Inspiring Individuals For Healthy Life Through Motivational Session

Prepared by: Ms. Janaki Shrestha, Member, PP Batch III

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO and I’m Your Hygiene Counselor, virtually organized a program, “For healthy Life: A Motivational Session” on August 30, 2020. The program initiated with introduction of Paschim Paaila and Mask-Mandu Campaign as the campaign is youth led initiative to raise awareness and sensitize general public on proper use of mask and maintaining hygiene behavior for prevention of spread of COVID-19. The motivational session was organized to motivate and inspire youth and general public to lead happy and healthy life and motivate others for healthy behavior amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

A motivational speaker and Intellect Disease Specialist, Mr. Raman Bhattarai, resided as resource person for the program. The session of motivation started with sharing of basic daily activities of Mr. Bhattarai as an exemplary sharing which was later connected with important activities required for obtaining healthy life style. During the session participants were shared ideas to lead healthy life such as proper intake of diet, daily meditation and yoga, proper sleep, drinking enough water and reviewing the day. The activities were coupled with things to remember for this time of pandemic such as washing hands with soap and water, using masks proper and reminding others to do same. Thus, Mr. Bhattarai shared thanking ourselves for such good deeds is an additional motivation for happy life. Meditation as an additional requirement for positive energy, the session ended with short meditation. 

The program remained participatory with interaction and queries from active participants. More than 110 individuals attended the program virtually. The program ended with closing remarks from President of Paschim Paaila Mr. Buddha Bajracharya by thanking Mr. Raman Bhattarai and all participants and conclude overall session with key word “Each five Teach Five” to sensitize and more importantly to trigger the general public on the importance of adopting the key hygiene behavior and proper use of mask to prevent spread of COVID-19 and consequently in supporting to flattened the curve of COVID -19 pandemic in Nepal. 

11th Annual Sharing of Paschim Paaila Organized

 Prepared by: Ms. Sushama Sharma, Member, PP Batch III

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

Paschim Paaila organized 11^th Annual Sharing Program on 23^rd August, 2020 through zoom platform to celebrate the completion of its 11 years of journey serving in the sector of WASH, Emergency, Disaster and Epidemic with voluntary essence and to share progress of FY 2019/20 and way forward in presence of guests and Paaila members.

The program started with one minute silence for the departed souls in an epidemic and pandemic as tribute from Paschim Paaila. The program continued with presence of valuable guests Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Deputy Director at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as Chief Guest, Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar, Chairperson of ENPHO and Environmentalist, Prof. Dr. Murali Gopal Ranjitar, Chairperson at NIHE, Mr. Bipin Dangol, Senior Sanitation Expert at Islamic Development Bank, Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Executive Director at ENPHO, as Special Guests, Mr. Manjeet Dhakal, LDC Support Team Head, Climate Analytics, Mr. Raman Bhattarai, Intellect Disease Specialist and, Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan, Immediate Past President of Paschim Paaila as Guests.

Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator/Member Secretary of Paschim Paaila, shared the progress on activities of FY 2019/20 of Paschim Paaila which was followed by announcement of Paaila Idea Fund 2020. The basic objective of “Paaila Idea Fund” is to encourage youths of Nepal for the creative ideas into action in WASH, SDG and Emergency intervention initiatives. The introduction session of energetic youth volunteers as PP Batch III members was then followed by announcement of Paaila of the Year 2019/20 Award. Every year Paschim Paaila has been acknowledging the effort of volunteerism and dedication with the title “Paaila of the Year” award. This year, Ms. Sushama Sharma, PP Batch III member, was awarded as “Paaila of the Year 2019/20 Award”.

In the program, Chief Guest, Special Guest, Guest and Paaila members gave valuable remarks and assured to be with Paschim Paaila. During the remarks, Paschim Paaila team were appreciated for the initiative of Mask-Mandu Campaign. The campaign aims to aware and sensitize general public on proper use of mask and to maintain hygiene behaviour to prevent the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19 engaging most energetic youths.

Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha said, “I have never seen such leadership of youth in the sector in any part of the world. It is great to such leadership of youth in Nepal but it now needs to be spread worldwide through social media and networking” during the guest remarks.

Altogether 40 Paaila members attended the Annual Sharing program as Guests and general member. Mr. Buddha Bajracharya, President of Paschim Paaila formally closed the program summarizing remarks and with the vote of thanks to guests and paaila members for the presence and remarks.

