Pax Earth Nepal (PEN) organized certificate distribution ceremony of Youth Outdoor Exposure (YOE) at Shree Bal Byabasai Kendra Secondary School, Sifal, Kathmandu on Saturday June 26, 2010. Due to some technical circumstances, PEN could not hold certificate distribution at youth outdoor exposure. The programme was chaired by President Sujan Koirala.

The ceremony was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Hon. Dr. Ganesh Gurung, Member, National Planning Commission, Government of Nepal by lighting an oil lamp.

In his welcoming address, Vice President Shreebatsa Basnyat cordially welcomed Chief Guest Dr. Gurung, Honorable Member Nilambar Badal, participants of YOE, board members and members of PEN. He explained the reason behind holding separate ceremony for the certificate distribution.

Coordinator of YOE Laxman Prasad Neupane briefly highlighted YOE. He thanked PEN for entrusting him and providing an opportunity for coordinating such a great event. He appreciated the role played by each member of YOE organizing committee. He thanked all participants for their active and valuable support without which PEN could not conduct YOE successfully. He shed light on the activities that participants passed through during the YOE. He was confident that this YOE has brought tremendous changes in leadership, personality and team building skills of each participant.

On behalf of participants, Yasoda Sapkota, Nagendra Shakya, and Peter Badal shared their experiences. They were quite delighted to be a part of YOE. They thanked PEN for organizing a very useful event for youths and expressed that it has contributed a lot in improving their leadership, personality and ability to work in a team. It was a superlative learning experience for each participant. They have strongly advocated for the continuity of this type of programme in future more extensively. Each speaker wished for the progress and prosperity of PEN in the days ahead.

Honorable Member of PEN, Nilambar Badal congratulated PEN for successfully conducting YOE. Although he was not able to join, he was quite impressed to hear the experience from the participants. He insisted PEN to continue such a praiseworthy event more extensively in future. He always loved to work with PEN and wished to extend all possible support for the betterment of PEN.

The distribution of certificates followed after Badal’s remarks. Chief Guest Dr. Gurung distributed Certificate of Participation to participants one by one. He further distributed Letter of Appreciation to Arun Khadka for financial support, Rajan Dulal for logistic support, M/s Kantipur Saving and Credit Cooperative Ltd. and M/s Oral and Dental Clinic for sending participants, Dhulikhel Training Centre for their accommodation and friendly environment and Coordinator Neupane for outstanding effort in successfully organizing YOE.
Chief Guest Dr. Gurung expressed his happiness for inviting in such a wonderful event. He praised Sujan Koirala and his young team for successfully holding YOE. Terming himself as a former youth, he was quite happy to be among the youths. He expressed how the present youths are being involved in strikes and violence. In his words, all these are due to unemployment. If there is ample employment opportunity, the youths would not involve themselves in such brutal acts.

He added that the YOE is an exemplary work to address the developmental issues of youths. This exposure must have developed understanding, friendship, cooperation and collaboration among the participants. He wished that the PEN members will never involve themselves in destructions; they will not hold weapons against one another. He related PEN’s activity with National Planning Commission’s activity. He shared several experiences and explained how the economy is deteriorating day by day. He suggested PEN to continue this programme which is quite necessary for personal development of youths. He will be happy to join in other activity of PEN as far as possible.

President Koirala delivered vote of thanks. In his vote of thanks, he heartily thanked Chief Guest Dr. Gurung for his valuable presence in spite of very busy schedule and also for the inspiring speech. Dr. Gurung was quite busy in a meeting but he could manage two important hours for this ceremony. He also thanked Hon. Member Badal for his presence. Gathering thirty five youths from different walks of life was quite challenging but PEN could not only bring these 35 youths together but also provide platform to make friendship, develop understanding and enhance mutual cooperation and trust besides inculcating leadership, personality, team building skills.

He further presented a brief report including positive and negative aspects of YOE. He shared that the overall rating of the YOE is 4.12 (In five point Likert Scale). It’s highly encouraging result. He further promised to implement suggestions posted by the participants in upcoming exposures. He thanked each and every participant and supporter for their active and valuable participation and supports. He thanked Arun Khadka for financial supports; Rajan Dulal for logistic support; M/s Kantipur Saving and Credit Cooperative Ltd. and M/s Oral and Dental Clinic for sending participants; Dhulikhel Training Centre for their accommodation and friendly environment and Coordinator Neupane for his active and valuable efforts in successfully organizing YOE.

