WASH Forum on Seven Flags Approach of Total Sanitation (7FATS) in School

Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO organized 55^th Series of WASH Forum on November 30, 2017 at ENPHO Hall, New Baneshwor entitled “Seven Flags Approach of Total Sanitation (7FATS) in school”. The program was organized with an objective to highlight ideas, components and areas of 7FATS approach for sustainable WASH in school.

The program started with an introduction of Paschim Paaila, concept and objectives of WASH Forum and, an introduction of participants. Dr. Sudan Raj Panthi, National Professional Officer (Environmental Health) at World Health Organization resided as resource person. Dr. Panthi shared about concept of 7FATS and 7 indicators used in this approach for total sanitation in school. Also, 7 steps for implementing this approach were presented in the program.

Dr. Panthi said, “Students have found alternative to incinerator, used for burning pads, as using biodegradable pads with implementation of this approach in schools” addressing a query about alternative to incinerator, during a question and answer session. The program was interactive with active participation of program attendees. Collectively, forum was attended by 27 participants.

WASH Forum is a monthly program held on last Friday of every English Month. The main objectives of WASH Forum has always been to provide an opportunity for social interaction and knowledge sharing on different environmental and health issues in relation to WASH and disasters and to critically analyze the role of the youth in correlation with aforementioned issues.

Deusi-Bhailo Fund at Bhuwaneswori Secondary School

Paschim Paaila organized “Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Orientation Program to Child Club members of Bhuvaneswori Secondary School on November, 2017. With an objective to sensitize members of child club on WASH, the orientation program was organized. Students were oriented on basic WASH knowledge, to promote better hygiene practice and, to share roles and responsibilities of students in maintaining school environment clean. Altogether, 25 students of child club members participated on orientation program.

Similarly, filter distribution and wall painting in the school premises program was organized on November 21, 2017. The Principal of Bhuwaneswori Secondary School was handed over 3 sets of Colloidal Silver (CS) Filter for accessibility of safe drinking water to school children. Moreover, the pictures with messages related to water purification, hygiene practice and waste segregation was painted on the wall of school.

The programs were conducted with the fund collected through Deusi-Bhailo Program 2074. Paschim Paaila has been organizing a “Deusi-Bhailo” program as campaign since 2068 for WASH improvement causes with the aim to raise funds that can be used for social cause as youth led initiatives. The aim of Deusi-Bhailo Program 2074 was to support school WASH facilities.

Celebrated World Toilet Day 2017

On the occasion of World Toilet Day 2017, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO and in support of UNICEF organized “Kathmandu Valley Level Inter-School Drawing Competition” on November 19, 2017 at Nepal Academy Hall, Kamaladi, Kathmandu. The program was organized with an objective to provide platform to school children to highlight their knowledge on WASH and to mark World Toilet Day 2017. Participants showed their creativity on provided theme, “Assuring Healthy Life with Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene”, in the competition.

Along with drawing competition, “Toilet Expo” was done to highlight various toilet, and to discuss on the present sanitation system. During expo, models of toilet and the actual toilets promoted by ENPHO were displayed. The expo aimed to act as a sensitization tool for participants to recognize the importance of toilets and additionally, made aware on wastewater as an integral part of sanitation system. The expo was conducted under the international slogan “Wastewater”.

Furthermore, orientation session on the importance and current sanitation situation of Nepal was given to participants of drawing competition. Face painting, WASH games, Flash mob and photo shoot with petition “I am fortunate enough to have a toilet” was also conducted as a part of the event. Rohit Kumar Jashwal of Nepal Aadarsha School was winner of the drawing competition and Rohan Shrestha of Blue Bird School, Sujan Lama of Shramik Shanti School and Jasmine Khoniwa of Shree Ganesh Secondary School won second, third and fourth place respectively. Altogether, 71 students from 40 different schools enthusiastically participated in the competition and more than 100 individuals participated in the exhibition. 

WASH Forum on “Psycho-Social Knowledge in WASH”

Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO organized 54^th series of WASH Forum entitled “Psycho-Social Knowledge in WASH” on October 27, 2017 at ENPHO Hall, New Baneshwor. The program commenced with the introduction of Paschim Paaila, concepts and objectives of WASH forum and an introduction of the program attendees. Mr. Aashish Maharjan, Research and Project Development Coordinator, facilitated the program. Ms. Nirjala Bhattarai, Training Director at Abbal-WE resided as resource person for the forum. The forum highlighted on importance of psycho-social knowledge in WASH and youth’s role for improvement of WASH status of community through psycho-social approach. Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila, highlighted the issues at the end of the program, discussed during during interaction.