WASH FORUM Reloaded on “Stress Management Among Youths”

Prepared by: Paaila Sushama Sharma, Member, PP Batch III

Edited by: Paaila Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

On 20 August 2020, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO (Environment and Public Health Organization) organized 9^th WASH FORUM Reloaded on “Stress Management among Youths” through zoom platform. The main objective of the program was to share about stress and its effects on career development of youths, acquaint youths about how to Reduce, prevent and cope with stress as well as to share importance of psycho-social well-being. In Nepal, 40% of people are younger than 18 years of age and COVID-19 pandemic may be a stressful situation for young people regarding career development. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Dr. Narendra Singh Thagunna, Vice President of Association of Psychologist was the speaker for the program. The session was initiated with evaluation on mental health condition of participants through a form filling process with specific questions. During the session, different types of mind exercise were conducted. The meaning of stress, cause of stress on students, consequences of student’s mental health on were mostly highlighted in the session.

Dr. Thagunna explained 6 stress management strategies to prevent from unhealthy stress coping mechanism. Also, participants were encouraged to build a positive mental health by creating healthy routine, owing your feelings, eliminating toxic influences, supporting each other, and connecting with others also shared the tips for success on life.

The program had an overwhelming participation of more than 90 participants from different part of Nepal. At the end, Dr. Thagunna addressed queries from the participants. Paaila Amrit Bista, Member, PP Batch III facilitated the overall program.

Celebrated International Youth Day-2020

Prepared by: Paaila Sushama Sharma, Member, PP Batch III

Edited by: Paaila Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

Every year International Youth Day (IYD) is celebrated on 12 August, 2020. This year’s theme for International Youth Day was “Youth Engagement for Global Action”. The engagement of youths at the local, national and global level enhances the process of national and institutional activities. Paschim Paaila and ENPHO has been celebrating International Youth Day to motivate, celebrate the energy of youth, engage them and enhance their capacity. Paschim Paaila and ENPHO organized the talk program, “Connecting Youth to Youth: An Inspirational Talk” and continued campaign “Mask-Mandu Campaign” to celebrated International Youth Day 2020.

An Inspirational Talk Program

The program “Connecting Youth to Youth: An Inspirational Talk” was jointly organized aligning with

this year’s theme through zoom platform on 12 August, 2020. This event was organized to transform stress in strength, encourage youth engagement in Hygiene Campaign and exploring the opportunities connecting youths to inspire and encourage for global action from local efforts.

Mr. Kshitij Raj Lohoni, Software Engineer at Apple Company and Founder of Krinjal Foundation was the Speaker of the program. The session started with life experience sharing of the speaker. Mr. Lohoni, as a part of session, reflected on the way to move forward in life with a positive thoughts and have determination to achieve the targeted goals to inspire and motivate youth. The program continued with direct question and answer session with the speaker to get suggestions and guidance regarding various topics including involvement of youth for COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 50 youths directly attended the session that started at 8 in the morning through zoom.

Mask-Mandu Campaign

Later on the day, aspiring youth volunteers of Paschim Paaila conducted Mask-Mandu Campaign at Basantapur, Kathmandu. Mask-Mandu Campaign is a youth led initiative to sensitize and aware the general public on proper use of mask and promote safe Hygiene behavior to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People walking around without mask in public, street vendors, shop owners are the target group of the campaign. During the campaign general public of different age group, economic background and professions who were walking without mask, wearing mask improperly and/or just holding mask were sensitized on importance of proper use of mask and hand hygiene. As a motivational factor, those people, walking around without mask were supported with a mask.

More than 200 public people were counselled on proper use of mask, good hygiene practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and its importance focusing on the present pandemic situation among which masks were distributed to 47 people. Paschim Paaila youth volunteers have been counselling and distributing mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with a personal safety first such as use of masks, sanitizer for both the parties, volunteers and general public and wearing face shield.

Empowering Youths: WASH-CO Workshop II Series

Paschim Paaila and Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), jointly organized three day “WASH-CO Workshop II Series 2020” from 7 to 9 August, 2020 through Zoom platform. This workshop was organized to enhance the capacity and knowledge of youths on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), its linkage to COVID-19 and safe hygiene behavior motivating youths for the initiative to aware general public to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The major highlights of three day workshop were brief of COVID-19 and its status worldwide, impacts of COVID-19, safe hygiene behavior such as proper use of mask, maintaining social/physical distance and proper hand hygiene. The workshop also held sessions on youth motivation and plan of action for implementing actions to share and trigger communities and general public on importance of safe hygiene behavior and proper use of mask as preventive measures for COVID-19. Altogether 30 participants were selected through an application to attend the workshop from various educational background.

