EKCSA
Eugene Kathmandu Sister City Association
The Eugene-Kathmandu Sister City Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Eugene-Kathmandu Sister City Association promotes mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Eugene and Nepal through events, delegations and fund-raising. A volunteer organization of Nepalis and Americans who love Nepal, we welcome participation of all.
Key Programs
Community Building
EKSCA provides a welcoming space for Nepalese and Americans to connect, build friendships, and experience the richness of our cultures through a variety of community-building events. From lively celebrations of festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chatth, to the celebration of the Nepali New Year with the Rhododendrons of Hendricks Park our events are designed to foster a strong sense of community over food, culture, music, arts, and stories. Our much more relaxed annual summer picnic unites the community every year as we celebrate EKSCA. In the past, EKSCA has also coordinated the showcasing of Nepali culture through dance, music, and fashion at events like the Eugene Asian Celebration. Explore our events page for details on upcoming opportunities to connect with our vibrant community!
Delegations
Since its founding, EKSCA has facilitated impactful delegations between Eugene and Kathmandu, leading to lasting positive change. Early initiatives included collaborating with USAID/Nepal to develop electric vehicles and supporting the establishment of the Lumbini Clinic (see history page for more details). More recently, we’ve facilitated knowledge-sharing between fire departments and supported cultural exchanges like the 20X21 Eug Mural Project whereby Nepali artist Kiran Maharjan painted two murals in the Eugene-Springfield community. We are committed to building on this legacy, fostering ongoing connections, and creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Supporting Nepali Students and Scholars
EKSCA is dedicated to supporting Nepali students and scholars as they pursue their academic dreams in Eugene. We provide financial assistance through the Frank Vignola Scholarship Fund, a recently developed program to further support Nepali students at the University of Oregon. Beyond financial aid, we offer a welcoming network, connect students with valuable resources, and organize events that foster a sense of community and belonging for the students from Nepali and of Nepali origin.
