Who Is New Growth

Learn more about what we do at New Growth.

About Us

Established in 2018, New Growth empowers Asian communities through sustainable development initiatives, modernising farming, conserving the environment, and fostering economic opportunities. Programs like fruit & nut tree support and community forestry restoration tackle food insecurity and environmental degradation. We collaborate with local communities, organisations, and corporations for a more equitable future.

Our project began in Nepal’s remote area of Simthali in 2018. Since then, our tree and welfare initiatives, including the safe stove program, micro loan project, and local micro forest enterprises, have grown communities. We’ve learned that trees can change lives one at a time. Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty by modernizing farming, introducing fruit and nut trees, protecting local forests, and providing economic training. We aim to empower communities for a sustainable future, fully aware of the urgency of climate change.

We're more than a tree-planting Charity

Our commitment extends beyond planting trees; we ensure project success through effective management and ongoing monitoring. Explore our initiatives for a sustainable impact.

Meet the Team

Sean Keighran

General Manager

Tim Whyte

Finance & Operations

Theo Devaney

Company Secretary & Treasurer

Keith O’Loughlin

Chairman and Director of Strategy

Alan Cope

Agricultural Director

Michael Regan

Business Development and Fundraising

Daragh Curtis

Customer Relations/Photographer

Ann Marie Quarry

Marketing Reform Director

Meet the Nepal Team

Ram Hari

Director in Nepal

Sitraim Thapa

General Manager

Santosh K.C.

Programme Coordinator

Nirjala Shrestha

Junior Manager

Our Impact

Food
Security

Planting fruit & nut trees and cash crops ensure sustainable family food security.

Improved food nutrition

Access to fresh fruits and nuts improves the overall nutrition of communities, leading to better health outcomes.

Environmental balance

Planting native trees helps restore and maintain the local ecosystem, preserving biodiversity and preventing soil erosion.

Strong community co-operation

Access to fresh fruits and nuts improves the overall nutrition of communities, leading to better health outcomes.

Climate change preparedness

We aim to ensure our communities are well-prepared to face the challenges and impacts of climate change.

Empowerment of women and gender rights

Involving women in tree planting and welfare programs empowers them economically and socially, advancing gender equality and women's rights.

Pass the Gift

Pass the Gift of trees is a program where communities grow trees and pass them on to the next community. This fosters a bond between communities, leading to cooperative growing and resource sharing over time. It also maintains expertise within communities, enabling them to continue impacting their regions effectively.

Ireland and Nepal, a shared journey from struggle to growth

Ireland has faced significant agricultural challenges, including the devastating famine of 1845, which resulted in the loss of one million lives and forced two million more to emigrate. Since the 1940s, Ireland's agriculture has modernised and become more mechanised, contributing to the country's prosperity and growth. Today, agriculture accounts for 7% of the economy and has positioned Ireland as one of the most technologically advanced nations globally. We want to help to leverage modern farming practices to enhance and support the local family based agriculture.

Our Impact Sustainable Hubs

Combining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with tree planting for rural farmers is a powerful strategy, addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. This approach supports climate action, biodiversity conservation, and poverty alleviation, promoting a balanced and resilient future.   

Sitraim Thanka

“I can feel that the people are beginning to see that we are bringing them to a safer place. 
They were a little afraid but now that we have a central nursery, they can see things are happening in the community and our impact is being felt around the community in how we are helping the poor.”

Sitraim Thanka, General Manager.

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New Growth Initiatives

Nurturing Agricultural Resilience Amid Climate Challenges

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All our Blog and publications.

Sean Keighran

Managing Director

 

Sean, leads on project planning and day to day operations driven by a strong belief in the positive impact of initiatives aligning nature and people for a better way of living, particularly for marginalized communities.

Embodying the New Growth ethos, Sean advocates for sustainable long term focus and innovative nature solutions in agroforestry and community development programs.