He recalled Advisor Prof. Dr. Hari Prasad Shrestha for his valuable suggestion and advice; Secretary General of PEJ, Dr. Soko Aoki for his encouragements and advices and Hon. Member Badal for his presence and guidance. He further thanked YOE organising committee, PEN Board and general members. He thanked Shree Bal Byabasai Kendra Secondary School for providing hall for distributing certificates. Last but not the least, he thanked Master of Ceremony Harihar Sapkota for attractively coordinating the certificate distribution ceremony. After his final remarks, President declared the formal closing of the ceremony. PEN arranged a small tea/snacks programme after certificate distribution. Including participants and guests, thirty persons were present on the occasion.

The 9th Board Meeting of Pax Earth Nepal was held on Friday June 18, 2010 at the residence of Joint Secretary Guna Raj Pyakurel Baneshwor, Kathmandu during 19.00hrs to 21.00hrs. The meeting was chaired by President Sujan Koirala.

Before entering into main agenda, the meeting made a brief review of Youth Outdoor Exposure held on 21-23 May 2010. Board members expressed their views and made comments on the exposure one after another. The meeting drew a conclusion that it was a grand success event of Pax Earth.

The meeting discussed on the following agendas and took the decisions accordingly.

Agendas for the discussion
1, Certificate Distribution Ceremony
2, Japan Visit Programme
3, Educational Materials Distribution at Shree Raktakali Primary School, Kot Timal, Kavrepalanchok
4, Miscellaneous

Decisions
1, The Board made a unanimous decision to hold Certificate Distribute Ceremony of Youth Outdoor Exposure on Saturday June 26, 2010. The Board made the work divisions and assigned the responsibilities as follows:

1, Certificate preparation – Sujan Koirala/Shreebatsa Basnyat
2, Venue arrangement – Sujan Koirala
3, Chief Guest confirmation – Sujan Koirala
4, Banner preparation – Bal Gopal Shrestha
5, Snacks management – Harihar Sapkota/Laxman Bd. Pahari
6, Sound management – Binod Pd. Mainali
7, Movie camera – Debraj Ghimire
8, Master of Ceremony – Harihar Sapkota
9, Invitation to participation – Manohar Sapkota

2, After the extensive discussions, the Board unanimously made a decision to send Manohar Sapkota, Bal Gopal Shrestha and Shreebatsa Basnyat for Japan visit programme highly considering their sincere efforts from founding Pax Earth to till date. Although PEJ has agreed to invite two members among Manohar, Bal Gopal and Shreebatsa, the Board agreed to request PEJ to see the possibility of inviting all three members instead of two. The three members even agreed to raise required fund for a ticket. The Board has given responsibility of writing a request letter to the President.

3, The Board unanimously made a decision to visit Shree Raktakali Primary School of Kot Timal, Kavrepalanchok on 27/28 June 2010. The Board agreed to distribute some educational materials to students, some study and reference materials to the teachers and some sports stuff marking the formal beginning of the long awaited educational project. The Board further made the work divisions and assigned the responsibilities as follows:

1, Educational materials/sports stuff purchase – Sujan Koirala/Bal Gopal Shrestha
2, Banner preparation – Bal Gopal Shrestha
3, Breakfast, lunch and snacks arrangement – Binod Pd. Mainali/Sujan Koirala
4, Making contact with school authority – Sujan Koirala
5, Water arrangement – Sujan Koirala
6, Vehicle arrangement – Shreebatsa Basnyat
7, Movie camera – Debraj Ghimire
8, Pax Earth’s colour stamp – Shreebatsa Basnyat

In order to enhance the effectiveness of the project, the Board agreed to develop a controlling mechanism that the students should produce a proof of the usage of the given materials for the next installment. In other words, we want proper use of the given materials. Hence, we will see the used items as evidence for the next installments.

4, Miscellaneous
a. The Board agreed to submit proposals for the events similar as youth outdoor exposure to some colleges of Kathmandu with an aim of enhancing leadership, team-work and communication among college students and thereby increasing the funds of the organisation.
b, The Board made a decision to pay remuneration of Sujan Koirala for the last seven months (i.e. Nov. 2009 to May 2010).

At the end of the meeting, President expressed gratitude to all Board Members present at the meeting for their active and valuable participation and adjourned the meeting.

Members present at the Board meeting:
Sujan Koirala (President), Shreebatsa Basnyat (Vice President), Manohar Sapkota (Secretary), Guna Raj Pyakurel (Joint Secretary), Dipendra Dangol (Joint Treasurer) Laxman Bd. Pahari (Board Member), Harihar Sapkota (Board Member), Binod Pd. Mainali (Board Member) and Prem Shah (Founder Member).

