Concerning on Bioethics and Global Public health
Written by: Phurba Sange Moktan
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) organized a full day workshop on “Bioethics and Global Public Health” in joint collaboration with American University of Sovereign Nations (AUSN) on December 02, 2017. The well equipped auditorium of AIUB was used to organize the event.
“Bioethics is the indispensable part of Global Public Health. i. e. nexus of all virtues and love of life,” Said, Prof. Darryl.
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Beginning with the welcome speech, Prof. Dr. Charles C. Villanueva, Pro-Vice Chancellor, AIUB inaugurated the workshop and shared his valuable remarks for the success of the workshop. He also congratulated to students and faculties for being MPH rated as the best qualified subject offered by AIUB by the external evaluation. Followed by his remarks, Prof. Dr. Darryl R. J. Macer, President of American University of Sovereign Nations (AUSN) was welcomed and introduced as a key trainer of the workshop. Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, AIUB shared his valuable remarks for further success of the workshop learning even after the workshop in everyday lives. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Neaz, Advisor of MPH Program, AIUB added that Bioethics is very crucial to Public Health. And, it will be an opportunity to all the participants to learn more values and ethical aspects to link in Public Health practices in their professional life.
Prof. Dr. Darryl delivered his training session on the topic of Bioethics and Global Public Health. He initiated a presentation with a question, what Bioethics means to the participants and facilitated the session with participatory approach. “Bioethics is the indispensable part of Global Public Health. i. e. nexus of all virtues,” Said, Prof. Darryl. He explained the different aspects of Bioethics and its linkages with everyday aspects of people, how culture and growing is affecting ethical practices, how to promote the bioethical practices on Global Public Health, etc. Similarly, some concerns were raised during the sessions such as Work with Empathy? or, Content? or, Action?, What could be the ethical practices which are based on value guided action? What could be our roles for enriching the Globe with justice? These concerns were further clarified by Prof. Dr. Neaz during his presentation following by Prof. Darryl. In addition, two more sessions from two PHD Fellows in AUSN were conducted in Ethical practices on PLHIV in Bangladesh and Ethics on Palliative Care in Bangladesh.
Finally, the workshop with concluded with the sharing of reflections of the self-determination by participants, followed by certificate distribution.
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Responding Earthquake...Experience sharing by Phurba
(Questions/Answers – by Phurba who is the live witness of Nepal Earthquake-2015 and WASH Relief/Response immediate after upto Recovery Phase (upto Jan. 2016 (Now)))
1. Where were you during the two major earthquakes of April and May?
During the first earthquake, I was in home at Kathmandu, 2nd floor. I had just completed my meal and started to take some rest on bed. During the second quake, I was at Chautara (duty station), Headquarter of Sindhupalchowk for my regular WASH response/relief works, was on the road.
2. What was your first response after the quake?
As earthquake happened, immediately I called to my office supervisor and let him knew that I am safe and with my family, then, sheltered to the safe open land for couple of days. On the third day of earthquake (i.e. on April 27, 2015), I got informed from my senior colleagues that National WASH Cluster meeting is going to happen at Singha Durbar premises (Strategic location of Nepal Government). So, I joined that meeting and shared some remarks regarding the current status of the district based on my communication with the district level colleagues. On the next day, I moved to Chautara (duty Station) with taking responsibility to coordinate/facilitate the WASH relief/responses. Immediate after reaching to Chautara, I met with the Government authority for WASH (i.e. WSSDO) and planned for immediate response, through the activation of WASH Cluster for strengthening the coordination and response mechanism. UNDAC team (reached after the devastating earthquake) also supported for activating the cluster approach in the district.
3. You are working in the WASH sector, what were the issues you noticed in the aftermath of the quakes?
Let me share you that just before the Earthquake, Sindhupalchowk (as a district of Nepal) has got 99 % sanitation access and 86 % pipe water supply access. However, more than 70 % of the total toilets and more than 60 % of the total Water supply structures were damaged badly in the district (around 95 % of the houses of the district damaged fully, based on the immediate data of the local government). So, first issue arouse was the immediate access support to sanitation and water supply and setting priorities. Immediate after the quakes, people seemed defecated on open and water collected from broken structures and haphazard sources.
Similarly, as the time passes on, various relief agencies had visited to the communities and committed for various supports, due to which some level of dependency nature has created among the community people, which was another issue I have noticed. Likewise, due to the high hill sloppy geography and the monsoon season, very poor road access further deterred the situation few months.
Over the later stages, blockage of the boarders by India badly hit the relief and recovery works in the district with lacking the fuels and other basic construction materials.
4. What were the major risks in WASH and what were the resilience factors you noticed?
Immediate after the Earthquake, people again started to defecate open and practicing the unhealthy behaviours on drinking water and hygiene practices. So, major risks was the appearance of any kind of WASH related outbreaks and damaged the major human loses because of that. However, after some days/weeks, people started to build the latrines (though temporary/pit kinda one) by their own in majority of the communities. Similarly, reliefs from international relief agencies had gone increased after some periods of time and better coordination mechanisms was already been set in the district with leadership of DE/WSSDO and co-leadership of me (as a district focal point of UN-Habitat). So, not any major outbreaks/epidemics related to WASH happened in the district, even during or, after the monsoon as well. So, toilets or, hygiene in people’s mind (awareness) had become the major resilience factor for overcoming the WASH related risks.
5. Any interesting cases you came across during the relief and recovery time?
On day I was visiting casually with my works on the village side of Chautara Municipality, suddenly I have noticed that one old man is digging a big hole with around 1 meter height and same depth. Due to the curiosity, I asked him that what he was doing there. Then, he answered me that he was constructing latrine nearby his house. His old toilet got demolished completely with the house. So, he wants to construct the new one, and, he has already bought the water sealed pan from the market as well. I got amazed and inspired with his work. And, got in the conclusion that people’s toilet in mind has still got functioning. (We campaigned for 3 years as part of the Open Defecation Free (ODF) Campaign.)
6. Do you have any suggestions to make water and sanitation facilities resilient to any such disasters in the future?
Firstly, it’s government that should have better policy and strategies regarding such special disaster situations like devastating earthquake-2015. Secondly, implementation/response aspects should get improved a lot from central level to district and scaling up to community level. Thirdly, various kinds of responsibilities are given to the local bodies, but very less authorities are there for them during the phase to implement/respond the responsibilities. Such gaps are prevailing in Water and Sanitation Sectors as well. Also, linkage with the other sectors such as Shelter, Health and Education, which are directly linked with WASH, they should be linked and prioritized so as to response effectively in any such disasters in the future.
Thanks much for providing me the opportunity to share my few words with you. I hope my experiences and insights might be helpful for you.
Get connected. Cheers!!!
