Gender Issues on School WASH at WASH FORUM

Gender Issues on School WASH at WASH FORUM

By: Mahidul Islam

How many of us think from the gender lens while providing accessibilities and facilities? Yes, one should think in this way as well. The monthly talk forum: WASH FORUM discussed the forum on the issues of Gender on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) entitled, “School, WASH and Gender: Key Issues” with making eyes opening on last Friday of November i.e. 25th November, 2011 which has been conducting joint effort of “paschim paaila” and ENPHO since 2010 at ENPHO Hall, Thapagaun. 

On the forum, main discussion points were school, sanitation and gender sensitization related issues in which two speakers Ms. Shikha Shrestha, Water Aid Nepal (WAN) as Key Note Speaker and Ms. Shubha Kayastha, Youth Peer (YPEER) as Youth Speaker shared their ideas, experiences and opinions. In addition, this forum has also been focused on current issues regarding school, concerns and initiatives of WASH sector and tries to address the voices of diversified youth communities and others.

“GoN policy says 1 toilet must serve 50 students but data set shows that on average, one toilet serves 127 students in Nepal.  This indicates that more toilets need to be built even at existing community schools” Said, Ms. Shikha Shrestha, WAN. “Lack of adequate toilets and waste disposal facilities in schools create a high risk of spreading disease and discourage to attend the students.” She added. Similarly, Ms. Shubha, YPEER addressed that it would be the potential roles of youth who are fruitful avenues to consider for interventions to stimulate demand for school sanitation and gender issues. 

Finally, the program was summarized with thank giving and presenting token of love to the speakers.

युवाहरुबाट सरसफाइका लागि भैली सम्पन्न

फुर्बा सांगे मोक्तान/ २९ कार्तिक, २०११

भैलो आफैमा एउटा उत्साहजनक शब्द हो, जसमा सान्स्कृतिक एबम मनोरन्जनात्मक तादाम्यता रहदै आएको छ। प्रत्येक बर्ष दिपावलिको पावन अवसरमा खेलिदै आएको भैलो कार्यक्रम यसपटक "पस्चिम पाइला" को युवा साथीहरुमाझ पनि बिशेष शैलीमा प्रस्तुत भयो । सान्स्कृतिक, मनोरन्जनात्मक उध्येश्यका साथसाथै सामाजिक उध्येश्यका साथ खेलिएको भैलो कार्यक्रम यो बर्ष बिभिन्न सामाजिक संघसंस्थाहरु लक्षित गर्दै करीब ३० जना युवाहरुको जमातले लक्ष्मीपुजाको अघिल्लो २ दिन, कार्तिक ७ र ८ गतेलाई उल्लसपूर्ण ढंगले मनाएका थिए। 

नुवाकोटको थाङ्सिङ गा. बि. स. को लामागाउ प्रा. बि. मा खानेपानी तथा सरसफाइको सहज पहुच पुर्याउने उध्येश्यका साथ ५ सन्स्थामा खेलिएको यस भैलो कार्यक्रमबाट तेइसहजार पचास रुपैया सन्कलन गर्न सकिएको थियो। "भैलोबाट अपेक्ष्या अनुरुप आर्थिक सन्कलन हुन नसके पनि यसले हाम्रो समुहको टिमवर्क, अपनत्व र उध्येश्यलाई अझ मजबुत बनाएको छ। त्यसैले, हामीहरुले यसलाई सफल सुरुवातको रुपमा लिएका छौ। र अवस्यै पनि यस सामाजिक उध्येश्य प्राप्तिको लागि थप पहलकदमी पाइलाहरु अगाडि बढाउदै लैजानेछौ।" भन्दै थिए, भैलो कार्यक्रम सम्योजक, बुद्ध बज्रचार्य। भैलो कार्यक्रमबाट करीब १ लाख रुपैया सहयोग संकलन गर्ने उद्येश्य राखिएको थियो, जसका लागि थप फन्ड रेसिंग (fund raising) गतिविधिहरु पनि तय हुदै गैरहेको जानकारी पनि गराउदै थिए बुद्ध बज्राचार्य।

