About Jyoti Foundation
Our Mission
Jyoti Foundation endeavors to meet the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of elderly poor in Nepal through care provided in a family care setting that is emotionally and physically secure.
Who We Are - Jyoti Foundation
About Jyoti Foundation
GLANCE AT SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEPAL
About Jyoti Foundation
Jyoti Foundation envisions serving the elderly poor with love, affection, respect and comforts. Jyoti Foundation aims that all aged people should live happily in the eves of their lives.” The foundation was initiated as a result of vision and passion of Subha Rajbhandari, a native Nepali. Jyoti Foundation aims to provide services to meet
Jyoti Foundation envisions serving the elderly poor with love, affection, respect and comforts. Jyoti Foundation aims that all aged people should live happily in the eves of their lives.” The foundation was initiated as a result of vision and passion of Subha Rajbhandari, a native Nepali. Jyoti Foundation aims to provide services to meet the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs in a family care setting that is both emotionally and physically secure. Also, consultations with the family of the elderly residents with the goal of re-establishing healthy family bonds with the goal of involving families in the care of their elderly relatives. Jyoti foundation aims to bring awareness among the younger generation teaching them to respect and value the elderly and recognize their contribution in their lives.
Presently we are helping elderly in Kathmandu with basic needs such as food and medicines based on their individual needs. The services have been carried out by our volunteers in Nepal with the donation that Jyoti Foundation receives from individual donors.
Issue
GLANCE AT SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEPAL
About Jyoti Foundation
In a universal family setting, children are always expected to adore and look after their parents with love and reverence. However, in the present modern era, one out of five elderly individuals, upon ceasing to earn, becoming sick, or truly invalid, are neglected and ultimately forced out of their homes. Their own children consider them
In a universal family setting, children are always expected to adore and look after their parents with love and reverence. However, in the present modern era, one out of five elderly individuals, upon ceasing to earn, becoming sick, or truly invalid, are neglected and ultimately forced out of their homes. Their own children consider them a burden and begin to dismiss the untainted efforts and sacrifices their parents made in raising and establishing them in life.
The homelessness among these elderly individuals is entirely the result of social negligence and a lack of concern for what they truly require in the twilight of their lives.
With the influence of family or social misery affecting their way of living and thinking, as well as internal family politics, a collapse in family ties is common in our modern society. Unfortunately, it is becoming more frequent among low and medium socio-economic communities.
GLANCE AT SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEPAL
GLANCE AT SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEPAL
GLANCE AT SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEPAL
Nepal's population, as of the 2021 census, stands at approximately 29.16 million. Of this, the elderly population (aged 60 and above) has reached 2.97 million, constituting approximately 10.21% of the total population. This group is experiencing a significant growth rate of 3.29% per year, notably higher than the country's average annual
Nepal's population, as of the 2021 census, stands at approximately 29.16 million. Of this, the elderly population (aged 60 and above) has reached 2.97 million, constituting approximately 10.21% of the total population. This group is experiencing a significant growth rate of 3.29% per year, notably higher than the country's average annual population growth rate of 0.92%. While precise up-to-date data on the exact percentage of vulnerable individuals within this elderly group remains elusive, it is understood that populations in this demographic are vulnerable in physiological, psychological, economic, social, and familial terms. Our consultations with various elderly individuals, organizations managing old age homes, concerned government authorities, and social workers corroborate these concerns. It is estimated that about 17% of the total elderly population are in critical condition. Most importantly, elderly individuals from so-called lower castes face even greater vulnerability due to cultural biases and their poor economic status. The elderly people in Nepal typically spend their entire lives to raise their children. Cohabitation often serves as the sole guarantee that elderly parents will receive support from their adult children, as they heavily depend on their offspring, particularly sons, for support and security in their old age.
While Nepal has made strides in establishing a legal framework for the protection of senior citizens there are still gaps in practical implementation and widespread awareness. Despite legislative efforts, elderly people often remain "hidden" within families and may not receive adequate love and care when they become inactive and immobile. Poverty, inequality, and social exclusion continue to be significant factors contributing to deprivation for the elderly in Nepal.