Some personal details (If you require):
Full Name: Phurba Sange Moktan
Age: 29
Hometown: Kathmandu
Experiences on WASH sector: 7 years +
Academic background: Public Health
Affiliated agency: UN-HABITAT /District Coordinator
Contact: +977-9851141328
moktanphurba20@gmail.com
phurba.moktan@unhabitat.org.np
Earthquake damaged the physical toilet, not toilet in mind
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Satta Bahadur Dungaana, aged 55 from Sipapokhare VDC-6 built his latrine with his own effort on the new temporary shelter. His house along with toilet destroyed completely by the earthquake and become homeless for some time. But he encouraged himself to built the temporary shelter nearby his previous house. And, along with the temporary shelter he also built the latrine nearby his present shelter. He used his old pan, pipes, U-pipe, CGI sheet, woods and laboured himself and completed on building the latrine. To support him to construct the latrine, some sanitation volunteers from Kathmandu and local communities supported him to complete the building. Now, he is happy and healthy and also encouraged others’ to re-built or, revive the latrines in his communities.
Written by: Phurba Sange Moktan, June 11, 2015
TOILETS REVIVAL IN PROCESS IN SINDHUPALCHOWK
“Now I have realized that we can use our toilets with maintenance. We saw it damaged but pans and pits were very fine when we cleared the toilets.” These kinds of statements now have arising by many communities. Marking National Sanitation Week-2072 (June 5-11, 2015), toilets revival Campaigns has started in two VDCs (Irkhu and Sipapokhare) with the 30 Sanitation Volunteers’ team from UN-Habitat (local and from Kathmandu). During the campaign, more than 100 toilets were revived in a week with simple maintenance/renovation and spread message to more than 800 HHs that toilet revival is the possible and is also the best way to promote sanitation and stop open defecation.
During the campaign, VWASHCC was also coordinated and with their support campaign has initiated in the communities. Ward level focal persons’ listed the houses damaged and facilitated to revive through his physical presence. 6-7 volunteers in each team divided and went through the communities. At the same time, working toilets were also identified and suggested the communities to use the same latrine if they can’t revive their own latrine for instance. Also, school level awareness has been raised and students were guided to revive/use the latrines with maintenance in each of their houses. During the campaign, it has observed that more than 70 % of total toilets can be revived and make them use with simple maintenance or, renovation in superstructure. “These sorts of initiatives not only revive toilets but also the attitude of the people as well. So, now the time has come to scale out the campaign throughout the district” Said by Phurba Sange Moktan, District Coordinator, UN-Habitat. Both the VDCs has already achieved ODF status and had 100 % sanitation coverage before earthquake. District coverage on Sanitation has also achieved more than 99 % just before earthquake. Due to earthquake only 10 % toilets remained intact, 30 % were identified as partially damaged and 60 % were identified as fully damaged. Even though 60 % seemed fully damaged but 50 % of the fully damaged toilets can be made functional with superstructure renovation/maintenance. Such kind of campaigns can be very effective to track to ODF motion again and achieve ODF status in the district very soon.
Written By: Phurba Sange Moktan, June 11, 2015
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WSSCC visit to Sindhupalchowk
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Chris Williams, Executive Director, WSSCC and Mark Willis, GSF Program Manager, WSSCC made visit to Sindhupalchowk district on May 15, 2013. Ms. Sudha Shrestha, GSF Program Manager, UN-Habitat, Nepal, Mr. Gunaraj Shreshta, National Coordinator, WSSCC, Mr. BB Thapa, Program Director, SEBAC-Nepal, Phurba Sange Moktan, District Coordinator, UN-Habitat, Nepal and GSF Partners from the district accompanied them for the visit.
The visit team joined the ODF declaration ceremony of 4 and 5 wards of Dubachaur VDC where they were warmly welcomed with local folk music from the community. Community presented various performances during the ceremony including folk dance, sanitation songs, drama, wishful remarks, caricature, etc. The event was well appreciated by the delegates. After the ODF ceremony, the team interacted with the VWASHCC and SWASHCC from Shikharpur VDC where students welcomed with flowers and shared greetings. Community acknowledged the team with Nepali National Cap to both delegates. Mr. Chris shared his sincere regards to the communities, students, teachers, community workers and community people for being success to achieve the ODF status. He said, “Not only adults, but also young children are participating on the sanitation movement. Why the young children are more important? Because, they are teaching their fellows, families and communities about the importance of sanitation. And it is so important that they are not alone.” After the interaction, visiting to nearby village and observation of toilets status were made from the delegates.
The GSF Program initiatives/impacts were observed by the high level delegates and of course have become reflective of the ODF movement of Nepal. Out of 75 districts, Sindhupalchowk got the opportunity to show sanitation scenario and movement in Nepal. Indeed, the visit has set the landmark for Sindhupalchwok.
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GSF Learning Event sets landmark for scaling up sanitation movement in Nepal
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Global Sanitation Fund (GSF) Learning Event ended with the commitment for scaling up the sanitation movement in GSF implementing districts even more rapid and sustainable way, held on February 21 and 22, 2013 at CHRDU Hall, Nagarkot, Nepal.
With the quote from Winston Churchill, “The most importing thing in the education is appetite”, Mr. Bhushan Tuladhar, UN-Habitat opened the floor for GSF Learning Event. GSF Perspectives from various stakeholders were shared and made more clarity on GSF understanding from various aspects such as NSHCC, WSSCC, CPM and EA. “GSF program has tried to make clear targets and aimed to be result based,” Said, Mr. Oliver Jones, WSSCC, “It has focused more on behavior change, changing the mindsets.”
Six learning themes set by the GSF were discussed among participants-GSF partners and concern governmental stakeholders and presented the findings on the floors based on their experiences, learning from the field and observations. In addition, four major issues identified during the group works such as ODF sustainability, Supply Chain Approach, BCC and Operationalisation of Master Plan were further discussed among participants for SWOC analysis and each of the voices from the participants were counted and listed as part of way forward.
Furthermore, The panel discussion was held with six sector leaders from GoN, Civil society, UN Agencies, WSSCC and others during the conclusion session and shared remarkable insights among the participants. “Basic Behavior Buildup (BBB) is actually needed to focus now. For example, Tharu people have very clean front yard. We can utilize it in positive way and we can promote to build toilets as well.” Said by Mr. Namaste Lal Shrestha, UNICEF. Other panelists also focused on the various inspiration aspects of the sanitation approaches and improvement areas onwards. Mr. Ram Chandra Shah, GoN highlighted about the difficulties in utilizing the sanitation basket fund due to complex governmental bureaucracy.
Alongside, the sanitation marketplace set by the GSF sub-grantees was seen very informative to share innovative ideas and knowledge on GSF Sanitation interventions in Nepal.
