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The RIC-Rose Cooperation Project is based on RIC Mission experience and expertise combined with the reach and assistance of the Rose Charities International Network. www.RoseCharities.org

The RIC Mission is a non-profit, non-political and non-government organization registered with Government of Nepal at Office of Chief District Officer with registration number 1063. It has been also registered at Social Welfare Council and Drug Control Branch at Home Ministry, Nepal. Its objectives are in Public Health; Environment and Nature Conservation, Human Care and Reinvestment of Capital Gain through Permaculture Development **

** Permaculture, defined (by writer, Emma Chapman), as:"Permaculture, originally 'Permanent Agriculture', is often viewed as a set of gardening techniques, but it has in fact developed into a whole design philosophy, and for some people a philosophy for life. Its central theme is the creation of human systems which provide for human needs, but using many natural elements and drawing inspiration from natural ecosystems. Its goals and priorities coincide with what many people see as the core requirements for sustainability."

The RIC Mission team has special experience in the field of drug treatment and rehabilitation HIV care and support, having worked in these areas for 10 years. The teams background includes work experience stretching from Kathmandu to the Nepal-India border in the Western Terai region. The team has worked in its current location in Bhairahawa for 5 years. Thre three staff have additionally been internationally trained for permaculture development

The team, working originally with different organizations, realized the demand for their work and came together to launch the “RIC Mission” where 25 sleeping beds are available for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependent individuals. Techniques used are ‘Harm Reduction’ <see… www.harmreduction.org >, self realization through meditiaton , autonomy and patients include those with HIV/AIDS, non-dependent and dependent drug users etc. The team now includes also those who themselves have suffered from addiction, social workers, meditation experts especially in Vipassana < see www.dhamma.org/en/vipassana.shtml > **

**‘Vipassana is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion’

The RIC Mission started situated near Nepal–India border at Bhairahawa, (near Lord Buddha’s birthplace of Lumbini.) In this area activities like drug and trafficking of women are prevalent. In addition, there is a large migrant worker population which has led to a major sex trade with many female sex workers. RIC tried to assist groups vulnerable to these situations by its counseling, harm reduction, prevention-awareness programs. The program has now expanded and moved to Kathmandu