About the founder
GLANCE AT SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEPAL
GLANCE AT SENIOR CITIZENS IN NEPAL
Subha Rajbhandari, founder and president of Jyoti Foundation,was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her parents and grandparents have huge contributions to and in her life while growing up and up to now. She knows and have seen elderly suffer from abuses by their own families and yet, it is embarrassing for elderly to show that they ar
Subha Rajbhandari, founder and president of Jyoti Foundation,was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her parents and grandparents have huge contributions to and in her life while growing up and up to now. She knows and have seen elderly suffer from abuses by their own families and yet, it is embarrassing for elderly to show that they are victim of abuse as they hide it from the society. She has visited old age home in Kathmandu while growing up in Nepal and on her visits to Nepal. She understands and feels how important it is for the elderly people to be around the family and be loved and respected at the eve of their life. She understands how we can give love, happiness and meaningful time at the eve of their lives. The elderly who finds living in family is a painful life due to neglect, discrimination and violence. The aspiration of the Jyoti foundation is to provide them with love and affection. Provide them with creative and dignified life. Older people need to live in dignity and pride with no exploitation, physical and mental torture.
Subha, believes that Senior Citizen Facilities are not a fancy but the dire necessities in our modern society, at present and more so in future.
Programs
Bringing Darkness to Light: The Jyoti Foundation
Bringing Darkness to Light: The Jyoti Foundation
Nepal, a country of 30 million people tucked between India and China, is included by the United Nations in its list of poorest nations of the world. With more than 30% of the population living below the poverty line Nepal has few social services to care for the poorest of the poor. The elderly poor in Nepal have little or no government services and often end up on the street begging for survival. Jyoti Foundation was begun with the vision to provide services to meet the physical, mental, social and spiritual needs in a family care setting that is both emotionally and physically secure.
These services will be carried out by minimal paid and volunteer, part time and full time staff and will include:
The Jyoti Foundation was born from a vision: to provide a safe, loving family environment where the elderly can find physical, mental, social, and spiritual support. We believe every senior deserves dignity and care.
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers provides essential services, including:
- Family Reconnection: Consultations aimed at rebuilding strong family bonds and encouraging family involvement in elder care.
- Generational Awareness: Programs to teach younger generations the importance of respecting and valuing their elders.
Currently, the Jyoti Foundation is actively providing crucial food and medicine to elderly individuals in need, thanks to the generosity of our donors
Board of Directors
Subha Rajbhandari- (Founder/ President )
Subha Rajbhandari- (Founder/ President )
Subha Rajbhandari- (Founder/ President )
Subha Rajbhandari, born in Kathmandu, Nepal and graduated from Tribhuvan University with a Masters of Sociology. Subha has worked her entire adult life to improve the lives and welfare of those in need. By profession and trade, she has worked as a Social Worker, in the service of foster children between the ages of 0-21, those who have be
Subha Rajbhandari, born in Kathmandu, Nepal and graduated from Tribhuvan University with a Masters of Sociology. Subha has worked her entire adult life to improve the lives and welfare of those in need. By profession and trade, she has worked as a Social Worker, in the service of foster children between the ages of 0-21, those who have been neglected and abused. While in her university studies, researched social issues ranging from that of “untouchables” in the Hindu Caste System, to the social ailments associated with the gender and the aged. A long involvement in community involvement, Subha has taken part in helping with hospice care in Kathmandu, contributions to the building of a temple in her community, financial assistance for those in need, to charitable contribution and volunteer work for various causes in both the USA and Nepal.
Jonathan Smoak- (Secretary/Treasurer)
Subha Rajbhandari- (Founder/ President )
Subha Rajbhandari- (Founder/ President )
Jonathan Smoak is the son of charity workers in Colombia, South America. He has a BA in Social Science with an emphasis in Economic and Political Development. Jonathan worked among the poor in Latin America and Asia for more than 15 years developing university awareness programs which took North American College students to live and work
Jonathan Smoak is the son of charity workers in Colombia, South America. He has a BA in Social Science with an emphasis in Economic and Political Development. Jonathan worked among the poor in Latin America and Asia for more than 15 years developing university awareness programs which took North American College students to live and work among the poor. He also managed a hurricane relief program in Honduras in the aftermath of Hurricane “Mitch” in 1998. This program reconstructed destroyed villages and provided employment for villagers to participate in public works. Jonathan is also the founder of The Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition in Melbourne, Florida.