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When people felt owned…
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Similar efforts were also made from different community people on different communities. Baidauli Sub-Health Post-Health Management Committee decided to collect Rs. 5 from each patient and contribute to the fund for the WASH Facilities Operation and Maintenance. HMC-Hathuasa also decided to place separate fund for Sanitation operation and maintenance out of 25 thousand funds that they already have. “This project has become an igniter for us. Onwards, we will allocate funds on WASH Improvement and maintenance of the WASH Facilities from District levels as well.” Said by Mr. Achyut Lamichhane, DPHO-Bardiya.
As part of CERF Project, all the Health Workers, FCHVs from all OTPs/SCs from Kapilvastu and Bardiya District have been trained and mobilized to aware and educate the community mothers, women and people on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Issues along with nutrition education. “We used to share knowledge on nutrition and emphasis to use for nutritious food. However, did not adequately address on our hands that we feed, water that we drink and the infections that are transmitted easily due to open defecation,” Said by one Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV). Under the funding of UN-Habitat, CERF/Life saving response through WASH Project is implementing by Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in partnership with two local implementing partners, IRDC in Kapilvastu and TWIC in Bardiya since June 2012 and continued up to December 2012. The project has mostly decided for the prevention of deaths due to malnutrition, silent emergency from these two districts. The project has benefited directly more than 1500 health workers, indirectly more than 20000 women and children so far and will continue to benefit more through WASH Promotion and disease prevention. Out of 37 Outpatient Therapeutic Centers (OTPs)/Stabilization Centers (SCs), WASH Facilities in 20 OTPs/SCs were constructed/ upgraded to save lives of thousands of children/infants/neonates.
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Nepal marked World Habitat Day 2012
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Nepal resides 17.1 % urban population (CBS-2011), which is growing day by day in larger rate. Policy makers were guided to penetrate holistic way of thinking for people centered city during the World Habitat Day 2012. World Habitat Day has been observing globally on every first Monday of October since 1986. As every year new theme is provided from UN-Habitat, the theme for this year was selected as, “Changing Cities, Building Opportunities”.
Marking World Habitat Day 2012, October 1, UN-Habitat, Nepal in coordination with Government of Nepal (GoN) and various other stakeholders conducted various kinds of activities in Nepal since one month prior. Children’s Drawing Competition was organized on the topic, “This is how I change my city to make it better”. Seven of them were awarded on October 1, 2012. Workshop on Urban Regeneration in collaboration was conducted on September 16, 2012. Chief Gust for the event Mr. Kishor Thapa, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development said, “There should always have profit as well as loss commitment for effective partnership, which should be followed by government through some effective means in coming days. Only then the real public private partnership we can make with private sectors for change”.
Media journalists were also sensitized on the current urban issues of Kathmandu City through orientation and field visit on September 25, 2012. Two days’ exhibition took place in from September 30 to October 1, 2012. In addition, a week long “Safety Booth Campaign” was initiated on various parts of Kathmandu Valley from September 26 to October 2, 2012. Press meet was organized on September 28, 2012 to inform about the WHD-12 events. On October 1, the full day conference was conducted key note speeches and different issue based presentation were made in the context of changing cities and building opportunities. "Sanitation Compendium in Nepali version" was also releases on the conference by Chief guest Mr. Deependra Chhetri, Secretary, National Planning Commission.
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Concerning District Stakeholders on Silent Emergency in Nepal
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
District stakeholders of Kapilvastu and Bardiya district showed commitments for preventing deaths due to malnutrition, silent emergency with promoting health, nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on District Stakeholders’ meeting supported from Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Project on August 21 and 23, 2012 at Kapilvastu and Bardiya districts respectively. “Recent WHO estimates have shown that mortality among children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is 5 to 20 times higher compared to well-nourished children,” Said Mahendra Sharma, Public Health Officer from CHD-GoN. UN-Habitat, UNICEF and WHO in partnership with other national stakeholders represented in the nutrition, health and WASH clusters are proposing to support the Government of Nepal (GoN) to manage severe acute malnutrition and infections in children (especially diarrhoea). Phurba Sange Moktan, UN-Habitat said, “Water, Saniation and Hygiene issues, being directly linked with nutrition issues play vital role to prevent thousands of children lives. Simply washing hands with soap can prevent life risks up to 45 %.” According to NDHS-2011, 91,000 under-five years’ old children in Nepal are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. UN-Habitat is executive agency for CERF-WASH intervention on Kapilvastu and Bardiya districts in which Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is the implementing partner.
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By: Phurba Sange Moktan
बाढिजन्य प्रकोपका हिसाबले नेपाल संसारमा ३ १औ तथा भुकम्प जन्य प्रकोपका हिसाबले ११औ स्थानमा रहेको तथ्य नँया होइन। त्यसो त नेपाल आफैपनि बेला बेलामा विभिन्न प्रकोपको चपेटामा पर्दै आएको छ। भखरै बाजुरा कोल्टी पहिरो तथा सेती बाढिले पनि सो कुरालाई प्रष्ट पारेको छ। प्रकोपमा युवा सहभागिता र चासोको कुरा पनि विस्तारै बढ्दै गइरहेको छ।
“पश्चिम पाईला” (युवा सञ्जाल) र एन्फो बाट मासिक रुपमा सञ्चालन गरिने अन्तरक्रिया कार्यक्रम (WASH FORUM) मा यहि जुन महिनाको अन्तिम शुक्रबार बाजुराको पहिरो (प्रकोप)मा युवाको सहभागिता अझ कसरी हनसक्छ र युवा सहभागिता अझ कसरी बढाउन सकिन्छ भन्ने विषयमा १६ वटा संस्थाबाट आएका २५ युवा प्रतिनिधिहरु विच अन्तक्रिया कार्यक्रम सम्पन्न गरियो।
भर्खरै बाजुराको कोल्टी लगायतका क्षेत्रमा छ जनाको ज्यान तथा लाखौको क्षति हने गरि आएको पहिरोबारे बोल्दै सहकारी तथा गरिबि निवारण मन्त्रालयबाट आउनु भएका श्री नारायण रेग्मीले युवाहरुले युवा मार्फत नै परिवर्तन सम्भब भएको कुरालाई प्रस्ट्याउनु भएको थियो । उहाँ आफै पनि बाजुरा कोल्टि क्षेत्रलाई प्रतिनिधित्व गर्नु भएकोले त्यहाँको भौगोलिक, सामाजिक तथा आर्थिक अवस्थाबारे निकै जानकारी पनि दिनुभएको थियो । त्यसैगरी, युवाहरुको भूमिकालाई उल्लेख गर्दै श्री फुर्वा साङ्गे मोत्तानले बाजुराको पहिरो पिडित परिवारहरुलाई सहयोग गर्न काठमाडौंमा युवाहरु लागी परेको कुरालाई जोड दिनु भएको थियो । “काठमाडौंका ५ युवा समुहहरु जुटेर आज रु १,३८,१३७/- लगायत विभिन्न लत्ताकपडा, पियूष, कापि कलम आदी प्रभावित क्षेत्रमा पुर्याउन सकियो । यस्तै १०० युवा समुहहरु जुट्ने हो भने कति धेरै गर्न सकिएला ?” भन्दै सम्पूर्ण युवाहरुलाई यस्ता मानवीय कार्यमा अझ अग्रसर रहन आग्रह गर्दै थिए उनी । कार्यक्रममा बाजुराको स्थानिय आवाजलाई पनि जागरण मिडियाको सौजन्यमा प्रस्तुत गरिएको थियो ।
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3rd National Ground Water Symposium Conducted
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) in collaboration with CREEW, The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) and other partners has organized the 3rd National Symposium on “Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management of Groundwater Resources of the Kathmandu Valley” on 22nd March 2012 in the occasion of World Water Day 2012.
