MAHILA KA LAGI PAAILA

Dflxnfsf nflu kfO{nf

Paschim Paaila implemented its project under Paaila Idea fund - 2013 as "Dflxnfsf nflu kfO{nf"/ "Paailas for Women" at Thapathali Slum area, where 23 women’s of different age group (17-74 years) participated on 29^th May, 2014. The program started with the general information about Paschim Paaila by Mr. Buddha Bajracharya, Network Coordinator of Paschim Paaila. The program was divided into two parts i.e. WASH and importance of Vermi-composting technique.

Mr. Bajracharya took a session of WASH whereby he gave idea on importance of water to the living creatures as well as present situation of Water in context of Nepal. According to him, “Slum area of Kathmandu is very prone to Water borne disease, once it catches a person it can be easily transmitted from person to person very soon.” Whereby, he gave examples of Jaundice in Biratnagar (2014) and epidemics in Jajarkot (2009). In addition to that, Mr. Bajracharya highlighted different ways of water purification viz. filtration (different approaches), boiling, SODIS, Chlorination (Piyus). Most of the participants took it positively and agreed to follow one of the water purification techniques. Then, he gave some idea about the healthy behaviour mainly focusing on "Hand washing techniques". All the participants vouched to follow ‘Ati-Pati’ technique from the very day.

Next session was taken by Mr. Regan Sapkota, Paaila idea fund 2013 winner took session on Vermi-composting technique. According to Mr. Sapkota Nepali are not Poor but the way of thinking is very poor. He added, vermiform composting can be lucrative source of income to many unemployed Nepalese as the worms produce ample compost and multiply their number very quickly. He highlighted various facts about the importance and effectiveness of vermin composting and urged the participants to practice this composting technique. All the participants were very much inspired so at the end of the session all the participants came to common understanding to start Vermi composting commercially so that this technique can help them financially to uplift their living standards. Most of the participants were motivated and said they will embark the Vermi-composting from their home. All the participants looked positive and were exhilarated and said programs was fruitful for them and they will soon follow the technique taught to them.

WASH Orientation Program to Women Group of Baba Co-operative

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) orientation was conducted among the female group of Baba Saving and credit Cooperative Ltd, Thimi on 1^st June 2013 at Yechu Party Palace, Thimi with the coordination of Paschim Paaila. It basically focuses on environmental health with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and disasters/epidemics as social concern.

Ms. Merina Shakya, Network Coordinator Mr. Buddha Bajracharya, Campaign coordinator and Ms. Manisha Thapalia, Media Coordinator  were the representatives from Paschim Paaila who facilitated the entire program. Total of 30 participants attended the orientation which was organized by Baba Saving and credit cooperative Ltd.

Mr. Nabin Prakash Shrestha, President of Baba Saving and Credit cooperative Ltd, on his opening speech asked all the participants to be a part of the session and apply in practice. Ms. Gita Shrestha was the Master of Ceremony (MC) of the program.

Ms. Merina Shakya started the session with the introduction of Water and its importance. Mr. Buddha Bajracharya, before entering in his session of Water purification methods energized the session with signature dance. Then the session was further continued. Many queries about the effectiveness of water purification method were raised and solved. Hygiene and Sanitation issues were further addressed during the session.

Our hand may look clean but how clean it really was, was then demonstrated by asking one of the participants to wash her hand with plain water and shown. Need of hand washing was then highlighted and proper hand washing techniques was demonstrated. The importance of hand washing using soap was made felt to the participants, after that there was session about household waste water management where basically the main concepts of household waste management was made clear and participants were also provided information that detail training of composting will be managed soon so that they can learn whole process of composting and apply at their home.

 At the end of all the session the participants were distributed with important IEC materials regarding WASH and also Soap were distributed. Thus the overall program went great with positive feedback and participation of the active women members of Baba-cooperative and the program ended with lunch and commitment to meet next time to learn about composting.