Soni Joshi
Subha Rajbhandari- (Founder/ President )
Jocelyn McCoy
Soni Joshi holds a Masters in Rural Development and Gender Studies (M. Sc. R.D. G. S). She has been involved in the social development field for more than a decade and is involved with a lot of organizations in different capacities that are working primarily for the benefit of the women and children of Nepal. She was also the First Nepali
Soni Joshi holds a Masters in Rural Development and Gender Studies (M. Sc. R.D. G. S). She has been involved in the social development field for more than a decade and is involved with a lot of organizations in different capacities that are working primarily for the benefit of the women and children of Nepal. She was also the First Nepali President of The Active Women of Nepal (AWON) which was formerly known as the American Women’s Association of Nepal. She has been involved with the United Nation’s Women’s Organization (UNWO) in different capacities for the past few years. She has served as the Chair of the Social Welfare Committee for 5 years. She is currently the President of the Center for Health, Education, Training and Advocacy (CHETANA). Which is concentrating on a variety of women focused programs & projects leading to their betterment with the inclusion of the male section of society too, gender sensitization, gender awareness, income generating trainings, awareness & advocacy related to health & education etc. She has experience in research work, fund raising, compering, proposal writing, organization and execution of novel projects and programs etc. She currently resides in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Jocelyn McCoy
Founding Board Member – Late Nabindra Raj Joshi
Jocelyn McCoy
Jocelyn McCoy is the Chief Financial officer and a board member of A Coming of Age Foster Family Agency, a treatment agency providing therapeutic care services to foster children in California USA . She was born in the Philippines.and has been working with children in need for many years. Her passion and active involvement in meeting the
Jocelyn McCoy is the Chief Financial officer and a board member of A Coming of Age Foster Family Agency, a treatment agency providing therapeutic care services to foster children in California USA . She was born in the Philippines.and has been working with children in need for many years. Her passion and active involvement in meeting the needs of children and youth in foster care has made a great impression in the community .In addtion she is involved actively in fund raising and events for children in the foster care system. Jocelyn also has been involved in helping people in need in the Philippines.
Founding Board Member – Late Julius C. Dryer
Founding Board Member – Late Nabindra Raj Joshi
Founding Board Member – Late Nabindra Raj Joshi
Julius “Jack” Dyer was born in Louisiana and graduated from LSU. He worked as a consulting engineer and at a young age formed his own consulting engineering business which grew quickly into a large and respected entity. By his late 30s Jack was wealthy and successful but made a choice to change the course of his life. He left the business
Julius “Jack” Dyer was born in Louisiana and graduated from LSU. He worked as a consulting engineer and at a young age formed his own consulting engineering business which grew quickly into a large and respected entity. By his late 30s Jack was wealthy and successful but made a choice to change the course of his life. He left the business world and spent nearly 40 years using his resources to make a difference among the poor of Central America and India. He helped manage the Miskito Indian refugee camps in Honduras during the Sandinista conflict of the 1980s. He became the Country Director for Honduras of Friends of the Americas and built a hospital in the Mosquitia jungle on the border of Nicaragua and Honduras. Jack’s accomplishments among the poor of Honduras are legendary and the Miskito Nation knows him as “Papa Jack”. In his late 60s Jack moved to northern India to begin a new venture among Tibetan refugees. We will miss his inspirational guidance.
Founding Board Member – Late Nabindra Raj Joshi
Founding Board Member – Late Nabindra Raj Joshi
Founding Board Member – Late Nabindra Raj Joshi
Nabindra Raj Joshi, born in Kathmandu, Nepal, dedicated his life to public service. After earning his MBA from Tribhuvan University, he quickly became a prominent community leader, founding the 'Association of Business Students.'
His commitment to social welfare was evident when, at just 27, he became the youngest-ever Deputy Mayor of Kath
Nabindra Raj Joshi, born in Kathmandu, Nepal, dedicated his life to public service. After earning his MBA from Tribhuvan University, he quickly became a prominent community leader, founding the 'Association of Business Students.'