The objectives of the symposium ware to share the recent study and research work, to discuss on groundwater issues and opportunities with concern stakeholders and to promote groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting as one of the alternative options in Kathmandu Valley. The symposium was inaugurated by Ms. Brinda Hada Bhattarai, Secretary, Ministry of Irrigation. The session was continued with the key note speeches from Prof. Futuwa Kazama, Professor, ICRE-UY and Dr. Sangam Shrestha, Asst. Professor, AIT. A book entitled, “Kathmandu Valley Groundwater Outlook” was also launched by Secretary Ms. Bhattarai during the opening session of symposium. Ms. Bhattarai said, “Ground water management should be promoted in institutional instruction and integrated manner” ,The welcome remarks in the symposium were expressed by Dr. Suman K. Shakya, Executive Director, ENPHO.
Nine different presentations in three different sessions were conducted including water quantity, quality and ground water use, market and institutions. Ms. Padmaja Shrestha, Sr. Program Manager, ENPHO presented a paper on “Scenario of Kathmandu valley ground water quality” and Mr. Prajwal Shrestha, Program Manager, ENPHO presented a paper on “Ecological Sanitation: Closing water, sanitation and agriculture loop” in the symposium. The 3rd national symposium was concluded with the poster presentation session related to ground water issues of Kathmandu Valley.
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ENPHO WASH Earthquake Contingency Plan formulated
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
A workshop was held to formulate a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Contingency Plan focusing on Earthquake scenarios for Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) with the facilitation of Oxfam-Nepal on 27th and 28th February, 2012 at Yalamaya Kendra, Patandhoka, Lalitpur.
A study says that Nepal is in high risk from the point of view of earthquake i.e. 11th position in global context. Even the Kathmandu Valley is more prone for it in national context due to its geographical situation. Being a capital city, population has become highest and massive urbanization can be seen predominantly. With knowing the scenario, ENPHO, known as the concern agency since two decades conducted workshop to formulate a WASH contingency plan for the organization with the objectives to identify role and responsibilities, define priorities and reduce suffering from emergencies through WASH preparedness and responses.
Altogether 15 staffs were participated on the workshop in which scenario presentation, update sharing, plenary discussion, team work and discussion were made in two days. As an output of the workshop, ENPHO WASH Earthquake Contingency Plan was formed which will be formally functional after being endorsed from ENPHO-Executive Board soon.
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Taking waste concern in to WASH FORUM
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Problem is existed only when there is no way for solution. Likely situation is also for waste water in urban context, which was shared on WASH Forum; Last Friday’s sharing on WASH, Feb series on 24th February, 2012 among two resource persons working on the sector at ENPHO Hall, New-Baneshwor which has been conducting with the joint effort of “paschim paaila” and Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO).
Mr. Rajendra Shrestha, Program Manager, ENPHO and Mr. Ram Kumar Shrestha, Engineer, High Powered Committee for Integrated Development of Bagmati Civilization were resource persons for the event. The event was begun with the welcome remarks from Mr. Rajesh Adhikari, ENPHO. Then, the first session was led by Mr. Rajendra as key speaker. He shared the ideas related to Waste Water, Management of Waste Water and Decentralized approaches and models. “The present practices of waste water in Cities like Kathmandu are displacement but not management. Actual management will be seen only when there is treatment practices are applied.” He said. Similarly, Second session was led by Mr. Ram as speaker. He shared his experience and field based ideas regarding Bagmati River Waste Water Treatment. He said that the waste water is treated on the plant from north part of Pashipatinath, the holy temple. “We are working to create clean, green and healthy Bagmati.” He said.
Finally, the program was concluded with appreciating with tokens of love and final remarks.
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युवाहरुबाट सरसफाइका लागि भैली सम्पन्न
फुर्बा सांगे मोक्तान/ २९ कार्तिक, २०११
भैलो आफैमा एउटा उत्साहजनक शब्द हो, जसमा सान्स्कृतिक एबम मनोरन्जनात्मक तादाम्यता रहदै आएको छ। प्रत्येक बर्ष दिपावलिको पावन अवसरमा खेलिदै आएको भैलो कार्यक्रम यसपटक "पस्चिम पाइला" को युवा साथीहरुमाझ पनि बिशेष शैलीमा प्रस्तुत भयो । सान्स्कृतिक, मनोरन्जनात्मक उध्येश्यका साथसाथै सामाजिक उध्येश्यका साथ खेलिएको भैलो कार्यक्रम यो बर्ष बिभिन्न सामाजिक संघसंस्थाहरु लक्षित गर्दै करीब ३० जना युवाहरुको जमातले लक्ष्मीपुजाको अघिल्लो २ दिन, कार्तिक ७ र ८ गतेलाई उल्लसपूर्ण ढंगले मनाएका थिए।
नुवाकोटको थाङ्सिङ गा. बि. स. को लामागाउ प्रा. बि. मा खानेपानी तथा सरसफाइको सहज पहुच पुर्याउने उध्येश्यका साथ ५ सन्स्थामा खेलिएको यस भैलो कार्यक्रमबाट तेइसहजार पचास रुपैया सन्कलन गर्न सकिएको थियो। "भैलोबाट अपेक्ष्या अनुरुप आर्थिक सन्कलन हुन नसके पनि यसले हाम्रो समुहको टिमवर्क, अपनत्व र उध्येश्यलाई अझ मजबुत बनाएको छ। त्यसैले, हामीहरुले यसलाई सफल सुरुवातको रुपमा लिएका छौ। र अवस्यै पनि यस सामाजिक उध्येश्य प्राप्तिको लागि थप पहलकदमी पाइलाहरु अगाडि बढाउदै लैजानेछौ।" भन्दै थिए, भैलो कार्यक्रम सम्योजक, बुद्ध बज्रचार्य। भैलो कार्यक्रमबाट करीब १ लाख रुपैया सहयोग संकलन गर्ने उद्येश्य राखिएको थियो, जसका लागि थप फन्ड रेसिंग (fund raising) गतिविधिहरु पनि तय हुदै गैरहेको जानकारी पनि गराउदै थिए बुद्ध बज्राचार्य।
त्यसैगरी, भैलो कार्यक्रम सम्पन्न भएपछी सबै युवा साथीहरु एक ठाउँमा बसेर पृष्ठपोसण गरेका थिए भने लामागाउ नै गएर पनी थप छलफल चलाएका थिए। भैलो कार्यक्रम सम्पन्न हुनुभन्दा पनि युवाहरुमा परिवर्तनका लागि आएको जागर वास्तवमा उत्क्रिस्ट रहेको कुरा उल्लेख गर्दै थिए, "पश्चिम पाइला" का संजाल संयोजक फुर्बा साङगे मोक्तान।
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Youth issues on disaster risk reduction at national symposium
By: Phurba Sange Mokta
Youths
shared ideas, opinions and experiences on the issues of youths on
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at National symposium held on Kathmandu.
