A summer of swimming and enjoying the beach is on the cards for a group of Nepalese women who, before this year, had rarely been in the sea.
With the help of a 2024 South East Water Community Grant, non-profit organisation Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) has trained 42 Nepalese women from the Casey, Dandenong and Wantirna suburbs in water safety.
DBSV, which connects Nepalese women and organises health and wellbeing activities to help break social isolation, received a $10,000 grant to provide swimming and ocean safety lessons.
Coming from landlocked Nepal, the women had little opportunity to learn these skills. This program provided them with essential training and confidence to go swimming and help look out for others.
The Nepalese women participated in a series of pool sessions to build their confidence in and around water.
Life Saving Victoria facilitated the final session on beach and water safety, both theory and practice.
The women used the skills and knowledge they learned through the program. Some stepped into the seawater for the first time in their lives.
“This program will provide many women with essential water safety skills, giving them the confidence to enjoy water activities with their families,” DBSV advisor Roshan Bhandary said.
“It’s about breaking social isolation and fostering a sense of belonging,” DBSV coordinator Neera Basnet said.
DBSV coordinator Brinda Shrestha said the women were developing vital water safety skills and building connections with others in the community.
“They’re not only developing vital water safety skills but also building connections with others in the community.”
Sanju Subedi was one of the 42 women who participated in the program and said it was a life-changing experience.
“I never thought I would feel comfortable in the water, but this program has changed that completely,” she said.
“Now, I feel confident to swim with my family and even help keep them safe.
“It’s not just about learning to swim. It’s about finding freedom and joy in something I never imagined I could do.”
South East Water’s Community Grants program funds local projects that support vulnerable community members; make our environment healthier; help people be more active and connected; and build our knowledge about water and how to use it in the best way possible.
“We’re delighted to support Didi Bahini Samaj with this important initiative, helping women learn essential water safety skills and enjoy the confidence to embrace all that Port Phillip Bay has to offer,” South East Water acting general manager Strategy and Stakeholder Caroline Patrick said.
“This program is a wonderful example of how our Community Grants can empower local groups to make a meaningful impact—building skills and connections whilst improving health and wellbeing.”
The Community Grants program helps make grassroots community projects possible, supporting the community in the areas of affordability, health and liveability, environment and water security and knowledge.
Applications open for the 2025 program on 17 February 2025.
Learn more about the South East Water Community Grants here: southeastwater.com.au/grants
