Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) and Alliance for Idol Mission (AIM), Nepal recently collaborated to organize a training program in Sunsari, focusing on enhancing the capacity of women groups to promote the protection of women and girls from violence, abuse, and exploitation. The program took place on August 27-28. 

The two-day training program for women was attended by 35 participants. The first day featured training sessions by USG alumni Mr. Somraj Thapa and Santosh Mehta.  On the second day, guest speakers including Ms. Vinita Mehta, Deputy Chief of Inaruwa Municipality, Jai Krishna Yadav, Rajendra Pokhrel from the media sector, and representatives from the Federation of Journalists graced the event. At the event, Ms. Nirala Bhandari, from the district police administration office, highlighted the cause through her speech.

The program started with a welcome address by Ms. Riva Karn, a member of AIM-Nepal, followed by an introduction to NUSAN, its initiative and Alumni Small Grant (ASG) by Ms. Chunni Khatun. The event gathered 35 enthusiastic participants from diverse backgrounds who actively engaged in the program.

The initiative covered two municipalities in Sunsari district: Inaruwa Municipality and Harinagar Village Municipality. Women's groups were formed in these areas, comprising key women figures from the communities. These groups, totaling 7, each included 5 prominent members from marginalized backgrounds. The aim of the project is to empower these members as agents of change in addressing gender-based violence (GBV).

The Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop employed interactive and experiential methods, equipping participants with practical skills in case management, advocacy, and community mobilization for social change. Each women's group formed during the workshop designated a coordinator and had 5 permanent members.

This event is part of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) initiative in Koshi Province, led by Ms. Chunni Khatun, recipient of the 2011 U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Formation and Capacity Building training for Women's Groups

In a harmonious convergence of purpose and progress, the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN), in partnership with American Corner Surkhet and Youth For Change (YFC) organized a significant event titled "The Rainbow Bridges: Building a More Inclusive Society" on August 27. 

With a resolute ambition to weave connections across disparate communities, cultivate empathy and reverence, and fervently advocate for the rights and integration of the LGBTQI+ community within Nepal's Karnali Province, this initiative radiated with promise.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries and distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality, representatives from Karnali Province's Ministry of Social Development, National Human Rights Commission, Nepal Police, FNCCI, Surkhet, and a diverse array of NGOs, GOS, and INGOs. Noteworthy attendees encompassed journalists, social media influencers, LGBTQI advocates, USG Alumni, and members of the Civil Society. USG alumni, Ms. Susmita Giri skillfully moderated the event. 

Commencing with a warm address from, Mr. Hirdesh Kumar K.C, the discussion delved into prevailing challenges confronted by the LGBTQI+ community where he emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive society by working together to overcome differences.

NUSAN executive member, Ms. Swarna Tamrakar, stood in solidarity with the project and presented about the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN). Her introduction comprehensively outlined NUSAN's pivotal role, its far-reaching initiatives, and the transformative impact of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) program across diverse spheres. Ms. Tamrakar passionately advocated for unity in fostering solidarity and nurturing a society that embraces inclusivity. Subsequent to this illuminating preamble by NUSAN, a profound 19-minute documentary unfolded, illuminating the intricate lives, struggles, and obstacles faced by members of the LGBTQI community. 
Following the documentary screening, Ms. Mohan Maya Dhakal, the Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the event's objectives. She fervently emphasized the Municipality's unwavering commitment to stand as a bridge of support for the minority group. Subsequently, LGBTQI members Ms. Anjali, Jenisha, and Meena courageously shared their personal journeys, igniting an open and impactful discussion on relevant issues. 

This event is part of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) initiative in Karnali Province, led by Mr. Hirdesh Kumar K.C, recipient of the 2016 U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Rainbow Bridges : Building a more Inclusive Society

The 2-day event scheduled for 27th & 28th August will encompass a comprehensive session aimed at guiding participants to comprehend the distinctions between sex and gender. It will explore how power dynamics and privilege can shape our perspectives on gender-based violence (GBV). This informative session will introduce essential terms pertinent to sexual violence work, with a specific focus on sexual exploitation and abuse. The event will facilitate discussions on core concepts linked to gender-based violence, delving into its nature, extent, cultural implications, values, and effects. Additionally, the event will delve into the causes and circumstances of GBV, offer strategies for responding to it, and outline support mechanisms for victims.

This event is an initiative under NUSAN Alumni Small Grant (ASG), led by ASG finalist- Koshi Province, Ms. Chunni Khatun, recipient of the 2011 US Department of States’ International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

On August 27, NUSAN Alumni Small Grant (ASG) - Karnali initiative will feature a documentary screening followed by a discussion session. 

The Rainbow Bridges: Building a more inclusive society aims to build bridges between different communities, foster an environment of respect and understanding, and promote the rights and inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community in Nepal's Karnali Province. By providing education, resources, and support to individuals, the program aims to empower the LGBTQI+ community and create a more inclusive society.

The project is spearheaded by NUSAN ASG finalist, Hirdesh Kumar K.C from Karnali Province, IVLP participant- 2016.

Rainbow Bridge:  Building a more inclusive society

At the finale episode of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) - Sudurpaschim Chapter, NUSAN Vice-President, Ms. Pravina Amatya, and NUSAN Treasurer, Mr. Niroj Shrestha, participated in a show of solidarity to support the ASG project, 'An Entrepreneurial Kuragraphy: Podcast towards Prosperity,' in Dhangadi, Kailali.