त्यसैगरी, भैलो कार्यक्रम सम्पन्न भएपछी सबै युवा साथीहरु एक ठाउँमा बसेर पृष्‍ठपोसण गरेका थिए भने लामागाउ नै गएर पनी थप छलफल चलाएका थिए। भैलो कार्यक्रम सम्पन्न हुनुभन्दा पनि युवाहरुमा परिवर्तनका लागि आएको जागर वास्तवमा उत्क्रिस्ट रहेको कुरा उल्लेख गर्दै थिए, "पश्चिम पाइला" का संजाल संयोजक फुर्बा साङगे मोक्तान।   

Youth issues on disaster risk reduction at national symposium

By: Phurba Sange Moktan

Youths shared ideas, opinions and experiences on the issues of youths on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at National symposium held on Kathmandu.

As a part of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day-11 (IDRR-11), national symposium entitled, “Importance of participation of Youths and Children in DRR in Nepal” was conducted at Kathmandu on October 13 with the joint effort of various youth organizations and other stakeholders where “paschim paaila” was one of them. The symposium basically focused on the issues of Youths and children and their role on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) which is definitely an issue for consideration.

“paschim paaila”, being a youth network on Environmental health and Disaster, also utilized the platform for sharing some thoughtful learning and youth initiatives regarding “youths’ issues and  role on Disaster/Emergencies”. Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan presented a paper on behalf of “paschim paaila” combined with Mr. Brabim KC, AYON on the topic entitled, “Youth, Youth policies in Nepal and Youth Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction”. Also, the remaining three papers were presented by the expert from UNICEF, NRCS and Department of Mines and Geology, GoN.

Around 100 participants were participated on the symposium in which more than 60 percent participants were youths. Similarly, remarkable participation from children could be seen on the symposium along with the professionals. Finally, a youth declaration on DRR was made after the group discussion with the participation of youths and children and the symposium was concluded.

Concerning youths on history, culture and conservation at WASH FORUM

By: Phurba Sange Moktan

Is there anyone who doesn’t get amazed when heard that the foundation of ‘Eco-city’ was conceptualized thousand years ago on the cities of Kathmandu Valley? Yes, this is true fact which was revealed by Mr. Padma Sundar Joshi, UN-HABITAT among 36 youths from various fifteen dimensions at WASH FORUM (Monthly talk program) on September 26, 2011 at ENPHO Hall, New-Baneshwor.

As a part of the monthly talk series, “Machhendranath Jatra and Stone spouts in Patan” was the topic for the August series in which Mr. Padma shared his insights with interesting facts, figures, historic backgrounds, cultural patterns and conservation aspects of traditional stone water spouts existing in Kathmandu Valley. He emphasized on consumption along with conservation of the resources for the sustainable management of resources. The Machhendranath Jatra is a celebration of the water culture that links  sustainable water management with socio-cultural practices”, he said, “The association of cultural behaviors and conservation of stone spouts was very predominant during Malla Regimes in Newar Communities of Kathmandu Valley, which was gradually degrading in Rana Regimes and destructed rapidly with respect to urbanization on last two decades.”

He also encouraged youths to be either activists or, management stakeholders for the sustainable solution. The program ended with the vote of thanks from Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan. WASH FORUM is the monthly talk program which held on every last Friday of English Month at 2 pm to 4 pm at ENPHO Hall, New-Baneshwor with the joint efforts of “paschim paaila” and ENPHO.

GROUND WATER ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVIES AT CHYASAL

By: Giri Raj Khatri

Drinking water scarcity, ground water depletion, drying up of stone spout is one of the most prevailing environmental problems faced globally and Kathmandu is not so far from it. Despite of different possible option to overcome such issues the responsible stakeholders do not provide their proper attention. Considering this problem, "paschim paaila" youth network with support from UN-Habitat Urban Youth Fund and ENPHO established Rain water harvesting system at chayasal in mutual coordinateon with local youth club on 3-8 August, 2011.

Main objective of constructing RWH system is to uplift ground water table through artificial recharge along with development of skill of youths in RWH system construction. The system has been constructed with catchment area of 92 m² which harvest around 11, 04,000.00 ltrs/yr. The harvested water is used for recharging ground water via dug-well through which ground water is withdrawal and supplied to community for drinking purpose. "The harvested rain water is very useful to enhance ground water and also handy for increasing water quality through dilution and also harvested water is pure and not contaminated if harvesting system is clean"- said Bijay Thapa, Engineer ENPHO.  Rain water collection is adopted traditionally everywhere and if we add some technology in managerial manner, it would be good to collect rain water effectively which is one of the best water optimization technique as well.