WASH Forum is a monthly program held on last Friday of every English Month. This series of forum was directed towards involvement of youth and their role in any project. The main objectives of WASH Forum has always been to provide an opportunity for social interaction and knowledge sharing on different environmental and health issues in relation to WASH and disasters and to critically analyze the role of the youth in correlation with aforementioned issues.

Collectively, forum was attended by 19 participants. The Forum was interactive with participants actively engaged in an interaction during forum and in the discussion following the presentation by the resource person. Participants avidly put forward their queries in relation to presented topic.

Fund Raising Through Deusi-Bhailo

Paschim Paaila organized Deusi-Bhailo Program 2074 to celebrate national festival with an objective to raise fund for improving WASH facility of school. The program was conducted from October 16 to 18, 2017 in six organizations, WaterAid Nepal, ENPHO, Eco-Concern, ACF, Lumanti and Clean Energy Nepal, that has been working in the sector of WASH and in a colony, Mount View Residnecy.

Team of Paschim Paaila and active volunteers reached fore-mentioned organizations and a colony for the program. For the program, Paschim Paaila played Deusi-Bhailo where, dances and songs related to WASH were performed that deliver WASH messages and objective of the program.

Youths from Paschim Paaila has been organizing a “Deusi-Bhailo” program as campaign since 2068 for WASH improvement causes with the aim to raise funds that can be used for social cause as youth led initiatives. Paschim Paaila aims to support a school for improvement of its WASH status with WASH orientation program and support water purification technology.

Interaction Program with Child Club of Schools’ to mark Global Handwashing Day

On the occasion of Global Handwashing Day 2017, Paschim Paaila with support of WaterAid Nepal, in coordination with ENPHO and Department of Education, organized ‘Interaction Program with Child Club of Schools’ on October 15, 2017 at Alfa House, New Baneshwor. The theme for Global Handwashing Day 2017 is “Our Hands, Our Future”. The program was organized with an objective to raise the awareness on importance of handwashing amongst the school children for good health and better tomorrow.

Ms. Tripti Rai, Country Director of WaterAid Nepal and Mr. Bipin Dangol, Executive Director of ENPHO jointly inaugurated the program by washing hand with soap and water. During the program, Mr. Dangol presented the data related to water borne diseases in Nepalese and global context. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of handwashing with soap for the reduction of water borne diseases. Similarly, Ms. Upama Adhikari, Health and Advocacy Officer of WaterAid Nepal shared the information on status of handwashing in Nepal, critical times and six steps of handwashing. Ms. Nirmala Mainali, Engineer of Department of Education shared the basic information and objective of WASH in school, guideline for designing Child, Gender, Disable (CGD) friendly toilets in schools.

Altogether, 88 child club member students of 4 different schools actively participated the program. Furthermore, quiz session was also conducted based on information shared in presentations to review the learning of the students.

8th Annual Sharing of Paschim Paaila

Paschim Paaila, on the occasion of its 8^th Anniversary, conducted 8^th Annual Sharing Program on 6 August, 2017 at ENPHO Hall from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Altogether 76 participants attended the program including guests, executive members, former active paailas and member of Paschim Paaila. Mr. Bipin Dangol, Executive director of ENPHO, Mr. Bhushan Tuladahr, Regional Technical Advisor South Asia at UN-HABITAT, Mr. Murali Gopal Ranjitkar, HoD(Research and Development) at National Open College, Ms. Biju Dangol, Team Leader at Oxfam, Mr. Manjeet Dhakal, Climate Analytics and Mr. Giri Raj Khatri, Past President of Paschim Paaila were guests and Ms. Sasmita Poudel, Treasurer and Acting President of Paschim Paaila was Chairperson for the program.

Program formally started with National Anthem and Badge distribution to guests. Inauguration of the program was done by preparing and drinking ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt)/ Jeevan Jal. The program was hosted by Ms. Sabuna Gamal, Executive Board member and Ms. Urmila Lama, Executive Board member, welcomed all guests and participants with welcome speech. Guests for 8^th Annual Sharing Program launched and disseminated 8^th Annual Report 2016-2017 of Paschim Paaila. Ms. Kamala KC, Past Executive Board Member, presented brief history and governance mechanism of Paschim Paaila followed by sharing of FY 2016/17 by Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator.