A Pax Earth Nepal team consisted of President Sujan Koirala, Secretary Manohar Sapkota, Treasurer Bal Gopal Shrestha, Board Member Harihar Sapkota, General Member Sudan Pd. Bhandari and friends Dhiraj Sharma, Nagendra Shakya and Dipesh Upreti went for one day hike to Chisapani on Saturday June 12, 2010.

In the morning, all eight friends gathered at Mitrapark café. After having some cups of tea, the hiking team left for Sundarijal on four motorbikes at 9.30am. The hiking team reached Sundarijal at 10.30am and had the lunch at popular Sher Bahadur Lama’s restaurant together.

After having lunch, the hiking team left the motorbikes there and began hiking at 11.30am. The hike started with ascending ladders for about half an hour. Due to the hot weather and continuous climbing through ladders, every member of the hiking team was so tired that at one time they were about to drop the idea of hiking and instead going to Chisapani on motorbike as there was an alternative route to reach Chisapani. Thanks to the highly motivated friends Nagendra, Dhiraj, Harihar and Manohar, the team members changed their mindset and stuck on to the prior decision of hiking.

The team members revived their energy and were more determined to complete the mission. They resumed hiking and headed through ladders, muddy ways, hills and forests. Climbing ups and downs, walking through forests, resting under the shed of big trees on several occasions, gossiping, singing, joking, caricaturing, taking pictures, sharing old memories, the hiking team kept on hiking. The hiking team did not pay any attention to rains, sun and cold. In many places, they were heavily beaten by rains. They were totally wet. Still, it did not stop their motivation. The natural scenes, trees, bushes and cool breeze kept their motivation up. The team kept on asking the trespassers about the probable time to reach the destination. However, there was no consensus among these trespassers. Some said it would take 3 hrs, some said 2.30 hrs, some said 2hrs. The hiking team was in a dilemma about the probable time of reaching the destination. Walking through the forest way, the team encountered with a team of young people with whom they could make friendship and exchanged addresses to be friends in the facebook. They took 20 minute rest at a big ground together where they could exchange jokes. The young people gave them company for a while. Since the young team was planning for one night stay in Chisapani, the PEN hiking team was forced to excel their pace and leave the guys on the way.

One after another the hills continued to come. The hiking team slowly ascended and passed through them. Their motivation got heavier while they were approaching near to Chisapani. When they saw the plate of Chisapani, they were really delighted. But their delightment did not last longer while knowing that it would require another half an hour to reach the destination. Still, they rejuvenated their strengths and spirit.

It is really worth-mentioning: In just about five minute distance of reaching the destination, the hiking team unknowingly took the different way and entered into other village in Nuwakot. The team members tried to ask about the right way. However, nobody was available during half an hour walking. They could see some ladies after half an hour. Thanks to the ladies if the hiking team did not meet them, they would rather reach to another destination instead of Chisapani. The hiking team was in a miserable situation. What a poor hikers they were to experience such a mess to step into the wrong way in just about five minute from the destination. Due to which, they had to walk one extra hour. Dhiraj jokes revived their motivation and brought refreshment for a while. They termed this experience as another adventure and calmed themselves. They slowly returned via same route and reached the final destination “CHISAPANI” at 3.30pm.

The hiking team was quite delighted when they reached the destination. It was a lifetime and out of the world experience. They were so tired but all the tiredness disappeared when they achieved the mission. They could see a very good sightseeing in the northern part. Unfortunately, the cloudy environment resisted them to get any glimpse of Himalayas. Still, it was an awesome experience. Even in the summer season, they were forced to wear warm clothes in Chisapani. It gave a very good break for each hiker from a very hectic schedule as well as pollution and noisy environment of Kathmandu.

It would be really nice if they could have stayed one whole night. It was not possible as some friends have to return on the same night. After having some snacks and cold drinks, they left for Sundarijal at 5pm. The hiking team returned following the same route. They were pleased to pass through the same forests, trees, bushes, climbing ups and downs. Since the team had to hike through the forests, it got very dark. There were even some fears of wild animals as well as thieves. Hence, they walked in a team. The gossiping, joking, singing and photography had continued till they reached Sundarijal. After having some cups of tea at Sher Bahadur Lama’s restaurant, they left for Kathmandu at 8.30pm. Since they had their bikes, it took just half an hour to reach their homes.