 

At the end of the installation program, four local community youths become skillful to construct rain water harvesting system and able to develop self entrepreneurship among them. "We got technical knowledge in RWH system construction which is very useful to increase the working field"-said Jitendra Byanjankar, one of the participants from chaysal, a professional plumber.

“महामारी मुक्त नेपाल” का लागी युवाहरुको ऐक्यवद्धता

“महामारी मुक्त नेपाल” का लागी युवाहरुको ऐक्यवद्धता

- कमला के. सी./ ३१ साउन, २०६८   
प्राय युवाहरुको भिडभाड र लामो ताँती देख्ने वित्तिकै हामी सोच्ने गर्छौ कि कुनै आन्दोलन, चक्काजाम, विरोध  र्याली इत्यादी होला तर यदि यहि २०६८।०४।२७ गते (अन्तरास्त्रिय युवा दिवस-११) का दिन टेकुस्थित  स्वास्थ्य सेवा विभाग अगाडी तपाईले युवाहरुको ताँती देख्नुभएको थियो र त्यसलाई कुनै आन्दोलन होला भनेर वास्था नगरी हिड्नुभएको थियो भने तपाईले युवाहरुको एउटा राम्रो सुरुवातलाई नियाल्ने मौका गुमाउनु भएको छ । त्यस दिनको युवाहरुको कदमले नेपालका युवाहरु पनि आफ्नो देश र मातृभुमिको निम्ति लागी परिरहेको कुरा स्पष्ट हुन्छ ।

खानेपानी र सरसफाईको नाजुक स्थितले गर्दा हाम्रो देशमा आजसम्म पनि वर्षेनि १०,५०० बालबालिकाहरुले अकालमा ज्यान गुमाईरहेका छन् भने विभिन्न किसिमका पानी र सरसफाईजन्य रोगहरुको महामारीले पनि सयौँ मानिसहरुले ज्यान गुमाई रहेका छन्, जुन कुरालाई २०६६ सालको सुदुरपश्चिम र मध्यपश्चिमका जिल्लाहरुमा फैलिएको झाडापखला महामारीले पनि पुष्टि गर्दछ । यिनै कुराहरुमा केन्द्रित रहेर “नेपालमा फेरी अर्को महामारी नदोहोरीयोस्” भन्ने मुख्य नाराका साथ “महामारी मुक्त नेपाल” का लागी विभिन्न क्षेत्रसंग सम्बन्धित ३०० भन्दा बढी युवाहरुको जमातले नेपाल सरकार अन्र्तगत स्वास्थ्य मन्त्रालयको स्वास्थ्य सेवा विभागमा जम्मा भई सरकारले अहिले सम्म खानेपानी, सरसफाई र महामारीको क्षेत्रमा गर्दै आएको काम एकदमै राम्रो रहेको र यसलाई अझ राम्रो र प्रभाबकारी बनाउन आफुहरु सधै तत्पर रहेको भन्दै ऐक्यवद्धता जनाएका छन् ।

उक्त कार्यक्रममा सम्पुर्ण युवाहरुको तर्फवाट ऐक्यवद्धता पत्र सहित हस्ताक्षर गरिएको कपडा “महामारी तथा रोग नियन्त्रण साखा” का साखा उपप्रमुख डा. मुरारी प्रसाद उपाध्याय लाई हस्तान्तरण गरिएको थियो । कार्यक्रमको समापन पुर्व कार्यक्रमा उपस्थित अतिथिहरु अनिल चित्रकार (सामाजिक उद्यमी), आशुतोष तिवारी (राष्ट्रिय संयोजक वाटर एड नेपाल), राजेश अधिकारी (प्रोमोसनल मेनेजर, एन्फो), रमन नेपाली (सामाजिक कार्यमा क्रियाशिल युवा) आदीले आफ्नो मन्तव्य राख्नु भएको थियो । “युवाहरु राष्ट्रका कर्णधार हुन्, हजारौ युवाहरु विदेशिदै गरेको समयमा यसरी युवाहरु “महामारी मुक्त नेपाल” को लागी एकजुट हुनु राम्रो सुरुवात हो र यसललाई निरन्तरता दिनु पर्छ” भन्दै सामाजिक उद्यमी अनिल चित्रकारले युवाहरुलाई हौसला दिनुभएको थियो । 

