Nepalese Autism Advocate Sabita Upreti Receives Vision Clubs International Social Service Award 2026

By Umesh Dhakal – KNA Canberra

Founder of SSDRC recognised for 18 years of dedication to the education, healthcare, rehabilitation and rights of children with autism

KATHMANDU, Nepal – Sabita Upreti, a prominent Nepalese social worker and founder-president of the Special School and Rehabilitation Centre (SSDRC), has received the Vision Clubs International Social Service Award 2026 in recognition of her long-standing contribution to improving the lives of children with autism in Nepal.

The award was presented on 7 November 2026 during the first international conference of Vision Clubs International, an organisation headquartered in New York, USA, held in Nepal. The award ceremony, accompanied by traditional Newari music and cultural performances, was chaired by Vision Clubs International International President VCI Mangaldas Shrestha, with Gokarneshwor Municipality Mayor Deepak Risal attending as the chief guest.

The award was jointly presented to Upreti by Shrestha, Mayor Risal and Rajkrishna Shrestha, President of the Vision Clubs International Kathmandu–Nepal Chapter. Other individuals, including social advocate and media professional Bhojraj Thapa and social worker Rajkrishna Shrestha, were also recognised for their contributions to society.

Accepting the award, Upreti said the recognition had encouraged her to continue her work with greater commitment and responsibility. She expressed gratitude to Vision Clubs International, adding that the honour would provide further motivation to support children with autism and their families.

18 Years of Service to Children with Autism

Upreti has dedicated the past 18 years to supporting children with autism in Nepal, focusing on education, healthcare, rehabilitation, awareness and the development of independent living skills. Through the Special School and Rehabilitation Centre (SSDRC), she has established three service centres in Narephant, Gothatar and Tathali in Bhaktapur.

The centres currently provide specialised education, therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation services to approximately 60 children and adolescents.

What began as a social service initiative with limited resources has developed into an ongoing effort to promote the rights, dignity, inclusion and independence of children with autism. Through its programmes, SSDRC also works to raise awareness about autism and provide support to families navigating the challenges associated with caring for children with additional support needs.

Vision Clubs International Expands Its Global Social Service Network

Vision Clubs International was established in New York in 2021 through the initiative of 31 Nepalese philanthropic individuals living in different countries. Operating under the motto “We Serve Nepal Differently”, the organisation aims to mobilise international community support for social development initiatives in Nepal.

It has been expanding its national and local chapters across different countries, bringing together members, life members and philanthropic individuals to support initiatives in education, healthcare, disability services and other areas of community development. The organisation channels contributions and support from its international network towards social welfare and humanitarian activities in Nepal.

The first international conference in Nepal also provided an opportunity to welcome new members and life members, with membership pins and certificates distributed during the programme. Upreti’s recognition highlights the important role of community-led initiatives in improving access to education, rehabilitation and support services for children with autism, while bringing greater international attention to disability inclusion and social responsibility in Nepal.