Organized 10 Series of College Campaign on “Youth, WASH and SDG”

- Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

On December, 2019 Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO, completed 10 series of College Campaign on Youth, WASH and SDG which was initiated on February, 2019 to enhance their capacity and knowledge on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). The program was organized on December 18 and 20, 2019, the campaign was organized at National Academy for Medical Studies (NAMS) at Old Baneswor to students of first and third semester.

The ‘College Campaign’ program with aims to encourage youths to involve in various WASH related social issues, to motivate them to act as Youth WASH ambassador and to sensitize them on importance of WASH to create environmentally healthy community and support nationwide WASH activities to achieve SDG goal 6. This program highlighted basics and facts on WASH and its national and worldwide status including areas of WASH that has to be addressed and requires special roles of youth to achieve the goal.

Altogether, 54 students of Bachelor in Public Health actively participated in the program. The program was held in two days with 25 students of first semester on 18 December, 2019 in facilitation of Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila and Ms. Lasata Manadhar, Resource Center Associate and with 29 students of 3^rd semester on 20 December, 2019 in facilitation of Ms. Anita Bhuju and Ms. Ritu Sharma, Senior Resource Center Associate.

"Being student of public health, I have interest on Research and Campaigns. I gained knowledge on WASH, SDG and Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) and gave me an idea on campaign. Also, I am motivated to volunteer/work in the sector of WASH, SDG and specially FSM" - Ms. Pushpa Giri, NAMS College, BPH 1st Semester.

Organized WASH Leadership Hiking 2019

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
- Mr. Meghajan Budha, Member PP batch II

Paschim Paaila has been organizing WASH Leadership Hiking since 2010 with major motive “Fun with Learn” marking day events such as World Water Day, World Toilet Day, Global Handwashing Day. “Fun” as major motto for hiking, Paschim Paaila has been adding the elements for learning and networking through WASH Leadership Hiking. Till date, Paschim Paaila has organized 12 WASH Leadership Hikings.

On occasion of World Toilet Day 2019, Paschim Paaila organized WASH Leadership Hiking 2019 to Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. Hiking initiated from Balaju bypass, near the entry point of Nagarjun hills to build networking among WASH volunteers and WASH professionals on 23 November, 2019. Altogether 11 participants joined hiking event to enjoy nature, celebrate World Toilet Day 2019 and to get connected to work together in the sector of WASH.

Celebrated World Toilet Day 2019

-Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

Globally, November 19 is celebrated as World Toilet Day to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. Since 2013, the United Nations has observed November 19 as World Toilet Day to draw the world's attention to the importance of accessible toilets and their role in improving hygiene and health around the world.  The theme for this year’s World Toilet Day was “Leaving No One Behind”. Based on this theme, ENPHO and Paschim Paaila celebrated World Toilet Day organizing events solely and in collaboration with Guthi, WaterAid Nepal, KMC and other organizations to raise awareness and mark the day.

The event included Toilet Walk-a-thon and Exhibition. Toilet Walk-a-thon was organized  in collaboration with GUTHI, WaterAid Nepal and other organization whereas Exhibition was organized by ENPHO and Paschim Paaila.

Event Highlights:

1  1. Toilet Walk-a-thon: In support of WaterAid Nepal, GUTHI in collaboration with KMC, Paschim Paaila, ENPHO and other 13 organizations and academics like UEMS, Autism Care Nepal, Kathmandu University, Tribhuvan University organized Toilet Walk-a-thon on 19 November, 2019 on the occasion of World Toilet Day to advocate for better public toilets and safely managed sanitation. The route of Toilet Walk-a-thon covered 8 public toilets started from Bhrikuti Mandap and ended at Basantapur.

More than 300 people including youths, WASH professionals and practitioners, political leaders, government officials and media personal became a part of the rally. A mobile toilet led the rally which became center of attraction for the public. Former Environment Minister Ganesh Shah insisted that Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) should now come into consideration with safe and clean public toilets during closing remarks of the event.