अन्त्यमा, “महामारी तथा रोग नियन्त्रण साखा” का साखा उपप्रमुख डा. मुरारी प्रसाद उपाध्यायले ऐक्यवद्धता पत्र ग्रहण गर्दै “युवाहरुको यो सहयोगलाई आत्मासाथ गर्दै आउदा दिनहरुमा “महामारी मुक्त नेपाल” का लागी युवाहरुसंग संगै हातेमालो गर्ने र सरकारको तर्फबाट सक्दो सहयोग गर्नेछौ” भन्दै कार्यक्रमको समापन गरिएको थियो । उक्त कार्यक्रमलाई “पश्चिम पाईला” नामक युवा संजालले सहजिकरण गरेको थियो ।

Skill development on Biosand Filter Construction

Skill development on Biosand Filter Construction

By: Giri Raj Khatri

With the aim of increasing youth entrepreneurship among urban youths, skill of youths was enhanced through Biosand filter construction training. Eleven community youths were trained on four days with hands on practices. Biosand filter is low cost household water treatment technology and it removes almost all kind of water born diseases and very applicable in household level.

The expert team from CAWST (Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology) and ENPHO (Environment and Public Health Organization) facilitated the training sessions. Both concrete and plastic biosand filter construction training was provided to the participants. "Biosand filter is useful in household level for water filtration and it removes all kinds of pathogens and other minerals like iron and also, it operates more than 30 years after once installed", said Betman Bhandari, International Advisor, CAWST. "In case of addition of Iron pin in top of the filter, it removes harmful minerals like Arsenic and helps to enhance quality of health as well", he added.

"In Africa, Asia and in Nepal, lots of youths start their small business in biosand filter and demand of this filter is increasing day by day because the water quality is decreasing with different type of contamination", said Bipin Dangol, ENPHO and also he shared some successful story of Nepalese youths as well. After completion of the training youths were also shows their high eager to manufacture the filter if they got any support from any other stakeholders.

Finally the training session was closed with remarks and certificate distribution from Dr. Suman Kumar Shakya, Executive Director, ENPHO.

2nd Birthday Celebration of “paschim paaila”

2^nd Birthday Celebration of “paschim paaila”

Kamala KC/ 24^th July, 2011

“paschim paaila” celebrated its second birthday on 23^rd july,2011 at Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) hall. The formal celebration program was conducted in the chairpersonship of Dr. Suman Kumar Shakya, executive director of ENPHO, secretariat head with chief guest Mrs. Suvadra Adhikari, Senior Actress and Special guest Mr. Anil Chitrakar, social entrepreneur & Mr. Raman Nepali, Youth activist.

The program was started with appreciation to the eight paschim paaila pioneers at 2 pm. The plantation program in memory of late Raju Shrestha, one pioneer and activist of “paschim paaila” was also done then after in which each pioneer puts their few words and said that they are feeling proud to be a part of “paschim paaila”. As “paschim paaila” had also working on fund raising campaigns, a fund named “Emergency Relief Fund” through different approach like “piggy banking”, Rs. 1 contribution, Relief fund box, Birthday good deed and drama charity has been formed to support emergency responses through WASH promotion. So far Rs. 25,473/- has been deposited on Emergency Relief Fund.

In addition that, Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan and Mr. Roshan Chaulagain were awarded as “paaila of the year 2009/10” and 2010/11” respectively. After that, petition collection for “Epidemic Free Campaign” was also done by Chief Guest, special guest and Guests. With motivational remarks from guests, birthday cake shared to everyone and cheered. Finally the program was closed at 4pm with the distribution of membership to eligible ones.