His commitment to social welfare was evident when, at just 27, he became the youngest-ever Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City in 1990, serving a five-year term. Joshi was also a passionate advocate for human equality, establishing the "Ganesh Man Singh Academy" to promote democracy and peace.
Later, as Nepal's Industry Minister (2016-2017), he was highly praised for reviving the state-owned Nepal Drug Limited, making affordable medicines accessible. He also organized Nepal's first-ever investment summit, drawing significant foreign investment.
Known for his humble and hardworking nature, Joshi tirelessly served his country and its people, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was a crucial figure in the establishment of the Jyoti Foundation, an organization aiding the elderly in Nepal. Nabindra Raj Joshi's legacy of leadership and compassion will forever be remembered by the people of Nepal and the Jyoti Foundation.
Beginnings
Our Impact
in August 2011, we announced that we had begun helping Rama Devi. Rama Devi was a 72 year old Nepali woman, living homeless and unwanted…. Rama Devi was married when she was 13 but soon after her husband left her for another woman. Rama Devi did not have children of her own or any known relatives and was left penniless on the street. Sh
in August 2011, we announced that we had begun helping Rama Devi. Rama Devi was a 72 year old Nepali woman, living homeless and unwanted…. Rama Devi was married when she was 13 but soon after her husband left her for another woman. Rama Devi did not have children of her own or any known relatives and was left penniless on the street. She currently lives in one very small room in extremely poor conditions as she had neither income nor family to support her. “I am living alone with no income sources and I am helped by my neighbors for my food and clothing”, she says.
Our Impact
Suku Devi, age 92, and Kamala Shrestha, age 87. Suku Devi lives alone in a small room and has no one to help her. In our original contact with her she cried in desperation about her situation and is now so happy that people care and are assisting her with basic needs. Kamala Shrestha lives alone and has depended on neighbors to provide fo
Suku Devi, age 92, and Kamala Shrestha, age 87. Suku Devi lives alone in a small room and has no one to help her. In our original contact with her she cried in desperation about her situation and is now so happy that people care and are assisting her with basic needs. Kamala Shrestha lives alone and has depended on neighbors to provide food for her. She said, “I sometimes go without food. I don’t want to bother anyone.” Thank you for participating with us in bringing light and hope to these three beautiful old women. Rama Devi, Suku Devi and Kamala Shrestha are not an exception; there are thousands of elderly in similar or worse conditions in the streets of Nepal. These elderly poor experience deteriorating health, malnutrition, lack of shelter, fear, depression, senility, isolation, and financial incapacity.
Our Impact
Our Impact
Our Impact
Supporting Nepal's Elderly: Stories of Resilience
Krishna Devi Napit, 82, lives alone after losing her husband and son. With no family support, this former barber struggles for daily provisions, a plight the Jyoti Foundation is honored to alleviate.
Laxmi Maya Moktan, 98, endures immense hardship. Her husband was killed 52 years ago, and sh
Supporting Nepal's Elderly: Stories of Resilience
Krishna Devi Napit, 82, lives alone after losing her husband and son. With no family support, this former barber struggles for daily provisions, a plight the Jyoti Foundation is honored to alleviate.
Laxmi Maya Moktan, 98, endures immense hardship. Her husband was killed 52 years ago, and she cares for her unsupportive 65-year-old son in a tiny, rented room. For nine years, Laxmi has cleaned a temple daily from 5 AM to 5 PM, relying solely on offerings for income, often going hungry. Despite severe vision problems, she bravely shared her struggle to survive.
Shankar Dangol, 72, a former farmer, now lives in a poorly electrified two-bedroom house with his ailing 75-year-old sister, Kusi Maya. With no other family, Shankar cleans a temple daily, depending on offerings for their basic needs.
These poignant stories highlight the desperate conditions many elderly Nepalis face. The Jyoti Foundation provides crucial support—shelter, food, medicine, and daily assistance—to individuals like Krishna Devi, Laxmi Maya, and Shankar. Your financial contributions are vital in "Bringing Darkness to Light" for these vulnerable elders, offering them hope and dignity. Please help us continue our mission.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
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