2. Exhibition: An exhibition stall was placed near the public toilet opposite of Bir Hospital to aware and share information related to Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) to general public on 19 November, 2019. The message related to FSM was shared displaying various information, education and communication (IEC) materials which included posters, leaflets, booklets, manuals and case studies. A model of FSM was displayed in the stall which remained main attraction for visitors. Also the result of KAP survey was disseminated in the stall. More than 350 general public visited the exhibition stall.

KAP Survey on Faecal Sludge Management

-Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

Globally, 4.2 billion people still live without "safely managed sanitation" and around 673 million people practice open defecation. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to achieve sanitation for all and end open defecation.

Aligning with an aim of SDG 6, Government of Nepal have declared Nepal as Open Defecation Free (ODF) nation on September 30, 2019 making the first ODF nation in South Aisa. However, safely managed sanitation remains a challenge after the declaration. Despite having latrines in each household (HHs) of Nepal, generated faecal sludge and its safe disposal has yet to come in concern for all.

To assess the public understanding on Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), ENPHO and Paschim Paaila conducted Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey on 16 and 17 November, 2019 in Kathmandu Valley. Data from 1091 random pedestrians was collected from Ratnapark, Lagankhel and Suryabinayak in Kathmandu Valley.

51 percent of the responsents said that they have knowledge on FSM. Amongst them, 84 percent said that they know about the impact of Faecal Sludge (FS) on health, 11 percent were unsure and 4 percent were unaware about its health impact. Likewise, amongst the respondents having knowledge on FSM, 78 percent said that FS can be treated, and 83 percent are willing to pay for treatment of FS.

Furthermore, 73 percent of the total respondents have knowledge that FS are being disposed into the river for its management.

Additionally, 64 percent respondent had connection of their toilet with the sewerage line while 35 percent had the septic tanks and remaining 1 percent had other containments such as pit and biogas production system within their household. Amongst the septic tank users have not emptied the septic tank since its use.

While safe collection and proper treatment of faecal sludge is crucial, it is equally vital to create public awareness and capacitate local service providers to increase safe practice of faecal sludge management. This study indicates that still clear understanding on FSM including local capacity building on proper faecal sludge management, its regulation and monitoring are essential so as to support and improve existing FSM practice in the community.

10th Annual Sharing Program of Paschim Paaila

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
-Ms. Puja Bisunke, Member, PP batch II

Paschim Paaila organized 10^th Annual Sharing Program on 19 October, 2019 at Bhaktapur Hospital, Dudhpati, Bhaktapur. The program was organized to celebrate the success of completion of 10 years of its service in the sector of WASH, emergency and environmental health and to share progress of Paschim Paaila of FY 2018/19 in presence of guests and paaila members.

The program commenced in chairmanship of Mr. Roshan Chaulagain, Treasurer. Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar, Chairperson of ENPHO and Environmentalist was Chief Guest, Mr. Rajendra Shrestha, Program Director of ENPHO was Special Guest and Mr. Manjeet Dhakal, Climate Analyst and, Mr. Phurba Sanhe Moktan, Immediate Past President of Paschim Paaila were Guests in the program. Chief Guest, Special Guest and Chairperson of the program, poured vermi-compost in flower pot to inaugurated the program. Vermi-compost used in the program was obtained from the vermi-composting practitioner of Vermi venture project. Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator/Member Secretary of Paschim Paaila, shared the progress on activities and financial updates of FY 2018/19 of Paschim Paaila. Along with the progress sharing, Paschim Paaila team also presented milestones of 10 years’. In the program, Chief Guest, Special Guest, Guest and initiator paaila gave valuable remarks and wishes to Paschim Paaila.

Chief Guest, Special Guest, Guests and Chairperson of the program inaugurated “Journey of 10 YEARS’ of Paschim Paaila”, a document with compilation of 10 years’ activities, achievements and milestone of Paschim Paaila.