As a part of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day-11 (IDRR-11), national symposium entitled, “Importance of participation of Youths and Children in DRR in Nepal”
was conducted at Kathmandu on October 13 with the joint effort of
various youth organizations and other stakeholders where “paschim
paaila” was one of them. The symposium basically focused on the issues
of Youths and children and their role on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
which is definitely an issue for consideration.
“paschim
paaila”, being a youth network on Environmental health and Disaster,
also utilized the platform for sharing some thoughtful learning and
youth initiatives regarding “youths’ issues and role on Disaster/Emergencies”. Mr.
Phurba Sange Moktan presented a paper on behalf of “paschim paaila”
combined with Mr. Brabim KC, AYON on the topic entitled, “Youth, Youth policies in Nepal and Youth Engagement in Disaster Risk Reduction”. Also, the remaining three papers were presented by the expert from UNICEF, NRCS and Department of Mines and Geology, GoN.
Around
100 participants were participated on the symposium in which more than
60 percent participants were youths. Similarly, remarkable participation
from children could be seen on the symposium along with the
professionals. Finally, a youth declaration on DRR was made after the
group discussion with the participation of youths and children and the
symposium was concluded.
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By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Is there anyone who doesn’t get amazed when heard that the foundation of ‘Eco-city’ was conceptualized thousand years ago on the cities of Kathmandu Valley? Yes, this is true fact which was revealed by Mr. Padma Sundar Joshi, UN-HABITAT among 36 youths from various fifteen dimensions at WASH FORUM (Monthly talk program) on September 26, 2011 at ENPHO Hall, New-Baneshwor.
As a part of the monthly talk series, “Machhendranath Jatra and Stone spouts in Patan” was the topic for the August series in which Mr. Padma shared his insights with interesting facts, figures, historic backgrounds, cultural patterns and conservation aspects of traditional stone water spouts existing in Kathmandu Valley. He emphasized on consumption along with conservation of the resources for the sustainable management of resources. The Machhendranath Jatra is a celebration of the water culture that links sustainable water management with socio-cultural practices”, he said, “The association of cultural behaviors and conservation of stone spouts was very predominant during Malla Regimes in Newar Communities of Kathmandu Valley, which was gradually degrading in Rana Regimes and destructed rapidly with respect to urbanization on last two decades.”
He also encouraged youths to be either activists or, management stakeholders for the sustainable solution. The program ended with the vote of thanks from Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan. WASH FORUM is the monthly talk program which held on every last Friday of English Month at 2 pm to 4 pm at ENPHO Hall, New-Baneshwor with the joint efforts of “paschim paaila” and ENPHO.
Is there anyone who doesn’t get amazed when heard that the foundation of ‘Eco-city’ was conceptualized thousand years ago on the cities of Kathmandu Valley? Yes, this is true fact which was revealed by Mr. Padma Sundar Joshi, UN-HABITAT among 36 youths from various fifteen dimensions at WASH FORUM (Monthly talk program) on September 26, 2011 at ENPHO Hall, New-Baneshwor.
As a part of the monthly talk series, “Machhendranath Jatra and Stone spouts in Patan” was the topic for the August series in which Mr. Padma shared his insights with interesting facts, figures, historic backgrounds, cultural patterns and conservation aspects of traditional stone water spouts existing in Kathmandu Valley. He emphasized on consumption along with conservation of the resources for the sustainable management of resources. The Machhendranath Jatra is a celebration of the water culture that links sustainable water management with socio-cultural practices”, he said, “The association of cultural behaviors and conservation of stone spouts was very predominant during Malla Regimes in Newar Communities of Kathmandu Valley, which was gradually degrading in Rana Regimes and destructed rapidly with respect to urbanization on last two decades.”
He also encouraged youths to be either activists or, management stakeholders for the sustainable solution. The program ended with the vote of thanks from Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan. WASH FORUM is the monthly talk program which held on every last Friday of English Month at 2 pm to 4 pm at ENPHO Hall, New-Baneshwor with the joint efforts of “paschim paaila” and ENPHO.
Youth led Hygiene Promotion at Surkhet
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
As youths are the leaders of today, 30 young leaders from 5 different VDCs of Surkhet districts are trained on hygiene promotion entitled, ““Rapid Response and Hygiene Promotion” on July 6, 2011 at Jhahare, Surkhet.
Ramghat, Sahare, Kalyan, Kaprechour and Melkuna VDCs were the respective VDCs in which 6 participants from each VDC were participated. During the training sessions, presentations and idea sharing on importance, issues, prospects, etc of hygiene promotion during emergencies and related risk practices, Hygiene Promotion, Hygiene related Behavior Change Communication in Emergencies, etc. were done, where Mr. Phurba and Ms. Kamala from “paschim paaila” were orienting the participants. Furthermore, a motivational session for the youths on “youths as changemaker” followed by group work and action plan were facilitated which also boosted up the participants to act pro-actively on their respective communities. “We will definitely be one step to promote hygiene and make our community healthy”, Said by one participant.
Finally, 30 members’ one informal “Rapid Response and Hygiene Promotion Team (RRHP Team)” was formed in order to act on emergencies like epidemics with hygiene promotion on the respective communities. The orientation training was conducted with the joint effort of ENPHO, “pachim paaila”, USAID, EWAG and Nepal Government.
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Exploring the Chandragiri Hill with fun and learn way
3rd WASH Leadership Hiking with environment/sanitation special was conducted on June 10, 2011 at Chandragiri Hill via Machchhegaun trail. Likely the previous hikings, with the theme,“Seventy five percent fun, twenty five percent learn and hundred percent fellowship”, the hiking was begun from Machchhenarayan Temple, Machchhegaun at around 8 am morning.