During the program, guests shared notes of congratulations and growth of Paschim Paaila. They expressed gladness for maintaining formality even being an informal network and motivated youth mass present in the program.

 

Active paailas involved in awareness raising activities were appreciated with certificate during the program. Apart from appreciating active Paaila, innovative, creative and committed members were appreciated with an award of Paaila of the year. Ms. Pramila Timalsina was Paaila of the Year whereas Mr. Aashish Maharjan and Ms. Merina Rana Magar was 1^st and 2^nd Runner Paaila for the year 2016/17. Ms. Sasmita Poudel formally closed program following cake cutting ceremony and lunch. 

8th Anniversary Celebration of Paschim Paaila

Paschim Paaila, an informal youth network celebrated its 8^th anniversary amidst a celebration program organized on 17 July 2017 at Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur. The executive board members, former president and general members of Paschim Paaila including ENPHO staff members and locals, actively joined the celebration program. More than 300 participants attended the program. The program was organized to raise awareness among general public about epidemic in Nepal.

The flash mob and drama performed by the Paschim Paaila volunteers gathered the public attention. The drama which provided information about the causes of cholera was well observed by the public. The participants then also joined the diyo lightening program which was conducted in memory of those who lost their lives in epidemic.

Ms. Rosy Singh, Resource Center Manager read out the note of congratulations from Executive Director of ENPHO Mr. Bipin Dangol who could not attend the program this time. The note mentioned “Paschim Paaila is close to my heart and my thoughts, best wishes and solidarity are always with Paschim Paaila- the youth movement in making “Epidemic Free Nepal”. I sincerely thank and congratulate Paschim Paaila team for their sincerity, commitments, dynamism and contributions to the sector.” Furthermore, Mr. Dangol also highlighted on the message to upscale the services and reach the unreached and highly vulnerable communities through the formulation of appropriate strategies and plan.    

Ms. Kamala K.C., Executive Board Member of Paschim Paaila congratulated the team and appreciated the effort of all Paailas (volunteers) continued from 2009 till date and wished for further success in coming days to make epidemic free Nepal. Celebration ended sharing words of congratulations with each other.

Paschim Paaila is an informal youth network striving towards creating epidemic free Nepal since 2009. The youth volunteers are actively engaged and dedicated to prepare, respond and mitigate disasters and epidemic through education, awareness campaigns, research and advocacy on water, sanitation and hygiene.

 

WASH Forum on “Trend of Urbanization and Its Impact on Environment in Kathmandu Valley”

Paschim Paaila in collaboration with Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) successfully conducted 52^nd series of WASH Forum during the month of June on topic “Trend of Urbanization and Its Impact on Environment in Kathmandu Valley” for time period from 2 pm - 4:00 pm at ENPHO hall, New Baneshwor. The program was commenced with introduction of WASH forum, Paschim Paaila, resource person and  praticipants at program. June series of forum was facilitated by Mr. Aashish Maharjan, Working Circle member of Paschim Paaila. Mr. Ramji Bogati, Program Director at Community Support Association of Nepal (COSAN) resided as Resource Person for this forum.

This Forum was conducted with the main objective to highlight the current issue in sector of WASH due to Urbanization and to encourage youths for their involvement toward uplifting WASH Status. Presentation on forum focused on urbanization trend in global, national and Kathmandu valley, WASH status in Kathmandu Valley, major issues and impact of urbanization in WASH, some initiatives, role of open and green space in WASH and further activities to be carried out.

Collectively the forum was attended by 26 participants. The forum was interactive as many participants actively engaged in the discussion following the presentation carried on by Mr. Ramji Bogati. Participants outstretched few queries in relation to presented topic which was addressed by Resource Person.  WASH Forum is a monthly program held on last Friday of every English Month. Further information on forthcoming WASH Forum will be shared via Facebook of Paschim Paaila.

WASH Forum on "Menstruation, Education and Change

Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO successfully completed 51^st series of WASH Forum entitled “Education, Menstruation and Change” on 26 May, 2017 at ENPHO Hall, New Baneshwor. The program commenced with the introduction of Paschim Paaila, concepts and objectives of WASH forum and an introduction of the program attendees. Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator at Paschim Paaila, facilitated the program. Ms. Pema Lhaki, Executive Director at Nepal Fertility Care Centre (NFCC) resided as resource persons for the forum. The Forum highlighted on current condition of menstruation in Nepal, reality based practices, and universal truth about menstruation. Furthermore, Ms. Lhaki added ‘menstruation is the basic discrimination on gender and women violence’ and role of youth to minimize the discrimination due to menstruation.