Understanding Status quo of WASH Facilities in Quarantine of Terai

Prepared by: Amrit Bista, Member, PP Batch III

Quarantine refers to the separation and restriction of movement and activities of people who are not ill but are believed to have been exposed to infections for the purpose of preventing disease transmission. Quarantines are the important measures for the control of reservoir. Government of Nepal has also made provision of quarantine for migrants who came from COVID-19 affected countries and other suspected people during the case investigation and contact tracing. In this regard, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO organized 8^th WASH FORUM Reloaded (WFR) on “WASH facilities in Quarantine of Terai” on 24 July, 2020 on Zoom meeting platform to understand status of quo of WASH facilities in quarantine in Terai (Province 2), details on minimum service standards required for a proper WASH facilities in quarantine and required improvement of WASH facilities and possible challenges.

Mr. Niraj Giri, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer for WASH at Welthungerhilfe was resource person for the program. During the program, information and data on minimum WASH requirements in COVID-19 quarantine and isolation centers, current status of WASH in quarantine of Terai, key indicators of proper WASH, and improvement required for the current WASH status were shared highlighting on the standard of water, sanitation, hygiene and environmental cleanliness. In compliance with data, Mr. Giri shared that though quarantine centers in Terai has sufficient facilities of WASH in regard to quantity but requires improvement in quality, its proper management and awareness among users as quarantine centers lacks proper waste segregation and use of water treatment options among other WASH behaviors.

As mentioned by Mr. Giri, developing checklists for WASH facilities and behavior for monitoring and effective implementation will help in improving the WASH status of quarantine centers. Despite the present services and status of WASH in the quarantine centers, he insisted to draw focus on flood resilient quarantine center as monsoon has arrived.

With an active participation of more than 25 participants from different educational and professional background, the 8^th WFR was organized, sharing information and addressing queries of participants. Ms. Sushama Sharma, Member, PP Batch III facilitated the overall program and Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator closed the session with vote of thanks to the resource person and all the participants.

Reflecting COVID-19’s Impacts on Environmental Health

Prepared by: Ms. Sushama Sharma, Member, PP Batch III

On 26th June 2020, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with Environment and public Health Organization (ENPHO) organized sharing and discussion program on "COVID-19 and Environmental Health” through zoom platform. The main objective of sharing and discussion program was to share the impacts of COVID-19 observed in the environment and human health as a whole, as well as to sensitize and motivate youths on the intervention of faeco-oral and other WASH related communicable diseases.

Mr. Ravindra Pandeya, Director, The Green Move Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., resided as facilitator of the program. In the program, Mr. Pandeya reflected on positive impacts of COVID-19 in environmental health and included scenario of biodiversity as well. Mr. Pandeya shared about the environmental burden of diseases and the cultural evolution from hunter-gatherers to industrial era, the shifting paradigm of nature. Also, the reflection on the change to expect after COVID-19 were highlighted as such change on CO₂ emission and the roles of youth in bringing the positive change for reduction of CO₂ emission.

In order to make the program fruitful, discussion was done through question and answer session. Participants also shared their views in regard to topic. More than 27 participated in the program of different educational background.

Talks on Climate Change Crisis and COVID-19 on the occasion of World Environment Day

Prepared by: Mr. Amrit Bista, Member, PP Batch III

Paschim Paaila and ENPHO, on the occasion of World Environment Day, jointly organized 7^th series of WASH FORUM Reloaded (WFR) on “Climate Change Crisis to LDCs amidst COVID-19” on 4 June 2020 on zoom meeting platform. The 7^th series of WFR was organized with an objective to share information about climate change crisis to Least Development Countries (LDCs) amidst COVID-19 with a focus on vulnerabilities of climate change to LDCs during and after this COVID-19 pandemic and possible solutions as opportunities.