खानेपानी र सरसफाई सम्बन्धि शिक्षामूलक र घरदैलो कार्यक्रममा च्यासल युवा क्लब

युस्ना व्यञ्जनकार, च्यासल वास सर्कल 

प्राय जसो फुटबल र खेलहरुमा अगाडी रहेको च्यासल युवा क्लब अहिले खानेपानी र सरसफाईमा पनि सक्रिय रुपमा लागी परेको छ । यहि मिति २०६८/३/३२ गते शनिबार को दिन च्यासल युवा क्लब ९ध्ब्क्ज् ऋष्चअभि० र च्यासल युवा रेडक्रस सर्कलको संयुतm पहलमा यस च्यासल ललितपुर वडा न ९ मा खानेपानी र सरसफाई सम्बन्धि शिक्षामूलक र घरदैलो कार्यक्रममा आयोजना गरिएको थियो ।

कार्यक्रम बिहानको ८ बजे शुरु  भई ११ बजे सकिएको थियो, जसअन्र्तगत ५–६ वर्षका स–सना भाईबहिनीलाई शिक्षामूलक खेल (रेल गाडी) द्धारा च्यासलका ७ वटा चोक घुुमाई उनिहरुलाई व्यक्तिगत सरसफाई किन आवश्यक छ भन्ने वारेमा जानकारी दिनुका साथै घरदैलो कार्यक्रमद्धारा खानेपानी स्वास्थ्य र सरसफाईको महत्वबारे प्रष्ट पारिएको थियो ।

यस कार्यक्रमको मूल उद्धेश्य भनेको यहाँका स–साना भाईबहिनीलाई सरसफार्इं को महत्वबारे बुझाउनुका साथै घर दैलोमा गई खानेपानी र सरसफाई सम्बन्धि कुराहरुको महत्व र आवश्यकताको बारेमा जानकारी दिनु थियो ।

 सरसफाई कार्यक्रमको समापन भएलगतै वास सर्कलका साथीहरmले भाईबहिनीहरु लाई हात धुने विधिहरmको बारेमा अभ्यास गर्न लगाएका थिए । जसले गर्दा युवाहरmको प्रशिक्षण क्षमतामा अभिवृद्धि र स–सना भाईबहिनीलाई पनि ज्ञान दिईएको थियो । सरसफाई कार्यक्रममा युवाहरmको सक्रिय सहभागी भएको हुनाले कार्यक्रम रामा्रेसगँ सफल भएको थियो ।
उक्त  कार्यक्रममा सबै गरी करिब ५० जनाको सहभागीता रहेको थियो । कार्यक्रम “पश्चिम पाईला” र वातावरण तथा जनस्वास्थ्य संस्था  को सहयोगमा भएको थियो ।

Youth led Hygiene Promotion at Surkhet

Youth led Hygiene Promotion at Surkhet

By: Phurba Sange Moktan

As youths are the leaders of today, 30 young leaders from 5 different VDCs of Surkhet districts are trained on hygiene promotion entitled, ““Rapid Response and Hygiene Promotion” on July 6, 2011 at Jhahare, Surkhet.

Ramghat, Sahare, Kalyan, Kaprechour and Melkuna VDCs were the respective VDCs in which 6 participants from each VDC were participated. During the training sessions, presentations and idea sharing on importance, issues, prospects, etc of hygiene promotion during emergencies and related risk practices, Hygiene Promotion, Hygiene related Behavior Change Communication in Emergencies, etc. were done, where Mr. Phurba and Ms. Kamala from “paschim paaila” were orienting the participants. Furthermore, a motivational session for the youths on “youths as changemaker” followed by group work and action plan were facilitated which also boosted up the participants to act pro-actively on their respective communities. “We will definitely be one step to promote hygiene and make our community healthy”, Said by one participant.

 

Finally, 30 members’ one informal “Rapid Response and Hygiene Promotion Team (RRHP Team)” was formed in order to act on emergencies like epidemics with hygiene promotion on the respective communities. The orientation training was conducted with the joint effort of ENPHO, “pachim paaila”, USAID, EWAG and Nepal Government.