During the program, PP batch members were introduced among guests and participants of the program. PP batch is also one of the new initiative of Paschim Paaila to provide volunteering platform with certification to enthusiastic youths with 5 members in each batch.

Every year Paschim Paaila has been acknowledging the effort of volunteerism and dedication with the title “Paaila of the Year” award. Ms. Deepkala Rai, batch member of first PP batch of Paschim Paaila, was awarded as “Paaila of the Year 2018/19 Award”.

Paschim Paaila has also been providing fund as “Paaila Idea Fund” to encourage youths of Nepal for the creative ideas into action in WASH, SDG and Emergency intervention initiatives. This year the support fund amount for Paaila Idea Fund is Rs. 10,000 with contribution of Rs. 5000 from Guest of the program, Mr. Manjeet Dhakal as appreciation to the continuation of the concept.

‘Paaila means footsteps and in these 10 years Paschim Paaila have left good footsteps. This is the time when we have the highest population of youths (active population/ highest energy)- The Golden generation and Only youths can bring change. So, we should use the new means of technology to reach new youths addressing new issues’- Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar.

Suggestions of All the Guests:

With the changing time, our environment is changing and the issues to be focused are also changing. So, should focus on the changing environment and plan accordingly addressing the new issues.

Celebrating Global Handwashing Day 2019

- Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila

Marking Global Handwashing Day 2019, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO and with the support of WaterAid Nepal organized an awareness raising event for the staff members of health care centres. The 3 days event was organized at Bir Hospital, Kantipath on 15 October, 2019; at Nepal Orthopaedic Hospital, Jorpati on 16 October, 2019 and at Bhaktapur Hospital, Bhaktapur on 17 October 2019. The program mainly focused objective of the program was to promote handwashing practice among health care workers through advocacy, and campaigns to prevent health care associated infections.

The event was planned and organized based on the theme of GH Day 2019 i.e. “Clean Hands for All”. The event incorporated various programs like Information dissemination through Booth, Drama show, Orientation program for health care workers and wall painting that helped in awareness raising and sensitization of staff members to practice proper Handwashing at critical times.  

Booth

A booth containing various IEC materials were placed that shared information on handwashing stages and steps along with other WASH Messages. The booth also contained informative and interesting games that attracted and entertained the visitors. Game winners were also provided with the handwashing soaps and sanitizers as gift hampers. A special photo frame with the theme of G H Day 2019 was prepared by Paschim Paaila volunteers using which visitors enjoyed having their pictures framed.

The booth not just helped the hospital staffs to enhance their knowledge, but was also helpful to aware the general public on importance of Handwashing. More than 500 visitors visited the booth.

Drama

Drama, as an effective means to disseminate message and sensitize people was showcased at all the hospitals to aware the mass on importance of Handwashing at health care centres. The drama mainly focused on the importance of Handwashing for health care workers before and after intervening with the patients.  Drama also incorporated important stages of Handwashing, to raise awareness among general public.  

The drama was shown for 2 times a day which was composed and performed by a team of Paschim Paaila volunteers including 1 male and 5 female volunteer. The drama well gathered the attention of the public and helped raising awareness among the mass regarding importance of handwashing. Altogether 220 viewers keenly observed the drama.

Orientation

An orientation on ‘Critical Stages of Handwashing for Health Care Workers’ for the staffs of each hospitals to aware and sensitize them for practicing proper handwashing at the critical times. The orientation briefed about the current status of handwashing practice and mainly focused on the 5 major stages of handwashing as mentioned in the WHO guideline, handwashing steps and prevention to health care associated infection with practice of handwashing.

“As said in orientation, we all are aware and have knowledge on handwashing practice for health care workers. At times we do not get facilities and for that we tend to ignore small yet very important act of washing our hands. But after this orientation, we commit to wash our hands regularly and follow up administration for required facilities” Ms. Indira Pradhan, Nursing Officer, Bhaktapur Hospital.