Mr. Manjeet Dhakal, Head, LDC Support Team at Climate Analytics resided as resource person in the program. During the program, multiple crises facing by vulnerable countries due to COVID-19, the current context of climate change in the world and Nepal and its worsening impacts, implication for LDC graduation and about switch to clean energy were shared. Resource person also highlighted on ongoing initiative to combat climate change, climate action momentum and functional expenditure estimates in different Fiscal year for environment protection in Nepal. He also insisted that COVID-19 should be taken as opportunity and shared that lesson learnt while treating COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency helps to tackle climate change with a similar level of international coordination.

More than 35 participants attended session of WFR on zoom platform and put forward queries during Q/A session. Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila, closed the session with vote of thanks to the resource person and all participants.

Orientation on Basic WASH Intervention and Water Quality

Prepared by: Mr. Sagar Gosai, Member, PP Batch III

On 3^rd June, 2020, Paschim Paaila and ENPHO in collaboration with Leo Club of Kathmandu Tudaldevi organized an orientation program on ‘Basic WASH Intervention and Water Quality’ through Zoom platform. The program was organized with an objective to share youths about basic information regarding Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), water quality and COVID-19.

The orientation highlighted on basic information of WASH including water quality, water-borne diseases, household methods of water purification, status of water, sanitation and hygiene in context of the world and Nepal, diseases transmission route, food hygiene, menstrual hygiene, critical times of handwashing, importance of handwashing for COVID-19 prevention. The online session was interactive and participatory with question and answer session.

Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila, Ms. Sushma Sharma and Mr. Amrit Bista, Member of PP Batch III facilitated the sessions of the orientation. Leo Sandeep Baniya, Persident of the club gave an introductory note and Leo Sangita Ghimire, Program Coordinator for the event facilitated the overall program. Leo Dinesh Giri, Charter President, gave vote of thanks to session facilitators and all participants with a word for future collaboration with Paschim Paaila.

Altogether 40 youths from Leo Club of Kathmandu Tudaldevi and Paschim Paaila attended the orientation.

Debate on “Activism for Menstrual Hygiene and Health”

Prepared by: Mr. Amrit Bista, Member, PP Batch III

Paschim Paaila and ENPHO in collaboration with Debate Network Nepal-DNN organized a debate program on ‘Activism for Menstrual Hygiene and Health’ on 29^th May, 2020 on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene day 2020 through Zoom platform. The program was organized with an objective to mark Menstrual Hygiene (MH) Day 2020 highlighting activism for menstrual hygiene through debate.

In the program, 6 debaters from DNN were on the house (platform) with 3 were as representation of government side and 3 from the opponent side. On the debate, proposition team spoke on the side of motion: “This house, as the feminist movement, will fund the research for Technology XP” while opposition side spoke against the motion within 7 minutes time-frame and at last a reply speaker from each side briefly gave their feedbacks again. To elaborate the context on the debate, an upcoming technology named Technology XP was hypothesized to be able to allow women to never have their period and subsequently conception too to overcome the period pain and not to make period as blockage for career of women.

In the debate, speakers put forward views based on researches. This program highlighted on the positive sides of technology and its contribution for women on relieving menstrual sufferings and conception difficulties and leading a great life with debaters from opposition as the limitations of technology such as inaccessibility to marginalized groups, cultural unacceptability and more importantly, the idea of banning motherhood brought, gift of nature, by the technology and highlighted on importance on eradicating taboos and misconceptions related to menstrual hygiene instead. The verdict at the end announced opposition team as winner to better support for awareness regarding menstrual hygiene than to bring in the technology.

Mr. Dixit Awasthi from DNN moderated debate and Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila, facilitated the overall program. Altogether, 30 youths participated in the program.

Every year Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated on 28 May to raise awareness and break the silence for the issues related to menstruation. This year theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day 2020 was "Menstrual Talk, Dignity First".

Organized WASH-CO Workshop I Series 2020

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator
Prepared by: Ms. Susma Sharma, Member, PP Batch III

Paschim Paaila and Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), jointly organized three days “WASH-CO Workshop I Series 2020” from 16^th to 18^th May, 2020 through Zoom platform. This is the very first workshop organized with an objective to enhance the capacity and knowledge on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and its linkage to COVID-19 to empower youths on WASH and COVID-19 to support in preventive measures and bring youths as change maker.

The three day workshop covered sessions related to WASH, COVID-19, hygiene behavior and practice, impact of COVID-19 on SDGs and social media use through presentations from WASH professionals and media professional. The three day workshop moreover remained participatory with interactions and discussions with and among participants. Altogether 40 participants were selected through an application to attend the workshop from various educational background including public health, environmental science, social work, engineering and bio-technology. 