WASH Forum is a monthly program held on last Friday of every English Month. To coincide the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2017, this series forum was directed towards menstrual hygiene management issues. The theme of Menstrual Hygiene day of this year was ‘Education about menstruation changes everything’. The main objectives of WASH Forum has always been to provide an opportunity for social interaction and knowledge sharing on different environmental and health issues in relation to WASH and disasters and to critically analyze the role of the youth in correlation with aforementioned issues.

Collectively, forum was attended by 15 participants (12 females and 3 males). The Forum was interactive with participants actively engaged in the discussion following the presentation by the resource person. Participants avidly put forward their queries in relation to presented topic.

Youth WASH Concern Workshop-XII Series, 2017

Youth WASH Concern Workshop-XII Series, 2017

Paschim Paaila, a youth network, and Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) have been jointly organizing Youth WASH Concern Workshop with a motive to empower youth on WASH and enhance their capacity to serve in the sector of WASH. On May 6^th and 7^th, 2017 Youth WASH Concern Workshop XII Series was successfully conducted which is regular workshop program of Paschim Paaila. This program was held on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. The main objective of workshop is to enhance the capacity and knowledge on basic WASH, to empower youths on WASH initiatives as social issues to motivate youths as Youth WASH ambassador and to sensitize youth on importance of WASH to create environmentally healthy community.

A total of 24 Youth participants from diverse educational background and different institution gathered at ENPHO Hall for this workshop. Youths with educational background of environmental science, public health, social work, agriculture, forestry and microbiology participated in this two day workshop. Workshop was facilitated by Paschim Paaila team and, 3 resource persons, also initiator and senior paailas took sessions on varied topics of WASH. Sessions of workshop focused on basic level information on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Sharing from senior Paailas and initiator motivated youths to step forward in their life.

Workshop included presentations from resource person and involvement of participants in group activities. Active participation made workshop even more interesting and fruitful. Participatory approach on workshop made workshop even more productive. Creativity of participants was explored during group work and activities in workshop.  Participants reviewed their knowledge during group work with different approach of presentation that would be useful in practical and field level to sensitize community people and layman. On second day of workshop, participants were given task to make their action plan for different activities based on two day workshop which will be implemented with initiation of participants.

“Golden Jubilee of WASH Forum” 50th WASH Forum on theme “Wastewater”

“Golden Jubilee of WASH Forum”

50^th WASH Forum on theme “Wastewater”

Paschim Paaila in collaboration with Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) successfully conducted 50^th series of WASH Forum during the month of March. This monthly forum, is held on every last Friday of English month, celebrated it’s Golden Jubilee on 31^st March, 2017 at ENPHO Hall, Thapagaun, New-Baneshwor from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. The program was commenced with introduction of Paschim Paaila, concept and objectives of WASH Forum and participants at program. The main objective of WASH Forum is to provide the opportunity for social interaction and knowledge sharing on different environmental Health Issues with WASH and Disasters and to critically analyze the issues. Mr. Buddha Bajracharya, Executive Board Member of Paschim Paaila, welcomed resource persons and participants with a welcome note. March Series of forum was conducted with objectives to know about current status of wastewater in Kathmandu Valley and Nepal, to know about possible techniques for treatment and reuse of wastewater, to set light on role play of youth to overcome current situation and tackle this status.

Ms. Anita Bhuju, Assistant Network Coordinator at Paschim Paaila, facilitated the program. Mr. Bipin Dangol (Executive Director of ENPHO), Mr. Robert Dangol (Associate Professor and iWRM Program Coordinator at nec) and Ms. Isha Dhakal (Project Officer) resided as Resource person on Golden Jubilee of WASH Forum and shared knowledge based on the theme wastewater. This forum highlighted basically on wastewater, its status and linkage with SDGs, wastewater reuse on irrigation and water security, types of wastewater, its characterization and management and role of youth in reduction of wastewater and improved use of reuse of wastewater.

Collectively, forum was attended by 30 participants with 19 females and 11 males. The forum was interactive as many participants actively engaged in the discussion following the presentation carried on by resource persons. Participants outstretched few queries in relation to presented topics. Mr. Robert Dangol dealt with queries regarding impacts on health of using wastewater direct to agriculture. According to the review of feedback, the presentation and information and program as a whole on theme wastewater was useful to participants.