Tim Whyte

Finance & Operations

Tim, a seasoned corporate management professional, uses his negotiation skills to secure vital corporate investments.  A strong advocate for the New Growth ethos, Tim is devoted to realizing its ideals for the poor and impoverished. His active contributions to advancing the mission and values of New Growth underscore his commitment to fostering positive change and bettering communities.

Theo Devaney

Company Secretary & Treasurer

Theo serves as New Growth’s Treasurer and is a valuable member of our Advisory Board. With an extensive background in management and development, Theo brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Beyond his official role, Theo dedicates a significant amount of his spare time to ensure the continued flourishing of the New Growth organization. His commitment is directed towards providing relief to those who need it most, underscoring his dedication to the mission and impact of New Growth.

Keith O'Loughlin

Chairman and Director of Strategy

Keith is an entrepreneur with 30 years’ experience in growing and developing  businesses.  He has operated companies in various sectors, including Technology, Pharmaceutical, Entertainment, Property and Renewables.  He has operated global teams of up to 1,000 people across 12+ locations.
He is a co-founder of JKO Capital alongside Eddie Jordan, ex F1 team boss.

Alan Cope

Agricultural Director

Alan is a commercial farmer and has extensive knowledge in food production and implementation processes. Alan assists in providing an expert overview of our fruit tree programs and acts as an adviser and coordinator of our programs.  To have someone on board who fully understands all the challenges of farming and truly knows what “good practice” means is a real boon for us.   He believes vehemently in the New Growth organisation and everything it stands for.

Michael Regan

Business Development and Fundraising ​

Michael Regan boasts over 30 years of extensive experience in marketing and business development across various corporate and consultancy companies. Leveraging this wealth of experience, Michael has joined New Growth with the aim of elevating our sustainability products and services to meet corporate standards. His dedication is centred on improving the lives of the people in Nepal with whom we collaborate.  Michael’s expertise is a valuable asset in advancing New Growth’s mission towards sustainable development and positive impact.

Daragh Curtis

Customer Relations/Photographer

Daragh works on building strong customer relations and supports the charity in achieving its goals. As a liaison and photographer, he captures authentic community stories, ensuring their voices are heard and represented.

Ann Marie Murphy

Community reform Director

Ann Marie Murphy is a retired civil servant who dedicated her career to working within justice and equality. Leveraging her skills, she contributes to our organization by aiding in governance and reform within communities. Recognizing the benefits that trees can bring to marginalized people in Nepal, she is passionate about our mission and the positive impact it can have.”

We prioritize the well-being of our tree plantings through dedicated aftercare monitoring by our community forestry group or co-operative. This commitment ensures ongoing maintenance as the trees establish themselves. Whether it’s reforestation projects or orchards, we emphasize community responsibility, ensuring that the trees are well-cared-for throughout their lifecycle.

Ram Hari

Director in Nepal

Ram Hari is a dedicated leader overseeing the development of a hub in Simthali, acting as an advisor to the cooperative. With a background in international child-focused organizations, he founded the Indreni Foundation, a dedicated Irish charity, focusing on children’s well-being. Ram’s projects include building schools in neglected areas like Simthali.

Sitraim Thapa

General Manager

Sitraim Thapa, an experienced agronomist, brings a wealth of knowledge in various fields of agricultural development with a focus on organic principles. Leading our project, he is instrumental in transitioning farmers from subsistence to modern farming techniques. 

Sitraim’s multifaceted skills make him a valuable asset to our team, driving positive changes in agricultural practices.

Santosh KC

Program Coordinator

Santosh KC is the Program Coordinator at CSRC, leading campaigns to build resilient communities. He promotes shared farming, empowers farmers, secures women’s land rights, and advocates for sustainable land use, working towards equitable rural development.

Nirjala Shrestha

Junior Manager

Nirjala Shrestha is a Junior Manager and Facilitator at CSRC, working directly with farmers to provide training and empowerment. She supports community development by teaching sustainable farming practices and helping farmers access essential resources.