Firstly, participants were gathered on Old-Buspark at 7 am and headed towards the base point i.e. Machchhegaun. At Machchhegaun, participants had breakfast along with some recreation with worshiping Machchhenarayan and Bouddha stupa located at Machchhegaun and then, around 9 am geared up for the gutsy hike.
As the hiking was interlinked with WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and Leadership, tasks were given as leadership for team building and issue based presentation with dividing 3 teams with respect of Water, Sanitation and Green. Participants played and showed different exercises like team work game, statue presentation and song presentation for respective issues at two mid points and final point. Then, again panel discussions were made on the three topics from different three resource persons from different fields. “This is the great experience and sharing for me as well, because it is making me youthful with energizing me to have sharing at this top of Kathmandu Valley with so many motivated hikers,” said by Dr. Murali Gopal Ranjitkar, Resource person, hiker, aged 54. After having some more cultural song and dance, the hikers returned back with following another trail of Matatirtha with having songs’ chorus on the way. “This is one of my immense experiences for hiking, which is completely different and worthy occurrence than the rest. And I think, fun, learn and fellowship at a time is really making this hiking awesome,” said by Ratneshwor Shah, one hiker.
Finally, the hiking was concluded around 5 pm at Matatirtha Bus Station. The hiking was conducted with the joint effort of “paschim paaila”, NYCA, SEAT and SEN and supported by ENPHO, SERDEN and DEAN where 25 youths from various background and dynamics were participated. The 4th series of WASH Leadership hiking intends to be conducted on November, 2011. Are you also ready for fun with learn???
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Youths, making youths aware on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
Youths from “paschim paaila” have been making college/university youths aware on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) with the mutual collaboration of ENPHO and CAWST through the campaign entitled, “WASH Knowledge Sharing Campaign-11” Campaign from February, 2011 continuing up to Aril, 2011.
The campaign has intended to replicate the initiatives via youth-youth approach. So, the college youths from different colleges has been engaging school/community based WASH awareness programs, Clean Initiatives, Special Day Celebrations, Sharing Programs, etc. Also, youths trained during the campaign from two institutions such as Nepal Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) and National Academy for Medical Sciences (NAMS) have already formed WASH Circles to continue the similar initiatives in future as well. Similarly, Campaign initiatives are running on other two institutions.
Youths from “paschim paaila” have been making college/university youths aware on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) with the mutual collaboration of ENPHO and CAWST through the campaign entitled, “WASH Knowledge Sharing Campaign-11” Campaign from February, 2011 continuing up to Aril, 2011.
It has been two months that the campaign has kicked off with the objectives to sensitize, empower and engage institutional youths on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) issues as social issues and maintaining sustainability of the efforts with the formation of WASH Circle, an informal coordinating team on WASH initiatives.
The campaign has intended to replicate the initiatives via youth-youth approach. So, the college youths from different colleges has been engaging school/community based WASH awareness programs, Clean Initiatives, Special Day Celebrations, Sharing Programs, etc. Also, youths trained during the campaign from two institutions such as Nepal Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) and National Academy for Medical Sciences (NAMS) have already formed WASH Circles to continue the similar initiatives in future as well. Similarly, Campaign initiatives are running on other two institutions.
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WASH Issues on DRR at WASH FORUM
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
As a monthly series of regular talk program, WASH FORUM provided the platform for discussing on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene issues on Disaster Risk Reduction on January 28, 2011 at ENPHO Hall with joint collaboration of “paschim paaila” and ENPHO.
Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan, Coordinator, “paschim paaila” highlighted the program objectives at the very first of the program. Mr. Rajesh Adhikari, Promotional Manager, ENPHO addressed some points during his welcome speech regarding WASH roles on emergency situation. He said, “The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) technologies and techniques are very crucial during disaster situation for preventing deaths and saving lives.”
Mr. Ganesh Kumar Jimee, Program Manager, NSET shared about the history, facts, risk factors, cluster approach, Hyogo framework, priorities of action and roles, etc. during his presentation. He said, “Awareness, model project and trainings are the key approaches that are necessary to take in to practice for disaster risk reduction (DRR).”
Similarly, Mr. Ram Krishna Neupane, Chairperson, ECO-Nepal also added points from WASH prospect on second session. “WASH promotion is the primary concern for the reduction of Disaster Risk on public health”, Mr. Neupane said with supporting points highlighted by Mr. Jimee for reducing risk on emergency situation.
Finally, the program was summarized around 4 pm with the announcement of next FORUM on last Friday (i.e. 25th) of February, 2011.
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WASH FORUM with the issues of WASH on urban poor
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
WASH FORUM, a regular interaction program, held on 31st December, 2010 on the issues of WASH on urban poor entitled, “WASH Issues and Informal Urban Settlement of Nepal” among 48 youths.
“Out of 366 settlements only 34 % and 48 % urban poor communities have access to safe drinking water and own latrine respectively” Said by Mrs. Lajana Manandar, Lumanti with initiating her key note presentation. She shared her ideas on major WASH issues of informal urban settlements, as inadequate facilities, low priority from government and ownership issue of land (particularly for squatter communities). She said, “Approaches and interventions concentrating to urban poor settlements from government and other stakeholders are the key requisites to promote the sustainable solutions.”
Second session was led by Dr. Murali Gopal Ranjitkar, DRILP-ADB as a Thematic Paper Presenter. He presented his ideas based on the research along with the work experiences on WASH Sector on present management practices, urban poor consumers’ perceptions on water systems and practices, etc. He also recommended some possible alternatives for the effective management of water systems with respects to the kinds of communities. “The ultimate solution can only be seen if joining hands are seen from all sectors and levels, otherwise it will just be a preaching proverbs but nothing else” Said Dr. Murali.
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Nutrient Recycling Workshop showed urine as a treasure
By: Phurba Sange Moktan
ENPHO in collaboration with NNSS, Horticulture and other stakeholders conducted two days workshop on 16th and 17th December at Horticulture entitled, “Nutrient Recycling: Urine use for crop production" showing urine as a treasure.
Program was scheduled for two days’ detailed activities including key note presentation, documentary presentation, research presentation, experience sharing, panel discussion, field visit to different sites, group work and presentation, etc. Workshop was begun with a key note speech by Dr. Robert Holmer as he was the key resource person for the workshop. Followed by his presentation, other resource persons also shared their valuable ideas and experiences.
“We are facing problems because we are facing obligations. But we need to feel it as a ‘love for nature’ and the value of loving nature is priceless. We can face many challenges if we forgot the value of nature,” Said, Mr. Nawal Kishor Mishra, who was a pioneer of ecosan and urine application with 10 years experiences, during his presentation. Also, a documentary, “Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)” showed the importance of ecosan and wastes which was got very interesting.