“Participating in the workshop allowed me to gain unknown facts in regard to WASH and COVID-19 and beyond the general information. Thank you Paschim Paaila for providing the opportunity” Ritendra Babu.

Web Series of WASH FORUM Reloaded on COVID-19 and WASH

-Mr. Amrit Bista, Member, PP batch III

Paschim Paaila and Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) jointly organized 6^th series of WASH FORUM Reloaded on “COVID-19 and WASH” on 15 May 2020 on zoom meeting platform. The program was organized with an objective to share information about COVID-19 and its present status with highlight of session on linkages of COVID-19 and WASH.

Mr. Sudan Raj Panthi, National Professional Officer, Environmental Health at World Health Organization (WHO) resided as resource person in the program. During the program, epidemic curve of laboratory confirmed COVID-19, its chain of transmission and elements of standard precautions were shared. Resource person gave more focus on preventive measures in concern to hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene and insisted that maintaining hand-hygiene is key preventive measure of COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from personal hygiene information showing importance regarding decontamination, principles of cleaning and health care waste management during this state of COVID-19 pandemic was also explained by National Professional Officer of WHO Mr. Sudan Raj Panthi.

More than 55 participants actively attended session of WASH FORUM Reloaded on zoom platform and put forward queries during Q&A session.

Community based training on homemade sanitary pad making

Prepared by: Ms. Punam Chauguthi, Member, Paschim Paaila Batch III

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) is major concern for marginalized group of girls/women who usually have to suffer physically, socially and emotionally such as missing out schools, reproductive health problems, and restrictions in houses/temples. However with better MHM knowledge, resources and practice, these issues can get lower significantly. Thus, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with Madhe Nepal Municipality, Suryapal Ward-3, Lamjung, organized community based MHM and homemade sanitary pad making training on 2^nd - 6^th March, 2020 to Dalit Women Group in Lamjung. The program was organized to aware women group on menstrual hygiene management and to train them on homemade sanitary pad making with an ultimate expectation to have commercialization of homemade sanitary pads to support girls/women for better MHM resources and to support local community for economic improvement.

The community based five days training focused on information sharing on Menstrual Hygiene Management and Sanitary pad (Sanghi) making, theoretically and practically. Apart from engaging participants in making of homemade sanitary pad, the sessions of training was made interactive and participatory with sharing of personal experience and cultural practice sharing regarding menstruation and menstrual health, misconception on menstruation, story-telling and demonstration of handwashing.

Altogether 16 women from Dalit Women Group of the municipality participated in the program. The training was facilitated by Paaila Punam Chauguthi, Paaila Sagar Gosai and Ms. Saraswoti Basnet. Paaila Punam Chauguthi and Paaila Sagar Gosai are members of Paschim Paaila Batch III and Ms. Saraswoti Basnet is trainer from Bansighat Community, Kathmandu who attended the training on MHM and Homemade Sanitary Pad Making organized by Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO).

Ms. Anjali B.K., one of the participants said “This five days training was very effective especially to the women of village who are always backward in any activities. By this training, we got knowledge on menstruation process, menstrual health, homemade sanitary pad making and additionally, processes of water purification at household level and importance of proper/safe sanitation.”

School WASH Campaign to improve WASH practice

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
- Ms. Janaki Shrestha, Member, Paschim Paaila Batch III

School WASH (SWASH) campaign have been an effective means to aware and sensitize school children on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. WASH being very crucial part of life still have been in negligence. On 23^rd February, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO in leadership of Paschim Paaila Batch III members organized SWASH campaign at Oxford Practical English School at Sallaghari, Bhaktapur in order to aware and sensitize the school students on WASH with special focus on handwashing practice to prevent diseases.

The program highlighted on safe drinking water and water purification options, solid waste management and toilet cleaning, proper handwashing and menstrual hygiene management. The program was made interactive, participatory and demonstrative. Participants were engaged in group activities and story sharing during the program to make information sharing more effective. Also, handwashing steps crucial during critical stages were demonstrated among participants. Quiz based on the topics delivered during program also made program interactive and informative.

Altogether 25 students of class 7-8 were engaged in the program in recommendation of school management committee. The campaign was facilitated by Ms. Janaki Shrestha, Ms. Punam Chauguthi and Mr. Sagar Gosai, members of Paschim Paaila Batch III. 