प्रकोपमा खानेपानी, सरसफाई र स्वास्थ्यको भुमिकाः मुख्य सवालहरु

प्रकोपमा खानेपानी, सरसफाई र स्वास्थ्यको भुमिकाः मुख्य सवालहरु 

By: Sasmita Poudel

विभिन्न प्रकोप जस्तै बाढी, पहिरो र भुकम्पले जति धनजनको क्षति हुन्छ, त्यो भन्दा बढी प्रकोप पछि हुने महामारीको कारणले गर्दा हुने गरेको पाइएको तथ्यलाई विभिन्न तथ्याङ्क मार्फत उदृढ गर्दै “प्रकोपमा खानेपानी, सरसफाई र स्वास्थ्यको भुमिका” नामक अन्र्तक्रिया कार्यक्रममा खानेपानी तथा ढल निकास विभाग (DWSS) का इन्जिनियर ठाकुर प्रसाद पण्डितले प्रष्ट पार्नुभयो ।

त्यस्तै, Oxfam नामक गैर सरकारी संस्थाबाट  रश्मि शर्माले नेपालमा भएका विभिन्न प्रकोप र प्रकोप पछिका उद्घार कार्यक्रममा खानेपानी र सरसफाईको भुमिकालाई प्रष्ट पार्नु भएको थियो । साथै, प्रकोप पछिको महामारीलाई कसरी न्युनिकरण गर्न सकिन्छ र यसमा युवाहरुको भुमिका सक्रिय रुपमा हुनुपर्छ भन्ने जस्ता महत्वपुर्ण जानकारी दिनु भएको थियो । “सहकार्य उपाय होइन, आवश्यकता हो ।” भन्दै उहाँले आफ्नो प्रस्तुति टुङ्ग्याउनु भएको थियो । कार्यक्रमको सुरुवात वातावरण तथा जनस्वास्थ्य संस्था (एन्फो) का प्रोजेक्ट अफिसर काशिकान्त ठाकुरले गर्नुभएको थियो ।

“ वाश फोरम (WASH फोरम)” एक नियमित मासिक अन्र्तक्रिया कार्यक्रम हो जसको आयोजना “पश्चिम पाईला” नामक युवा सञ्जाल र वातावरण तथा जनस्वास्थ्य संस्था (एन्फो)ले गर्ने गर्दछ । वातावरण तथा जनस्वास्थ्य संस्था (एन्फो) ले “पश्चिम पाईला” लाई सचिवालय प्रदान गरेको छ ।

Exploring the Chandragiri Hill with fun and learn way

Exploring the Chandragiri Hill with fun and learn way

3^rd WASH Leadership Hiking with environment/sanitation special was conducted on June 10, 2011 at Chandragiri Hill via Machchhegaun trail. Likely the previous hikings, with the theme, “Seventy five percent fun, twenty five percent learn and hundred percent fellowship”, the hiking was begun from Machchhenarayan Temple, Machchhegaun at around 8 pm morning.

Firstly, participants were gathered on Old-Buspark at 7 pm and headed towards the base point i.e. Machchhegaun. At Machchhegaun, participants had breakfast along with some recreation with worshiping Machchhenarayan and Bouddha stupa located at Machchhegaun and then, around 9 pm geared up for the gutsy hike.

As the hiking was interlinked with WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and Leadership, tasks were given as leadership for team building and issue based presentation with dividing 3 teams with respect of Water, Sanitation and Green. Participants played and showed different exercises like team work game, statue presentation and song presentation for respective issues at two mid points and final point. Then, again panel discussions were made on the three topics from different three resource persons from different fields. “This is the great experience and sharing for me as well, because it is making me youthful with energizing me to have sharing at this top of Kathmandu Valley with so many motivated hikers,” said by Dr. Murali Gopal Ranjitkar, Resource person, hiker, aged 54. After having some more cultural song and dance, the hikers returned back with following another trail of Matatirtha with having songs’ chorus on the way. “This is one of my immense experiences for hiking, which is completely different and worthy occurrence than the rest. And I think, fun, learn and fellowship at a time is really making this hiking awesome,” said by Ratneshwor Shah, one hiker.

Finally, the hiking was concluded around 5 pm at Matatirtha Bus Station. The hiking was conducted with the joint effort of “paschim paaila”, NYCA, SEAT and SEN and supported by ENPHO, SERDEN and DEAN where 25 youths from various background and dynamics were participated. The 4^th series of WASH Leadership hiking intends to be conducted on November, 2011. Are you also ready for fun with learn???