The team members walked about 30km throughout the day. It was the first visit to Chisapani for each hiker. It was one of the finest experiences. For Dipesh and Nagendra, it was the first time that they joined in any hiking. They were very happy to discover such an unparalleled happiness. This hiking programme was coordinated by PEN dear friend Dhiraj Sharma. He deserves a special thank from PEN. Since the hiking team could not fulfill the desire of experiencing one night stay and having sightseeing of the Himalayas, the team will go for one night camping at Chisapani in the near future.

With a theme, “Let’s experience the difference”, Pax Earth Nepal organized “Youth Outdoor Exposure” at Dhulikhel Training Centre, Dhulikhel, Kavre during May 21-23, 2010. This exposure was mainly designed to inculcate and enhance leadership, management, team-building and communication skills of the youths and thereby facilitating their personality development. Including eight organizing committee members, thirty five dynamic and energetic youths of age 18 to 32 years from different walks of life participated in this 2 nights and 3 days exposure. The exposure was equally blended with indoor and outdoor activities and adventures. The participants were heterogeneous in the sense that they were from different culture, religion, profession and socio-economic background. However, despite extensive efforts, PEN could succeed to get only one lady participant, Yasoda Sapkota.

Day 1: Friday May 21, 2010
President Sujan Koirala formally inaugurated Youth Outdoor Exposure by lighting an oil lamp at 6.30pm. After a small inauguration ceremony and a brief introduction of the management team, participants and the exposure, YOE team left for an icebreaking session. Icebreaking In-charge Manohar Sapkota involved all participants in icebreaking games including name games, human knot, ordering games, etc. The icebreaking session helped the participants know each other to some extent.

Icebreaking session was followed by IQs and brainstorming session where In-charge Sujan Koirala asked some IQs and involved participants in brainstorming activities. This session was aimed at testing intellectual ability as well as developing analytical skill of the participants. Bikesh Manandhar and Rikesh Raj Bharati stood first and second scoring highest and second highest scores in this session respectively. After the session, the participants took dinner and the first day of the exposure ended.

Day 2: Saturday May 22, 2010
The second day of the YOE began with a physical exercise at 7.00am. Physical exercise In-charge Shreebatsa Basnyat engaged participants in some useful physical exercises. He also introduced B-P Exercise (Scouting Movement Founder Baden-Powell’s exercise) to the participants. The participants opined that the B-P exercise would be very useful to keep them fit and were prepared for the whole day activities and adventures. The management committee divided the participants into three teams. After the team division, the participants took the breakfast.

All three teams assembled at the session hall at 9.30am. Each team was asked to provide a unique name for the team as well as nominate a team leader. The teams gave “Tsunami”, “The Warriors” and “Silent Killer” as their respective team name and nominated Purushottam KC, Nagendra Shakya and Debraj Ghimire as their respective leaders. The indoor session continued with the first challenge i.e. “Introduce your friend”. In-charge of the session Sujan Koirala made eleven pairs from the participants and gave five minutes to collect personal information of each other so as to introduce one another afterwards. He gave each participant one minute to introduce his/her partner. All pairs introduced each other one by one. The main objective of this programme was to develop confidence of facing a mass and prepare them for the public speaking.

The introduction session was followed by Toastmasters where In-charge Sujan Koirala gave a familiar topic to each participant and gave two minutes to present in front of the participants. Every participant spoke on the given topic. The evaluation committee consisted of grammarian (Binod Pd. Mainali), timer (Manohar Sapkota), ah-counter (Rajan Dulal) and general evaluator (Sujan Koirala) presented their respective reports. They pointed out the strong and weak aspects of each participant and gave important tips to improve his/her speaking skills. The main objective of the Toastmasters programme was to improve public speaking ability of each participant and develop self-confidence on facing the mass. For many participants, it was the first time. Still, they could face this challenge. This very experience helped them overcome some fear of public speaking. After the session, participants took lunch at 12.00pm.

After the lunch, all three teams gathered at a ground for outdoor activities and adventures at 1.00pm. The outdoor exposure started with the trust building activities where In-charge Manohar Sapkota involved each team in trust fall and trust sleep. The main objective of the trust building activities was to increase trust, confidence and team spirit.