During the session, Dr. Albert further highlighted some other aspects as well. “Biggest constraint about ecosan is public health concern. So, it will be implementing side by side with health and safety measure implication as well,” said, Dr. Albert during his presentation.
Though the proposed field visit was canceled due to the agitation and strike on the second day, the panel discussion conducted later with three different experts from various dynamics had complemented it. “Urine is also as much effective as the chemical fertilizers,” said, a panelist, Mr. Hari Krishna Upreti, Senior Scientist from NARK.
At the end, group work and presentations were conducted on different issues such as research approach, policy implications, promotions and advocacy in 4 respective groups. Finally, the workshop was concluded with the concluding remarks of Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar.
Youths engaged for WASH awareness @ Youth Sports Mela
By: PHURBA SANGE MOKTAN
As youths are considering the leaders of today, Youth Sports Mela justified it very well, which was the joint efforts of equal access with UNICEF, Rotary international and other stakeholders on 3rd and 4th December, 2010 on different parts of Nepal.
In the arena of remarkable role playing, “paschim paaila” became the one in which exhibition of different Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health (WASH) technologies along with other sensitizing activities like handwashing demonstration and playing games were done on Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts. WASH EXHIBITION was conducted by “paschim paaila” jointly with ENPHO and CAWST. The participants of the Youth Sports Mela got interesting the different models and demonstration kits exhibited at the exhibition stall such as ecosan toilets, wastewater treatment plants, biosand filter, water testing kits, SODIS bottle, compost bin and different posters/leaflets. Handwashing demonstration at HANDWASHING STATION was another interesting part for the participants at the exhibition stall in which they not only understood the importance of handwashing but also got the opportunities to practice by themselves. “This demonstration practice of correct measures of washing hands with soap will definitely help me to continue ahead as well to improve my hygiene behavior”, Said, one participant from NIHS college.
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Youths engaged for WASH awareness @ Youth Sports Mela
By: PHURBA SANGE MOKTAN
As youths are considering the leaders of today, Youth Sports Mela justified it very well, which was the joint efforts of equal access with UNICEF, Rotary international and other stakeholders on 3rd and 4th December, 2010 on different parts of Nepal.
In the arena of remarkable role playing, “paschim paaila” became the one in which exhibition of different Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health (WASH) technologies along with other sensitizing activities like handwashing demonstration and playing games were done on Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts. WASH EXHIBITION was conducted by “paschim paaila” jointly with ENPHO and CAWST. The participants of the Youth Sports Mela got interesting the different models and demonstration kits exhibited at the exhibition stall such as ecosan toilets, wastewater treatment plants, biosand filter, water testing kits, SODIS bottle, compost bin and different posters/leaflets. Handwashing demonstration at HANDWASHING STATION was another interesting part for the participants at the exhibition stall in which they not only understood the importance of handwashing but also got the opportunities to practice by themselves. “This demonstration practice of correct measures of washing hands with soap will definitely help me to continue ahead as well to improve my hygiene behavior”, Said, one participant from NIHS college.
“I hit a germ and got this soap”, said Ms. Shova, one student participant from TC after wining the prize for hitting a germ on a handwashing game, “HIT THE GERM”, which was also got very interesting among visitors. Ms. Kamala, facilitator said, “Game is just the way to get engaged, but the foremost objective is to help them to learn with fun.” Also, Photographs representing the health and hygiene situation of current Nepal was presented on the exhibition that was taken by “paschim paaila” campaigners during the epidemic response time on 2009. The money collected from the game and tickets were sent to the organizer that will ultimately go to the organizations working on differently able community.
Different stakeholders had different stall presentations on different issues. And different types of funny and learning games were played alongside. “We not only had fun, but also learnt important messages on different things including hygiene and health”, said, one participant from RAC Dillibazar.
Hygiene Issues were explored at WASH FORUM
As per the schedule, program begun at around 1:30 with the introductory icebreaking from master of ceremony, Ms. Kamala KC. and the topic was “Hygiene Issues and Handwashing: Challenges and Opportunities”.
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Hygiene Issues were explored at WASH FORUM
By: PHURBA SANGE MOKTAN
As the part of regular interaction program, WASH FORUM hit the topic regarding hygiene issues and handwashing for the month of November on 26th November, 2010 at ENPHO Hall which was the joint effort of paschim paaila, ENPHO and WASH-RCNN.
As per the schedule, program begun at around 1:30 with the introductory icebreaking from master of ceremony, Ms. Kamala KC. and the topic was “Hygiene Issues and Handwashing: Challenges and Opportunities”.
Mr. Om Prasad Gautam, Water Aid Nepal led the session with his key note presentation on the topic, “Hygiene Issues with handwashing” in which status of handwashing practices, present scenarios, different challenges versus opportunities on hygiene issues, etc were critically analyzed and presented. Then, some discussions and queries were made regarding the presentation. Similarly, field and survey based sharing on the topic were done by Ms. Neha Khanal, “paschim paaila”, who had been engaged throughout the campaign as a facilitator. She shared, “Getting awareness and applying in practice were gotten two different things for communities, unless one demonstrate and hit continuous through such campaigns, many of them won’t get bother to apply in practice.”
After having short refreshment break of about 15 minutes, Ms. Shova Adhikari, UNICEF directed her research based presentation on the same topic rationalizing the issues and situations. With taking national and global evidences from the research experiences of UNICEF, she presented the data facts and finding related to the issue. The pattern of questioning and answering side by side of the presentation were made the participants feeling curios and interested.
“This kind of interaction provide us the opportunities to think outside the box as well, otherwise it could be the challenges for us as well. Being a youth, we should take responsibilities by ourselves to have at least little efforts on such social issues”, Said, one participant on feed back collection period. About 70 participants were actively participated on the program from various institutions and organizations.
HANDWASHING STATION kicked off by CA member Mr. Gagan Kumar Thapa
On the occasion of Global Handwashing day 2010, HANDWASHING STATION was kicked off from the honorable Constitution Assembly member Mr. Gagan Kumar Thapa on 15th November, 2010 at New-Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
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HANDWASHING STATION kicked off by CA member Mr. Gagan Kumar Thapa
By: PHURBA SANGE MOKTAN
On the occasion of Global Handwashing day 2010, HANDWASHING STATION was kicked off from the honorable Constitution Assembly member Mr. Gagan Kumar Thapa on 15th November, 2010 at New-Baneshwor, Kathmandu.