Altogether 4 orientation sessions were carried out where altogether 205 health care workers including 72 male and 133 female members were oriented on 5 critical stages of handwashing.

Wall Painting

On the occasion of Global Handwashing Day, Wall painting was done at the prime locations of Nepal Orthopaedic Hospital, Jorpati and Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Bhaktapur. The wall painting reflected 5 critical times of handwashing according to the WHO guideline, to remind health care workers on proper handwashing practice.

“We were planning to train our support staff to improve the practice of handwashing among all staff. An approach for the program on Global Handwashing Day 2019 by Paschim Paaila and ENPHO really added value to our plan. We now can further communicate with our support staff too for ensuring handwashing practice in this hospital” Ms. Rina Shrestha, Nursing Administrator, Bir Hospital.

Learning Sharing on Grant Proposal Writing

-Ms. Deepkala Rai, Member, PP batch I

On 18 Sept. 2019, Paschim Paaila organized a learning sharing program on “Grant Proposal Writing” at ENPHO hall, Thapagaun, New Baneswor. The main objective of the learning and sharing program is to provide the platform for interactions and knowledge sharing on specific topic within Paschim Paaila core members (working circle members, executive members, program management team and Paschim Paaila batch members) based on the training/ workshops attended by any of the members.

Ms. Subekshya Bastakoti and Ms. Monika Dhakal, members of Paschim Paaila Batch I, shared their learnings on Grant Proposal Writing obtained from the training organized by Women in Digital on 19th and 20th July 2019. The overall program was facilitated by Ms. Deepkala Rai, also the member of Paschim Paaila Batch I. During the sharing, process of proposal writing and essential elements for proposal for grants was shared which included possible risks in projects and mitigation measures were highlighted as important elements of proposal. The program ended with interactive queries and answers.

Paschim Paaila has been organizing learning and sharing program since 2009. In this program the members who have participated in any training or any workshops share the knowledge with PP members. The sharing is based on what have been learned and experience of attending the training/workshop.

PP Batch Induction and Team Building

-Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

On 31 August, 2019, Paschim Paaila organized PP batch induction, mentorship and team building event at Baudha, Kathmandu to have introduction and team building among members of PP executive team, senior Paailas and PP batch members. As a part of induction and team building, team members gathered to have general introduction and sharing about activities and functions of Paschim Paaila along with experience sharing from senior paailas. PP batch, as new members, shared their motivation to join PP and interacted among other members as a part of networking and team building.
 

Paschim Paaila (PP) Batch is the new initiative of Paschim Paaila for providing certified volunteering opportunity to 5 motivated youths for the time period of 6 months who are keen to learn skills and are looking forward to establish career in development sector. This platform provides wide range of volunteering opportunities through event planning, reporting, coordination, documentation and mentoring. Till date two batch has been formed through application and interview selection procedure.

Drama for Behavior Change on WASH practice

- Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila

Bringing a change in the behavior is difficult. But a change could be possible partially through different means. Being able to lead a healthy life is influenced by many factors and doesn’t solely depend on increased access to – and use of – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, medicines or treatment. Improved insights in health behavior can provide a tremendous impact in the onset and course of health problems and act as a basis for health promotion. However, making a long-term change in behavior is rarely a simple process. Individual, social and other external factors should be integrated to positively influence healthy behavior.

Street drama being an effective tool in raising awareness and sensitization for general public, under the NERF project of ENPHO, street drama on behavior change was prepared and performed in working areas of NERF project of five districts, namely Dolakha, Sindhupalchwok, Kavre, Nuwakot and Dhading of Nepal on 9 August, 11 August, 13 August, 20 August and 22 August respectively. Drama was planned with an aim to sensitize community people to bring positive change on WASH behavior for healthy life. It was performed focusing on proper use of toilet and use of filter, as easy water purification option, targeting community people and school children. More than 3475 locals observed drama including youths, children and old.