Community Sensitization Campaign for Healthy Environment

Community Sanitation Sensitization Campaign for Healthy Environment

By: Giri Raj Khatri

On the occasion of World Environment Day-11 and National Sanitation Week-68, community sanitation sensitization campaign was launched on two communities of Kathmandu Valley in which the event were supported from ENPHO and UN-Habitat Urban Youth Fund. Different sorts of activities were conducted in Chyasal Community, Lalitpur and Pathivara Community, Kathmandu during June 6-9, 2011.

The local Youth WASH Circle in coordination with youth clubs, CBOs, Mother Groups organized series of event. More than 500 people were aware through the documentary entitled 'Dhalmati'. Similarly, Community cleaning initiatives were launched in both communities for a week with active participation of youths and other community people. Different public place, street, schools were cleaned up.

In addition, different hygiene behavior like proper hand washing technique, POU option for water treatment, Solid waste management system were shared by trained youths. The drawing competition was also organized at pathivara tole under the theme ‘children for water and sanitation’ and the prize was distributed to the winner at the last day of the campaign. Also, they committed to follow such activates in future in planned way to create surrounding area healthy and environmentally friendly. "Today I feel proud myself because I contribute something to my society"- said by Yusna Banjankar, event coordinator, Chayasal Youth Club-WASH Circle.

The campaign was conducted under “National Environment-Sanitation Week-2011, June 1-14, 2011” which was jointly organized by ENPHO/"paschim paaila" and NYCA in collaboration with different other stakeholders.

Youths in the process of Transforming Waste into Wealth

Youths in the process of Transforming Waste into Wealth

By: Kamala KC

With the main objective of making youths as an entrepreneur, “paschim paaila” organized the three days training entitled “Transforming waste into wealth” for the youths of 16-32 years having different background from June 2-4, 2011 as a part of WASH Led Youth Empowerment Project Supported by The UN-HABITAT Urban Youth fund and Environment & Public Health Organization (ENPHO).

The training was mainly divided into three parts i.e. Day first as the day for General overview and waste art, Day second as the day for composting and hands on practice and Day third as the day for field visit and action planning.

“People’s perception about waste as out of sight, out of mind is also very important to change in fact”, said by Mr. Rajesh Manandhar, UN-HABITAT during his presentation. Similarly, Mrs. Sangita Shrestha and Mrs. Dilshova Shrestha, Nagal Youth Club explained and demonstrated the art from waste i.e. from unused milk’s plastic and also conducted practical session among the participants.

Furthermore, Mr. Kishor Maharjhan,Tri-Chandra College stressed on Vermi-composting and Mrs. Sanu maiya Maharjhan, Kathmandu Metropolitan city facilitated on Bin composting and 3R principle with the practical examples. Moreover, Field visit to Teku Transfer Station, ECO-Home Kritipur and WEPCO demonstration site further helped the participants to see practical examples, and felt the opportunities vs. challenges by themselves in practical life as well.

At the end of training, the participants were appreciated and congratulated with few remarks by Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar, UN-HABITAT with the distribution of certificates. And also, two participants were gifted vermi for vermi-composting with encouraging their high eager to implement at home.

One more step towards healthy communities

One more step towards healthy communities

By: Mr. Ritesh Manandhar

“paschim paaila” organized a school WASH awareness program focusing on to aware the children from Nuns Welfare Foundation Nepal - Arya Tara Thangka Primary School Bhanjyang, Pharping on May 20, 2011.

The programme entailed songs, a short drama, slide presentations entitled, ‘Water pollution, their sources and process of their purifications’ and ‘Hygiene Promotion and Hand Washing’ followed by a docu-drama titled ‘Barsha’. The most important aspect was not only that the team informed them or just made them aware but the team also demonstrated the 6 proper ways of hand washing. An overwhelming response was received and in return, the children who learnt the proper ways of hand washing determined to teach their friends. A great achievement!

The numbers of total participants including teachers of the school were 70 in total. Respected Ani Choying Dolma, who is also the founder of the same school, was also present to encourage proper learning. Furthermore, It is not the sole responsibility of organizations only but is of everyone, especially youth group who should emerge up to combat the tragedies of death toll to ensure a healthy life of an individual and healthy nation as a whole.