Global handwashing day, which has been observing since 2008 along with more than 80 countries, was decided to observe from November 15, shifting one month later than the international date in Nepal for this year due to the famous festival, Dashain and Tihar. The theme for this year was “THE DAY, MORE THAN JUST A DAY”. paschim paaila in collaboration with ENPHO, CAWST and other stakeholders jointly raised hands for campaigning to raise mass awareness, promote hygiene behavior and lift up advocacy through the campaign entitled, “HYGIENE AND SANITATION” Campaign-10, in which various sorts of activities has been organized and will continue up to the end of November, 2010. Among them, HANDWASHING STATION was one of the most sensitizing events which have inaugurated from Mr. Gagan Kumar Thapa with washing hands with soap and having commitment for continuity to make it more than just a day. Dr. Suman Kumar Shakya, Executive director of ENPHO also shared his some valuable words regarding the event and approach, which has also been very supportive. Youths from different institutions, college students from near by Colleges, school children, pedestrians, local people, paschim paaila volunteers, ENPHO staffs, etc. were participated on the event.
Mr. Phurba Sange Moktan, Campaign Coordinator said,“HANDWASHING STATION was designed as a dynamic place for sensitizing the issue of handwashing with soap, which does not only contain the hand washing facilities but also has the accessibility of soaps as well for helping to foster the local culture of handwashing with soap.” The campaign run from 15th - 19th November, 2010 on different parts of Kathmandu such as New-Baneshwor, Chabahil, Ratnapark and Bagbazar area in which some major activites were handwashing with soap, commitment collection, playing game-HIT THE GERM, demonstration of correct time and techniques to wash hands with soap, etc. About 500 people directly involved with handwashing and commitment signing. Indirectly, More than 10000 people got sensitized from the campaign.
“Though it’s just a small effort, it definitely has become the remarkable one.” Said, Mr. Ram Maharjan, Campaign facilitator.
“Uhileko Kura, Bhairav Daisanga” became wonderful experience for youths
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“Uhileko Kura, Bhairav Daisanga” became wonderful experience for youths
“Every new name of toilet represents a new generation in Nepal”-Bhairav Risal
Since decades, tremendous efforts has been done from various NGOs, INGOs, GOs and Private sectors to improve water, sanitation and hygiene status of Nepal. Technology has become a remarkable factor for effective and sustainable practices of water and sanitation. With considering such factor a WASH FORUM (interaction program) was conducted with Mr. Bhairav Risal, senior environmental journalist and sanitation leader of age 82 to share his immensely valuable life experiences among about 40 youths.
During his age, very few people used latrine for defecation purpose even in the capital city, also had myth that it should be stink to be a toilet. So, people usually didn’t wash it. He also revealed the bitter situation of Supreme Court that had no ladies toilet before few years back, unless a lady judge was appointed. Likewise, the short story told by him also became learning for participants.
After sharing experience of being engaged on various social movements and contributing remarkable efforts like lighting program on Humla, distribution of nail cutters, toilets construction campaign, etc., he made his point that unless the physical conservative mindset of people changed, there won’t be any drastic transformation on any sectors including WASH. For that everyone need to do whatever and whenever he can. He said, “Every new name of toilet represents a new generation in Nepal and technologies definitely helped a lot to improve the WASH access and coverage, so, it should also be affordable and accessible by communities.” Finally, he concluded his points with focusing school children as most effective sanitation messengers for promoting and replicating sanitation facilities and technologies.
“PASCHIM PAAILA” YOUTHS ENGAGED ON BAGMATI RIVER CLEANING INITIATIVES
By: PHURBA SANGE MOKTAN
“paschim paaila” youths were engaged and had their solidarity on the campaign entitled, “RIVER FOR PEACE CAMPAIGN” which was a kick-off program for cleaning Bagmati River initiated through GLOBAL PEACE FESTIVAL on September 30, 2010, Guheswori to Prayag Ghat(1km. area).
It aimed to generate awareness among the youths and the people who are living nearby the river banks and all citizens of Nepal, “paschim paaila” had its remarkable role on it. "paschim paaila" in collaboration ENPHO was participated on the campaign. The major ACTIVITIES done during the campaign were demonstration of various kinds of sustainable river management technologies such as Constructed Wetland, ECOSAN Toilet and Composting (bin and vermi) along with assisting volunteers to clean the rivers near by the Guheshwori and Pashupati temple.
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“PASCHIM PAAILA” YOUTHS ENGAGED ON BAGMATI RIVER CLEANING INITIATIVES
By: PHURBA SANGE MOKTAN
“paschim paaila” youths were engaged and had their solidarity on the campaign entitled, “RIVER FOR PEACE CAMPAIGN” which was a kick-off program for cleaning Bagmati River initiated through GLOBAL PEACE FESTIVAL on September 30, 2010, Guheswori to Prayag Ghat(1km. area).
It aimed to generate awareness among the youths and the people who are living nearby the river banks and all citizens of Nepal, “paschim paaila” had its remarkable role on it. "paschim paaila" in collaboration ENPHO was participated on the campaign. The major ACTIVITIES done during the campaign were demonstration of various kinds of sustainable river management technologies such as Constructed Wetland, ECOSAN Toilet and Composting (bin and vermi) along with assisting volunteers to clean the rivers near by the Guheshwori and Pashupati temple.
More than 30 participants from "paschm paaila" were directly participated on the campaign and had their roles and initiatives for cleaning Bagmati river.
YOUTHS HIKED FOR OBSERVING TEEJ @ Dhulikhel
Teej, itself, being a festival for gathering and sharing among women on the issues of dissatisfactions and discontents, now days, has been changing to information and sensitization among different social issues.
The major activities done during the hiking tour were visiting significantly important different places of Dhulikhel such as Kali temple, peace monastery, Shiva temple, park, etc, playing games, practicing leaderships, sanitation program and teej day sanitation folk song presentation and dancing. The environment created by the participants themselves for teej dohori was really appreciable. “At first we got confused for requesting didis’ (sisters) to participate on our song, but later we requested them and convince them and we enjoyed together, also spread our sanitation message through the teej special folk songs.”, said Kamala KC, one participant.
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YOUTHS HIKED FOR OBSERVING TEEJ @ Dhulikhel
By: PHURBA SANGE MOKTAN
Teej, itself, being a festival for gathering and sharing among women on the issues of dissatisfactions and discontents, now days, has been changing to information and sensitization among different social issues.
On the occasion of teej festival, “paschim paaila” initiated a TEEJ SPECIAL HIKING@ Dhulikhel in which 21 youths were participated. The hiking program was one approach for making community sensitized along with the refreshing hiking tour on the occasion of the wonderful teej day. Fellowship among youths and sensitization on water, sanitation and hygiene as social issues among community people was two objectives of the hiking.
Overall, the program was really adorable, memorable and informative according the objectives of the program. “It can be taken as a learning hike.” Said, one participant.
Wowoo nice collection based on your experiences. I would like to request you to add here your temporary shelter experience too.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Udhab subedi