The three teams Silent Killer, Tsunami and The Warriors headed towards the Base No. 1 “Spider Wave”, Base No. 2 “Toxic Waste” and Base No. 3 “Abseiling” respectively. The Spider Wave is a team building game. Each team has to pass its respective team member from one side of spider wave to another. While passing into other part, the member can use only one cell and should neither touch the rope or the bamboo. It demands a strong leadership, team work, communication and coordination. Silent Killer, Tsunami and The Warriors passed through the spider wave one by one. Each team showed a strong team work and succeeded in completing this adventure. In-charge of Spider Wave Sujan Koirala made it more challenging adding some strict rules. He was assisted by Laxman Pd. Neupane and Binod Pd. Mainali.

“Toxic Waste” is the other team building game on which each team has to throw the toxic waste of a bucket at a proper place with the help of some ropes. They are given an empty bucket and some ropes. They need to put all the toxic waste of first bucket into this empty bucket and throw the waste in a proper place. They can neither touch the bucket nor drop the toxic waste into the floor. Hence, the ropes play vital role in throwing the toxic into proper place. With strong team coordination, Tsunami, Silent Killer and The Warriors could successfully throw the toxic waste in the specified area. This game was fabulously coordinated by Base In-charge Bal Gopal Shrestha. He was assisted by Harihar Sapkota and Laxman Bd. Pahari.

“Abseiling” is an adventurous activity where each participant has to descend from a rock/hill with the help of rope and safety equipments. This time, the management team faced some technical difficulties as they could not hold “Abseiling” in a pre-confirmed location. It took couples of hours to find a suitable place for the abseiling. At one time, Base In-charges Shreebatsa Basnyat and Manohar Sapkota were about to drop this activity. Many thanks to the patience, determination, encouragements and active support of The Warriors which added further impetus to the Base In-charges for accomplishing the mission. With the effective coordination between the Base In-charges and The Warriors, they could find a suitable hill for the abseiling. It was in a distance of forty five minutes from the training centre. It took nearly two hours for finding a proper place for the Abseiling. This very reason forced the management committee to drop some activities including raising team performance, cross cultural communication and crossing the river together. Abseiling turned out to be the most challenging event of the exposure. Some kinds of fear could be seen in the face and body language of every participant. The team members from The Warriors, Silent Killer and Tsunami completed this adventure one by one. It was almost 7.30pm while wrapping up this adventure. Each participant could abseil about 35 meters. Besides, all the participants could involve in one and half hour hike while going/returning to/from the Abseiling base.

All three teams were gathered at the session once again at 9.00pm. The management committee involved all three teams in a “Blindfold/Nightline” one by one in five minutes interval. All team members were blind folded and were instructed to follow their respective leaders. They were not allowed to make any noise and could only whisper for the communication. The management team members Sujan, Bal Gopal, Manohar, Laxman, Shreebatsa, Binod, Harihar and Manab put several hurdles throughout the trail. It demanded a strong leadership, communication and coordination among the team members. Due to few communication and coordination errors, some members got into troubles also. The Warriors, Tsunami and Silent Killer could complete the half an hour adventurous and thrilling trail in spite of some hurdles and obstacles. The game added extra flavour, more thrill and adventures for the participants. It was already 10.30pm while having dinner. Some participants were very tired, so, went to bed right after the dinner while others attended the Campfire. It revitalized and reenergized the participants and opened room for relaxation and entertainment. The participants could forget all the pain and tiredness while singing, dancing, caricaturing, joking and memory sharing. The campfire continued till 1.30am in the midnight.

Day 3: Sunday May 23, 2010
It was the final day for formally closing the Youth Outdoor Exposure. Since some members had to join their colleges and jobs, they left early in the morning. The management committee members were busy collecting the evaluation sheets filled by the participants for the early morning. All three teams assembled at the session hall at 10.30am. The team leaders were asked to share their experience. They thanked their respective members and congratulated Pax Earth for successfully organizing this exposure. They were more than happy to learn what leadership means, how team works and how to communicate in a team practically. Accordingly, every participant was asked to share his/her experience. They were also asked to point out the positive and negative aspects of the camp. They thanked PEN team for providing such a wonderful platform where they could learn many new skills besides making many friends. They opined that the gathering of thirty-five youths is challenging in itself and the way PEN made them learn was praiseworthy. They expressed that there has been tremendous improvement in their leadership, management, team-building and communication skills in these three days. They felt remarkable improvement in their personality as well. They admired the ways that PEN team made them learn with full of fun. The method “learning by doing” adopted by PEN team was highly appreciated by every participant. Besides, they pointed out some weaknesses and shortcomings of the management committee. They have suggested for improving time management and developing alternative plan in the next exposures. Nevertheless, they were very happy to be a part of the exposure and even desired to participate in the next event. They strongly advocated that such type of exposure is quite essential for the youths of Nepal and insisted PEN to spread their exposures throughout Nepal. They strongly agreed that they have “Experienced the difference”. After the participants’ remarks, YOE management committee members Harihar Sapkota, Laxman Bd. Pahari, Binod Pd. Mainali, Shreebatsa Basnyat and Bal Gopal Shrestha expressed their views. They were very happy with all the participants for their enthusiasm, determination and performance. They thanked each and every participant for their active and valuable participation. They whole-heartedly accepted weaknesses and shortcomings pointed out by the participants and assured to improve in the next exposures. The coordinator Laxman Pd. Neupane also expressed his experience. He was very happy with the way the outcome of the exposure. He appreciated each member for his/her active effort and support and also thanked for being a part of this three days adventure. He especially thanked Mitrapark guys for their outstanding support for organizing this great event.

