Solidarity on Walkathon Program for Earthquake Safety

Solidarity on Walkathon Program for Earthquake Safety

By: Dibit Aryal

There are different types of sports played in the modern days. Many of the games are played for the competition purpose to win the prizes. But on the day of 21st January many of the participants were present to play the game for cause. The cause was preparedness for the disaster risk reduction and the game was walkathon.  

According to the data published by different organization there are many such places in Nepal which in the risk of disaster. The program was organized by the national society for earthquake technology (NSET) to raise the awareness among the public about the safety measures to be taken during and after the period of earthquake. Youths from “paschim paaila” showed the solidarity along with Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet), Eco Nepal, Oxfam Nepal, Government officials from home ministry, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Nepal Army and other organizations.

The walkathon was organized in Kirtipur municipal area and route was of 3.5 km around Kirtipur. Many of the participants were youths as well many of were from different age groups. The walkathon was formally started by the state minister for home ministry by cutting the ribbon. After the inauguration the minister himself walked along the mass. The march pass was being observed by the people from the local area and were very interested about the preparedness that has been made to reduce the risk of disaster in our country. Around 400 to 500 participants were present on the walkathon program. 

All the speakers sensitized the participants as well as the visitors over there. The interesting part of the program was that there was a lucky draw program after the completion of walkathon in which the 10 lucky winners were announced and presented the emergency bag which can be used during the disaster period for minimum 3 days. After the prize distribution the program was formally closed by thanks speech from Mr. Amod Mani Dixit, NSET.  

Signature Campaign for endorsing Disaster Management Bill

Signature Campaign for endorsing Disaster Management Bill

By: Merina Shakya

As a part of National Advocacy Campaign on Disaster Management, “paschim paaila” in coordination with DPNet Nepal, YDRR and other national/international organizations conducted a week long signature campaign for endorsing Disaster Management Bill from January 16-23, 2012 on different landmark areas of Kathmandu Valley.

After signing from Honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Babu Ram Bhattarai and Famous Actress, Ms. Rekha Thapa, nominated as Advocacy Ambassador, at the exhibition on the first day for showing the solidarity kicked off the signature campaign. The key objective of the campaign was to get the Disaster Management Bill endorsed by government as soon as possible.   The campaign was intended to increase public awareness to understand disaster management, its need and disaster risk reduction, to increase public voice for the policy provision in the sector of disaster management and to create pressure to the policy makers, governmental authorities and concern bodies regarding disaster management.

Different areas within the valley were selected for the whole campaign including areas like Bhaktapur Durbar Square Area, Sano Thimi, Madhyapur Thimi, Kamalbinayak ,Suryabinayak, Patan Dhoka, Mangalbazar,Lagankhel etc. People appreciated and wanted to know more about the campaign and showed their interest on the topic. However, some people raised question like -“Will this campaign really work for what you people are thinking to do?”  Overall campaign has found as appreciable work where general public knew about the Disasters its management and requirement of policy.

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.