“This drama has hit hard in my head that unclean toilets have high possibility for disease transmission as there is presence of germs that can harm us. We knew this simple things but after observing this drama it made me realize how we have been neglecting small things as keeping toilet clean. Also, I got new knowledge that we need to change filter candle in every 6 months and now we will bring it to practice. I will also convey this message to my family and neighbor as well” Aarti Kunwar, student, Uma Saha Shikshyalaya Secondary School, Kavre expressed with enthusiasm.

Sensitizing through Drama for Safe Drinking Water

In Nepal, Diarrheal death is still a leading cause for children under-5. Despite of having awareness on safe drinking water and options for water purification, the lack of proper implementation of water purification process in practical life has been affecting health of people. Paschim Paaila and ENPHO in collaboration with Eco-Concern engaging youths of Paschim Paaila prepared and performed street drama on safe drinking water use at Dadikot, Bhaktapur on 10 August, 2019. Drama was organized with an objective to sensitize general public on the effects of drinking contaminated water, transmission route and prevention methods. The preference was given for street drama as it is considered to be an effective tool in raising awareness and sensitization general public. Drama was performed at Khukundole and Chitrapur of Dadikot with a target to sensitize community people on proper maintenance of  water purification options more specifically on filter use to prevent from contamination.

More than 130 local community people observed drama from both communities including children and old.

Youth Interaction: Hong Kong Red Cross and Paschim Paaila Youth Volunteers

-Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila

Paschim Paaila (PP) in collaboration with ENPHO and in support of Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) organized two day youth interaction program organizing WASH program at Shree Dedhethumka Higher Secondary School, Interaction program at ENPHO hall and team building activities among volunteers of HKRC and Paschim Paaila on 17 and 18 July, 2019. In two day program, a WASH program was organized at Shree Dedhethumka Higher Secondary School, Kuntabesi, Kavre. On first day of program, HKRC volunteers, PP volunteers and school students were engaged in wall painting delivering messages on water purification methods at household level and handwashing steps and bio-sand filter installation. Also, Paschim Paaila team facilitated school students and HKRC team for training on making of homemade sanitary pad. On first half of July 18, 2019, HKRC team facilitated to aware school children on WASH including WASH behavior of students and difference of the daily process of HKRC team and school children, water filtration process and process of handwashing through innovative games. More than 500 students and teachers will be benefitted with installation of bio-sand filter and wall painting whereas 20 students are directly benefitted participating on awareness program and making of homemade sanitary pad.
Similarly, an interaction program was held among the youth volunteers of Paschim Paaila team and HKRC team at ENPHO Hall on second half of July 18, 2019. In the half day program, a volunteer from Paschim Paaila and a volunteer from HKRC was paired for introduction session which was followed by presentation on brief introduction of ENPHO by Ms. Sabuna Gamal, Assistant WASH Training Officer at Training Centre of ENPHO and of Paschim Paaila by Ms. Anita Bhuju,  Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila. Similarly, Ms. Jasmine from Hong Kong Red Cross presented about Hong Kong Red Cross and International Humanitarian Service Leadership Program (ISLP) of HKRC. Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Grace, Youth Volunteers of HKRC shared experience of Nepal Service visit and Ms. Cherry Chau, Staff Officer of HKRC, expressed gratitude to ENPHO and Paschim Paaila team and said to look forward for future collaboration with ENPHO and Paschim Paaila team. Mr. Buddha Bajracharya, President of Paschim Paaila provided token of love to Ms. Cherry Chau on behalf of PP and HKRC team gifted souvenir to PP team. The program ended sharing messages among participants as interaction activity. Altogether, 15 PP team and 13 HKRC team participated in the program. Under the International Humanitarian Service Leadership Program of Hong Kong Red Cross, 12 HKRC youth volunteers visited Nepal as “Nepani” (Nepal + Pani) program.