At the end, President Sujan Koirala congratulated all participants and management committee members for successfully holding YOE and achieving its mission. He praised all participants for their active and energetic role and contribution in making YOE a grand success. He thanked all PEN members for their praiseworthy role and commitment; PEJ Secretary General Soko Aoki for his encouragements and supports; Advisor Dr. Hari Prasad Shrestha for his valuable advice and inspirations; Arun Khadka for financial support; Oral and Dental Clinic, Kantipur Saving and Cooperatives and Jayabageshwori Youth Club for sending participants; Dhulikhel Training Centre for arranging a suitable learning environment and accommodation; Rajan Dulal for logistic supports; Manab Gautam and Bikram Rai for photography and movie making; and all those who directly and indirectly supported in successfully organizing this great event. He highly praised coordinator Laxman Pd. Neupane. Last but not the least, he wholeheartedly thanked YOE organizing committee members Bal Gopal Shrestha, Manohar Sapkota, Shreebatsa Basnyat, Harihar Sapkota, Laxman Bd. Pahari and Binod Pd. Mainali without whose continuous effort and commitment, the YOE would be a day dream only. After his final remarks, President declared the formal closure of the YOE. It was already 11.30 to wrap up the exposure.

Not only the participants but also the members of the organizing committee could “EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE”.

Notes:
1, PEN could not organize the certificate distribution ceremony due to some technical circumstances. This will be organized in the near future.

2, The evaluation committee collected and analysed the evaluation sheets filled by the participants. It was quite surprising to see that more than 95 percent participants wish to participate in the next exposure. The overall rating of the camp was 4.12 (measured in a 5-point Likert scale) which indicates that the event is highly successful. Hence, it was the most successful event in the history of Pax Earth Nepal. The most impressive aspect of the exposure as pointed out by the participants is friendly people and impressive learning environment. The participants have ranked abseiling, blindfold and spider wave as the first three most interesting activities. Only one weakness of the camp as opined by most of the participants is time-management. Hence, they have suggested PEN to improve this weakness in the next camp. Ultimately, they were quite delighted to be a part of this historic event. PEN thanks all!

Pax Earth Nepal distributed educational materials to eighty poor students of Shree Raktakali Primary School, Kot Timal, Kavrepalanchok nearly 75km from the capital city, Kathmandu, on Sunday June 27, 2010. A PEN team consisted of President Sujan Koirala, Vice President Shreebatsa Basnyat, Treasurer Bal Gopal Shrestha, Joint Secretary Guna Raj Pyakurel, Board Members Harihar Sapkota and Binod Mainali went to Kavrepalanchok for this mission. Journalist Kapil Koirala, friends: Dhiraj Sharma, Sital Mainali, Bishnu Gurung were present on the occasion. We were accompanied by the two sisters of Binod Mainali as well.

PEN team left for the mission at 8.00am from Kathmandu. The team took the breakfast at Banepa en route to Kot Timal at 10.00am. We could have the lunch at the residence of Binod Mainali, Kanpur, where we were hosted by his parents and sisters. It is in the distance of 15 minute on vehicle from Kot Timal.

We arrived at the school premises at 1.00pm. We were warmly welcome by the Principal Hira Bahadur Tamang and teachers: Hira Kaji Lama and Netra Prasad Koirala. Principal put Khadda (white silk scarf) on our neck. Then, we went to inspect the class-room and students.

After half an hour’s inspection, the school arranged a formal distribution ceremony. The ceremony was chaired by Principal Tamang while President Koirala was requested for being the special guest. Teacher Netra Prasad Koirala, on his welcoming speech, cordially welcomed all members of Pax Earth’s team. He was very happy to see Pax Earth members in such a noble and generous activity. According to him, such help was very necessary for the students and the school.

