricate bamboo handicrafts. The Chinese experts conducted hands-on sessions for 23 local participants, teaching them to create bamboo lanterns in various shapes and sizes. These handcrafted lanterns, rich in artistry and fine detailing, matched the finishing and quality of those crafted in China. The success of this cultural and technical exchange holds great promise for the local artisans, as the new products are expected to fetch higher market value compared to the traditional items currently available.
Green Bamboo Creation has long been engaged in sourcing bamboo handicrafts from the Pahari community of Badikhel as part of its inclusive and sustainable business model. This initiative is a natural extension of its ongoing commitment to uplift indigenous communities by providing them access to modern techniques, broader markets, and economic opportunities. “We are working to make Badikhel a center of bamboo handicraft production. This training is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to developing the capacity of local artisans and promoting their traditional skills,” said Pranab Pradhan, founder and CEO of Green Bamboo Creation, during the inaugural session.
Echoing this sentiment, Shiva Kumar Basnet, President of Social Development Vision, expressed confidence that the skills acquired through the training would significantly boost household incomes in the region.
Similarly, Pradip Dangal, Project Manager at Green Bamboo Creation, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in empowering communities that have historically relied on bamboo for their livelihoods.
International support for the program was also enthusiastic. Ma Che Chen, President of Goodwill Foundation China, praised the adaptability of Nepali artisans, stating, “We are happy that Nepali bamboo is well-suited for crafting Chinese-style handicrafts and that local artisans have shown exceptional skill in learning these techniques.”
The inaugural ceremony was graced by a host of dignitaries, including Dr. Rajendra KC, Director General of the Forest Research and Training Center; Gajendra Maharjan, Mayor of Godawari Municipality; Renjin Nobu, President of Nepal-China Kailash Culture Development Promotion Center; Rajan Maharjan, President of Godawari Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Jagannath Maharjan, Founding President of the Chamber; Pitamber Sanjel, current President; and Sanu Bhai Nagarkoti, Ward Chief of Godawari Municipality Ward No. 4. The event also saw the participation of Chinese Embassy representatives Went Qiongtai and Xi Wang, further emphasizing the international importance of the initiative.
As the training concluded, Green Bamboo Creation reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating the marketing of the newly crafted products while also supporting artisans in standardization, innovation, and scaling up production. This initiative not only reflects the potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource but also demonstrates how cross-border collaboration and skill development can transform local economies and preserve cultural heritage in a modern, market-driven context.
By building on existing skills and introducing refined techniques, Green Bamboo Creation continues to play a leading role in transforming Nepal’s bamboo sector into a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive industry—one artisan, one product, and one training at a time.