At CAS Trips, we believe in the power of young changemakers to make a real difference in their communities and beyond. This year’s CAS Challenge Project 2024 has been a testament to that belief, as students from around the world took on meaningful initiatives that embody the spirit of creativity, action, and service.
After careful review and some very tough decision-making — we are thrilled to announce the winners of 2024’s challenge: Saathi. Founded by Priyanshi Poddar, Saathi is a youth-led initiative dedicated to sustainability and social impact, that Priyanshi has seen through to its second phase with the help of her friends and collaborators, Jagriti Singh, and Grace Hlawnmual. Their project has already made a profound difference in the lives of thousands of people in Nepal, and we are honored to celebrate their incredible efforts.
Saathi: Transforming Lives One Mat and Shoe at a Time
Saathi (Nepalese for “friend”) upcycles rubber waste from the footwear industry into durable mats and shoes, which are then distributed to marginalized communities in Biratnagar, Nepal. This project directly addresses two pressing global issues: environmental sustainability and social inequality.
Over the past year, Saathi has:
✔ Distributed more than 600 mats and 2,500 pairs of shoes to underprivileged communities
✔ Recycled approximately 250 kg of rubber waste, reducing environmental impact
✔ Provided emergency aid during a recent earthquake, distributing 200 mats to affected families
✔ Earned recognition from district authorities for their valuable contributions
✔ Engaged local schools and students in sustainability efforts, fostering awareness and participation in social initiatives
✔ Developed partnerships with small businesses and artisans to improve the design and production of their upcycled products
Overcoming Challenges
Like any ambitious project, Saathi encountered significant challenges along the way, from sourcing rubber waste to managing distribution logistics. The team collaborated with local organizations, conducted extensive product testing, and worked closely with footwear factories to ensure a sustainable and efficient production process. However, the most profound challenge was witnessing the harsh realities of poverty firsthand, which only strengthened their resolve to expand their impact.
Additionally, funding posed an ongoing challenge. The team relied on creative fundraising strategies, including social media campaigns, crowdfunding, and partnerships with environmentally conscious businesses. These efforts not only provided financial support but also helped raise awareness about their mission.
Meet the Team Behind Saathi
Each of Saathi’s founders brings a unique perspective and passion to the initiative:
- Priyanshi Poddar, the visionary behind Saathi, grew up immersed in Nepal’s footwear industry thanks to her father’s business, and has seen both the artistry of the craft in addition to the environmental impact of rubber waste it produces. Her deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and social equity led her to create a project that turns discarded materials into life-changing resources.
- Grace Hlawnmual, from Mizoram, India, joined Saathi after witnessing the immense need for proper footwear in Nepal. Her role focuses on advertising and medical logistics, ensuring that every donation is thoughtfully executed.
- Jagriti Singh, inspired by her experiences in Angola, saw striking similarities between poverty in Nepal and other parts of the world. She contributes to fundraising, advertising, and project execution to ensure Saathi’s continued success.
What’s Next for Saathi?
Saathi is now scaling up, aiming to expand its production and distribution of slippers while continuing to raise awareness about sustainable practices. Through ongoing community engagement, partnerships, and student involvement, the project hopes to create a lasting ripple effect of positive change in Nepal and beyond.
In the future, they also hope to:
✔ Introduce new product lines using other forms of industrial waste
✔ Expand their distribution network to reach even more remote communities
✔ Launch educational workshops in schools to promote sustainability
✔ Collaborate with larger organizations to enhance their production capacity and impact
Interview with the Winners
We had the chance to sit down with Priyanshi, Grace, and Jagriti to hear more about their journey with Saathi, their personal motivations, and their hopes for the future. Here’s what they had to say:
Q: How did it feel to win the CAS Challenge?
Jagriti: I was both happy and surprised. It felt like an incredible opportunity to connect with a global student exchange community. It gave us a sense of accomplishment, knowing that all our efforts led to something meaningful and that we could reach out to a large community.
Priyanshi: I was speechless for quite some time. It is so exciting and inspiring to see what other young people around the world are doing to create change, and I am excited to become part of this community.
Q: How has working on this project changed your perspective on sustainability and social impact?
Priyanshi: This is actually the second phase of the project, so I’ve already had the opportunity to learn a lot. One of the biggest lessons has been around distribution—I had previously seen examples of unsustainable development, but witnessing the realities of poverty firsthand was unreal. In the country I live in, so many people suffer, and I had no idea of the extent. This experience reinforced that you have to keep trying, keep reaching out, and keep refining your approach to find what works.
Jagriti: Living in Angola and seeing poverty up close made me want to help people. Working on this project allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in school in a real and impactful way. It made my passion for social impact grow even more.
Grace: The whole concept of sustainability became much more real to me. Seeing firsthand how we can repurpose waste and turn it into something useful was eye-opening. It showed me that if you have a dream, you can make it happen.
Q: How has this experience influenced your future goals?
Priyanshi: Starting this project sparked my interest in environmental policy and sustainability infrastructure. Now, I want to take what I’ve learned and apply it on a larger scale.
Grace: I plan to pursue medicine. Working on Saathi, especially through interacting with children and helping distribute the mats and footwear, made me want to go beyond what we’re doing now and find ways to help from a healthcare perspective as well.
Jagriti: I also want to pursue medicine. This project reinforced my desire to care for others, and I’ll carry that mindset forward in everything I do.
Q: What is a moment from this journey that really stood out to you?
Jagriti: Priyanshi and I would go on drives, and I remember seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces. That moment really stuck with me, as did the challenges we faced—like communication barriers—but overcoming them made the journey even more rewarding.
Priyanshi: I’ll never forget our first distribution. We went to a village in Nepal, and there was a tiny boy who insisted on carrying a mat himself for his entire family. That moment stayed with me. Later, when I reached out to Grace and Jagriti, we started discussing the idea of including footwear, and that’s how we expanded into making shoes as well.
Grace: Seeing the joy on people’s faces was unforgettable. I also tend to procrastinate, but throughout this journey, I received so much support from friends. That was really powerful and motivating for me.
Q: What advice would you give to other students looking to start their own projects?
Grace: If you have a dream, always try to take it forward. If you’re struggling to do it alone, see how you can bring others along on the journey. Don’t give up.
Jagriti: As long as you’re doing something you’re passionate about, you’ll enjoy the process. Surround yourself with supportive peers, and it will become a truly memorable experience.
Priyanshi: Ask yourself why—what inspired you? If your passion comes from within, you’ll always find a way around the challenges. Coming back to your “why” will help you stay motivated and on course.
Join the Movement!
Saathi’s story is proof that young changemakers can drive meaningful impact. Their work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15: Life on Land), demonstrating the power of creative solutions to global challenges.
We encourage you to follow their journey, get inspired, and think about how you, too, can create positive change in your community. Stay tuned for more updates on the CAS Project Challenge, and congratulations again to the Saathi team!