His speech was followed by teacher Hira Kaji Lama’s remarks. He recalled his early student life and shared about the difficulty he faced for getting education at his childhood. He had to walk nearly four hours a day to get the education. He shared about the present state of school. He was very happy with the performance of the students. He is working very hard to improve the environment of the school. He appreciated Pax Earth and spoke that this type of support will highly encourage and motivate students to perform even better. He further wished for the continuity of this programme in future as well.

Then after, President Koirala distributed educational materials to 80 students from class 1 to class 5 respectively. Each student received 4 books, 3 ball pens, 2 pencil, 1 eraser, 1 sharpener and 1 scale. He was assisted by Vice President Basnyat, Treasurer Shrestha, Joint Secretary Pyakurel, Dhiraj Sharma, Sital Mainali and two sisters. After the students, PEN team handed a note book, some motivational books and a novel for each teacher. Similarly, the team handed a globe, some dictionaries and some story books as a reference materials for students. Then after, the team handed the sports materials (which included some volley balls, net, some badmintons, chess, skipping, carom board, tennis balls, etc.) to the teachers.

After the educational materials distribution, Special Guest President Koirala was requested to delivery a speech. In his remarks, he said that he was very happy to be here after nearly one and half year’s time. In December 2008, President Koirala, Vice President Basnyat and Secretary Manohar Sapkota had a courtesy call to the school and could distribute a very small pack of stationary materials. Similarly, a small need assessment was done by the PEN team at that time. The team had promised to do something for the school. Recalling the same visit, President expressed that Pax Earth exists for contributing in the area of education and environment and we were very happy to help such wonderful kids of this poor community. He disclosed that the reasons behind this programme were to support poor students with the educational materials and keep them physically and mentally fit with the sports materials. He termed this as the formal beginning and hoped for a long way to go. He said that if the distributed materials be properly used, we would be very happy to continue this programme. For this, the school authority should ensure the best use of the materials. He thanked all the students and their guardians and hoped that these educational materials will support a lot in their study. He thanked Principal and school authority for a warm welcome as well as the wonderful arrangement of the distribution ceremony. He wished to visit the school in September 2010 as an evaluation visit.

After President Koirala’s remarks, Journalist Kapil Koirala expressed his happiness to be a part of such a praiseworthy event. He highly appreciated the generosity of Pax Earth. He expressed that this type of programme will certainly enhance the motivation of the students. He assured to extend all possible supports to the Pax Earth in future.

Principal Tamang was very delighted with the success of the programme. He thanked PEN team without which support such a grand distribution was not possible. It is the first time in the history of Shree Raktakali that such a distribution could happen. This type of programme was quite necessary for poor students of Kot Timal. He also thanked PEN for providing reference materials for the teachers which are of great value. He wished PEN to continue this programme in the future and assured for the proper use of the given materials. After his remarks, he declared the closing of the formal distribution ceremony.

PEN team involved all the students in some games after the formal ceremony. The students of each class were further asked to draw an art of their own choice. PEN team offered colours and the students put colours on their respective paints. The PEN team collected all the paints as souvenirs. We could have some group photos together after these activities.

PEN team was offered teas and snacks by the school authority. After spending nearly 5 hours in the school, we left for Kathmandu at 6.00pm. Since we had rented a micro-van for the whole day, there was nothing to worry. But the season was rainy and we had to pass through the hilly way. As such, there was a chance of encountering some hurdles if the rain would have been heavy. It was 7pm while reaching Banepa. We took some snacks there and left for Kathmandu at 8.00pm. It was already 9.30pm while reaching Kathmandu. The whole programme was coordinated by President Koirala and was equally supported by Journalist Kapil Koirala.

It was really a wonderful experience. We were really proud to be associated with Pax Earth which offered such a wonderful platform and opportunity to serve others.

Some Notes:

1, We have distributed educational materials to the following students.

Class: No. of boys / No. of Girls / Total
One: 13 / 11 / 24
Two: 4 / 7 / 11
Three: 8 / 7 / 15
Four: 6 / 8 / 14
Five: 6 / 10 / 16
Total: 37 / 43 / 80

2, The news of this programme was telecasted by a national news channel of Nepal: “National Television” on Monday/Tuesday June 28/29 on its programme: “National Reporter”. This was the first time in the history of Pax Earth Nepal that our programme was telecasted in any television channel. Thanks a lot to Journalist Kapil Koirala who helped make this happen.