Ms. Anusha Dhaubanjar, one of the participant said   “session were very useful and informative we will share the information with others who did not get chance to participate in the program and also we are very much interested for training on homemade sanitary pad making.”

Learning Sharing on Basic Photography

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
- Ms. Janaki Shrestha, Member, Paschim Paaila Batch III

Paschim Paaila have been organizing the Learning -Sharing program for internal team members and active members of Paschim Paaila. The main objective of learning and sharing program is to share knowledge and enhance the capacity of active paailas. On 19^th February 2020, Paschim Paaila organized learning and sharing program on basic photography at ENPHO hall Thapagau, Baneshwor.

Ms. Lasata Manandhar, Resource Centre Associate at ENPHO, facilitate the session on basic photography with basic knowledge and experience sharing. Ms. Manandhar shared about elements required for good photos and photo story, few tips and tricks on photography and proper use and presentation of photos during her presentation.

The session was more of interactive and participatory. At end of the session the participants were engaged through practical session of photography. Ms.Sabanam Thapa, one of the participant of program said “I used to think I could click good pictures but now I know where I miss out for great pictures. I found this session really informative and useful. Altogether 8 participants attended the program including members of Paschim Paaila batch III and active members of Paschim Paaila.

Learning Sharing Program on Menstrual Hygiene Management and Homemade Sanitary Pad Making Training

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
- Mr. Sagar Gosai, Member, PP Batch III

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), as a major part of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), has always been concern for Paschim Paaila. On 26 January, 2020, orientation on MHM and homemade sanitary pad making training was conducted at ENPHO hall, Baneshowr, Kathmandu under the facilitation of Ms. Sabuna Gamal, WASH Trainer at ENPHO and Executive member of Paschim Paaila.

The event was organized to enhance knowledge of PP Batch members and active paailas on menstrual hygiene management and preparation of homemade sanitary pad. The event was organized as a part of capacity building of team members as learning sharing program. The event was conducted under two halves as orientation on MHM in first session and preparation of homemade sanitary pad in second session through practical approach. The taboos and myths associated with menstruation were discussed and presented among participants making learning sharing program effective, in facilitation of Ms. Gamal. Altogether 6 participants attended the event including members from third batch and active paailas.

WASH FORUM Reloaded on Transforming Waste to Value: Opportunities and Challenges

Edited by: Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator, Paschim Paaila
-Mr. Amrit Bista, Member, PP Batch III

Paschim Paaila and ENPHO jointly organized 3^rd series of WASH FORUM Reloaded on “Transforming Waste to Value: Opportunities and Challenges” on 24 January, 2020 at Decentralized Solid Waste Management (DESWAM) Compost Plant also known as Compost Production and Processing Center, Shankharapur Municipality, Sakhu, Kathmandu.

The main objective of 3^rd series of WASH FORUM Reloaded is to sensitize the youths on importance and ways of conversion of waste to productive value and, to provide knowledge to maximize value from waste by promoting recycling, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and creating green jobs through orientation along with the site observation.

Mr. Saroj Shrestha, Site manager of Blue Waste to Value (BW2V) facilitated the program to orient and for site visit for participants. The information about the establishment of BW2V, its partner organization, working mechanisms, advantages and existing challenges that BW2V is currently facing was shared during short orientation and introduction of the company. Along with introduction, Mr. Shrestha shared about future planning and strategies of BW2V to overcome the existing challenges. “Though we are not in extensive progress in present context, we are looking forward for strengthening financial status for this plant. Also, municipality has committed to support technically and financially”, said manager, Mr. Saroj Shrestha.

The participant also visited working site and observe the working processes. The Compost Production and Processing Centre collects decomposable and non-decomposable waste in different days. It collects the decomposable waste on Wednesday and Thursday. Organic shredder machine is used to make the fine pieces of the waste and de-watering machine is used to extract the liquid content present in the waste. The Effective Micro-organisms (EM) are used to decompose. After 30 days compost becomes ready for use. Such compost manure costs NRS 30/kg for local people. The compost plant also provides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to staffs for health and safety measures which found being properly used during the visit. Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network coordinator of Paschim paaila, closed the session by providing vote of thanks to the facilitator and all participants. Altogether 18 participants joined the WASH FORUM Reloaded program from different institutes.

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.