Terms of Reference for Street Drama

Terms of Reference for Street Drama

1. Background

KOSHISH, a national non-governmental organization established in 2008, has been working to promote mental health and psychosocial well-being in Nepal through rights-based advocacy, community engagement, and systems strengthening approaches. In partnership with Malteser International, KOSHISH is currently implementing the RUPANTARAN project in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts. The project aims to mainstream mental health and psychosocial disability issues into local government policies, plans, and service delivery systems through awareness raising and meaningful participation of rights holders.

Mental health and psychosocial well-being remain critical yet often neglected components of public health in Nepal. Despite increasing recognition at the policy level, stigma, misconceptions, and limited mental health literacy continue to prevent individuals from seeking timely care and support. These challenges are further compounded by socio-cultural beliefs, fear of discrimination, and limited availability of accessible community-level services, particularly in rural municipalities. As a result, persons with mental health problems and psychosocial disabilities frequently experience exclusion from social protection mechanisms, community participation, and essential services.

In this context, community-based awareness interventions such as street drama provide an effective and culturally appropriate platform for promoting understanding and reducing stigma related to mental health and psychosocial disabilities. Street drama uses locally relevant storytelling techniques and participatory communication methods to engage diverse community members, including those with limited literacy. It helps translate complex mental health concepts into relatable everyday experiences, challenges harmful stereotypes, and encourages supportive community attitudes and help-seeking behaviors.

Furthermore, street drama contributes to strengthening the enabling environment for the implementation of inclusive municipal policies by increasing awareness among community members, local leaders, and service providers. This approach complements ongoing advocacy efforts under the RUPANTARAN project by promoting community ownership, enhancing rights-holder participation, and reinforcing local accountability mechanisms. As a low-cost and locally adaptable communication strategy, street drama also supports the sustainability of awareness efforts beyond the project period through continued replication by local stakeholders and community groups.

2. Objectives 

The main objective of this assignment is to increase public awareness and strengthen community understanding of mental health, psychosocial well-being, stigma reduction, and suicide prevention through culturally appropriate street drama performances in selected municipalities of Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts.

Specific objectives include:

• Improve community understanding of mental health and psychosocial disability 
• Reduce stigma and discrimination toward persons with psychosocial disabilities 
• Promote positive help-seeking behavior 
• Raise awareness on suicide prevention and available support mechanisms 
• Strengthen engagement between communities and local governments on mental health inclusion 
• Support implementation of inclusive local governance priorities under the RUPANTARAN project

3. Scope of Work and Responsibilities of the Consultant / Agency

The selected consultant/agency will be responsible for the following tasks:

3.1 Content Development

• Review relevant national laws, policies, and strategies related to mental health and psychosocial disability, as well as applicable international human rights instruments. 
• Coordinate with KOSHISH technical team to ensure accuracy and sensitivity of messages. 
• Develop script and dialogues on mental health, psychosocial well-being, stigma reduction, help-seeking behavior, and suicide prevention. 

3.2 Performance Implementation

• Organize and perform eight (8) street drama performances (two performances each in: 
  • Panchakanya Rural Municipality (Nuwakot)
  • Likhu Rural Municipality (Nuwakot)
  • Bidur Municipality (Nuwakot) 
  • Kalika Rural Municipality (Rasuwa) 
• Ensure each performance lasts approximately 30–40 minutes, followed by audience interaction/reflection where feasible. 

3.3 Documentation and Production

• Capture high-quality video recordings of performances using multiple cameras (minimum Full HD 1920×1080 resolution). 
• Ensure professional audio recording and adequate lighting arrangements. 
• Edit and submit final compiled video documentation with licensed background music and captions where appropriate. 

3.4 Communication Materials

• Prepare a concise leaflet summarizing key messages of the street drama for distribution to audiences during performances. 

3.5 Coordination and Logistics

• Manage all production logistics including artists, rehearsal, travel arrangements, equipment, and performance setup within the agreed budget. 

3.6 Quality Assurance

• Incorporate feedback from KOSHISH during script development, rehearsal, performance planning, and final documentation stages. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all documents shared by KOSHISH.

4. Deliverables

The consultant/firm is expected to submit the following:

• Develop and submit a street drama script on mental health, psychosocial well-being, stigma reduction, and suicide prevention, and revise it based on feedback from KOSHISH 
• Conduct eight (8) street drama performances in Panchakanya RM, Likhu RM, Bidur Municipality, and Kalika RM (two performances in each pallika) 
• Prepare one short leaflet summarizing key messages of the street drama (print-ready format) 
• Submit edited high-quality video documentation of the performances 
• Submit a brief completion report including performance locations, dates, estimated number of participants, and key observations.

5. Key Responsibilities of KOSHISH

KOSHISH will be responsible for overall coordination of the street drama activity. 

Specifically, KOSHISH will:

• Provide relevant project information and documents, including project plans, result matrix, and other necessary materials 
• Coordinate and support the script development process with technical inputs 
• Arrange required coordination meetings with the consultant/agency and local stakeholders as needed 
• Review and provide feedback on scripts, performance plans, and communication materials 
• Support coordination with municipalities for organizing the street drama performances 
• Provide the agreed payment as per the contract terms

6. Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant/agency must have:

• At least 5 years of experience in street drama production or community awareness theatre 
• Experience working on social issues such as mental health, disability inclusion, or public awareness campaigns (preferred) 
• Ability to travel to project locations as required 
• Strong skills in communication, coordination, script development, and performance management 
• Experience in video recording and documentation of performances (preferred)

7. Timeframe:

The terms are expected to start from 1st April 2026 and end by 30th April 2026.

8. Application Process

Interested consultants/firms are requested to submit the following documents:

a) Technical Proposal

Including understanding of the assignment, methodology, and work plan

b) Financial Proposal

c) Details of the consultant/organization/firm/individual

For organizations/firms:

• CVs of proposed team members/artists 
• Organization profile with relevant experience 
• Copy of latest renewed company/firm registration certificate 
• Copy of latest tax clearance certificate 
• VAT registration certificate 
• Any other relevant supporting documents 

For individual consultants:

• Updated CV 
• Copies of relevant academic certificates and work experience documents 
• Copy of citizenship certificate 
• Copy of PAN/VAT registration certificate 
• Copy of latest tax clearance certificate

The proposal should reach the address below either by courier or hand delivery on email procurement@koshish.org.np by 20th April, 2026, before COB. Please enclose “The proposal for Street Drama” in a sealed envelope and mark it “EOI for Street Drama” and drop it at following address:

KOSHISH Central Office, Balkhu, Kathmandu (For location, please visit www.koshish.org.np)