3, The news of the same programme was published in a local newspaper of Kavrepalanchok district: “Sanjivani Patra” on Friday July 2, 2010. This was also possible because of the help of Kapil Koirala. PEN thanks him a lot.

4, PEN thanks all those who were involved directly and indirectly in this event. PEN is especially thankful to teacher Hira Kaji Lama for his wonderful setting. PEN is grateful to respected parents and sisters of Binod Mainali for their wonderful reception at home. Honorary Member Nilambar Badal deserves a special thank for his help in the purchase of educational materials. Manab also deserves a special thank for making a wonderful banner for this programme. Last but not the least, PEN team thanks the driver for offering a comfortable travelling throughout the day.

Heimat Cafe
Address: 3-5-6-1F Megurohonchou Meguro Tokyo Japan
Duration: 31st May, 2010 to 30th June, 2010
Photos: Nepal photos by Pax Earth & Bhutan photos by Keys to Bhutan

1, Youth Outdoor Exposure (YOE)

The Board unanimously agreed to organize “Youth Outdoor Exposure” during 7-9 May 2010 at Dhulikhel Training Centre, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal. Similarly, the following decisions, regarding the YOE, have been taken:
a, A YOE management committee, consists of the following members, has been formed:
Committee Name: Youth Outdoor Exposure Management Committee
Committee includes

b, An activity committee for YOE, consists of the following members, has been formed:
Committee Name: Activity Committee
Committee includes

c, The Board unanimously made a decision to give the responsibility and authority of coordinating YOE to Mr. Laxman Prasad Neupane.

d, As per the recommendation of PD Schooling Committee (formed on March 13, 2010), the Board agreed to set the registration fee of YOE: Rs. 1500.00/pax. This fee includes foods and accommodations.

2, Making contacts with Schools’ authority for proposed educational and environmental activities

a, The Board made a decision to give an authority of making contacts with school authorities at Bal Byabasai Kendra Secondary School, Kathmandu and Shree Raktakali Primary School, Kavrepalanchowk for proposed educational and environmental activities to President Mr. Koirala.

b, The Board further gave an authority of making contacts with some schools of Kathmandu for environmental activities to Vice President Mr. Shreebatsa Basnyat and Joint Secretary Mr. Guna Raj Pyakurel.

3, Miscellaneous

a, Next Meeting
The Board agreed to hold the next Board Meeting right after the Youth Outdoor Exposure. However, no decision has been taken regarding the date, time and venue.

President Mr. Koirala expressed gratitude to all Board Members present at the meeting for their active and valuable participation and adjourned the meeting.

Board Members present at the meeting:
Sujan Koirala (President), Shreebatsa Basnyat (Vice President), Manohar Sapkota (Secretary), Guna Raj Pyakurel (Joint Secretary), Dipendra Dangol (Joint Treasurer) Laxman B. Pahari (Board Member), Harihar Sapkota (Board Member) and Binod P. Mainali (Board Member) and Prem Shah (Founder Member).

A PEN team consists of Honorary Member Mr. Nilambar Badal, President Mr. Sujan Koirala and Treasurer Mr. Bal Gopal Shrestha visited Bal Byabasai Kendra Secondary School (BBKSS) on April 25, 2010. Main purpose of the visit was to assess the needs and discuss on possible future collaboration on environmental activities. The PEN team met Principal Mr. Ram Hari Pudasaini and Vice Principal Mr. Bal Krishna Acharya and enquired about the health and hygienic condition of the students and the school. The team could also get the feedback of the garbage programme that was organized in the same school in September 2009. The feedback was positive and encouraging.

The team felt that the state of environmental and hygienic education among the students is really very poor. The semi-government school with nearly 700 students (mostly are household labours) needs awareness and proper education on different kinds of environmental pollution, garbage management, health and hygiene. Even their parents desperately need such education. Similarly, the students need a small behavioural training as well. The school authorities were also indicating the need of a teachers’ training regarding how to increase the effectiveness of the teaching.

After the meeting, the PEN team assured them to support and contribute in conducting some environmental workshops for the students and, if possible, for their parents and guardians as well. Once the relationship with the school and students grows older, PEN will see the possibility of supporting in other areas as well. The team further asked to provide a name-list of all students grade-wise. They have assured us to provide it within May 15, 2010. The team also inspected students, class-rooms and school premises. The meeting with the school authority was arranged and coordinated by Mr. Badal.