The "Entrepreneurial Kuragraphy" project is an initiative aimed at fueling youth entrepreneurship through insightful podcasts. These podcasts delve into the youth entrepreneurial landscape of the Far West province. Each episode captures the essence of promoting an entrepreneurial ecosystem with specific objectives of analyzing talks (Kura) with young entrepreneurs across various fields.

With a total of 10 episodes, this project collaboratively partnered with Radio KMC 104.6 Mhz for recording, editing, and dissemination steered by a dedicated youth team including Mr. Surendra Kumar Bohara, Ms. Ritu Nath, and Mr. Chandrakant Paneru.

The project commenced with a podcast featuring the distinguished Far West personality, Mr. Dinesh Raj Bhandari. The lineup extended to influential youth role models like Mr. Aaditya Vikram Agarwal, Mr. Shailesh Singh, and other notable figures from the region. With guests spanning multiple sectors, the podcasts broadened the scope for prosperity. Fields like agro-entrepreneurship, startups, education, production-based industrial entrepreneurship, sports, social initiatives, tourism, women entrepreneurship, local knowledge, hospitality, and eco-entrepreneurship were all explored, invigorating youth engagement.

This podcast series is part of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) initiative, led by ASG finalist- Sudurpaschim Province, Mr. Surendra Kumar Bohora, recipient of the 2023 US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

Check out, Entrepreneurial Kuragraphy on Youtube:👇🎙
https://youtube.com/@radiokmc104?si=22PJ26Sdfv65vzAW

An Entrepreneurial Kuragraphy: Podcast towards Prosperity

Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) recently hosted a significant panel discussion titled, "Breaking the Silence: Empowering Rural Women Against Physical Violence," in collaboration with Lamahi Municipality, Dang. 

The panel comprised five esteemed panelists: Ms. Laxmi Yogi, Deputy Mayor of Lamahi Municipality; Mr. Ganesh Chaudhary, Acting President of Ward No. 8 Satbariya; Mr. Suraj Shahi, Sub Inspector at the Lamahi Police Department; Ms. Laxmi Acharya, Women's Rights Activist and Editor of Yugbodh National Daily; and Ms. Lila Shah, Coordinator and News Editor of Radio Highway Lamahi Dang.

The event commenced with an opening address by Mr. Durga Pandeya, NUSAN's Provincial-Level Coordinator for Lumbini Province, who shed light on the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) and its engagement in various social initiatives. 

The panel discussion was skillfully moderated by Ms. Sita Sharma, who effectively directed the course of the event. The core objectives of this panel discussion revolved around pinpointing the underlying causes of physical violence against rural women and empowering them to collectively raise their voices against this pressing issue.

During the event, 60 participants actively engaged in the discussion, including panelists, Alumni members from Lumbini Province, former Access teachers, community activists, 35 women from Lamahi's Satbariya Village, 6 USG Alumni members from Lumbini Province, and 10 women who had directly experienced physical violence.
This event is part of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) initiative, led by ASG finalist- Lumbini Province, Ms. Sita Devi Sharma, who participated in the English Access Micro-scholarship Program and the TESOL Conference in 2023.

A panel discussion on, "Breaking the silence: Empowering rural women against physical violence"

"Entrepreneurial Kuragraphy: Podcast towards Prosperity" is  Alumni Small Grant (ASG) -2023 initiative led by ASG finalist, Surendra Bohora from Sudurpaschim Province, IVLP participant-2023. 

The project's overarching objective is to cultivate an entrepreneurship culture in the Far West province by employing a range of strategies, including the novel Kuragraphy approach by showcasing entrepreneurs and their experiences, motivating young individuals to pursue successful entrepreneurship,imparting vital entrepreneurial knowledge and understanding, examining multifaceted issues and obstacles confronting entrepreneurs, and setting the course for advancing the Dhangadhi entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Access the podcast via this link: https://youtube.com/@radiokmc104

Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) in collaboration with Women Service Institute, Nepal (WSI), recently hosted a Policy Dialogue addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Midterm Review and the Youth, Women, and Marginalized Issues.

The event was graced by a heterogeneous list of panelists including, Special Guests: Hon. Prakash Pantha, Member National Assembly & Chairperson of Sustainable Development and Good Governance Committee, Federal Parliament; Hon. Kamala Kumari Parajuli, Chairperson at National Women’s Commission; NUSAN executive member and UN Economic and Sustainable Development Advisor, Mr. Subhash Nepali; Chairperson of NGO Federation of Nepal & Nepal SDG Forum, Mr. Ram Prasad Subedi; Member of National Assembly & Goal 5 subcommittee member under SDG and Good Governance parliamentary committee, Hon. Bimala Ghimire. 
The event commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Lila Sharma, Secretary (WSI), followed by an introduction to the Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN). This introduction included NUSAN's role, initiatives, the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) program, and its active engagement in various thematic areas, articulated by NUSAN President, Mr. Saroj Bista. 

The session chair, Ms. Bhawana, highlighted current issues related to youth, women, and marginalized communities in the context of SDGs. This was followed by a presentation on the SDG Midterm Review Process, improvement areas to achieve SDGs, and the Way Forward by Mr. Subash Nepali.
The event witnessed 45 enthusiastic attendees from diverse backgrounds who actively participated in open mic sessions, discussing a range of topics including youth, women, marginalized groups, people with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, and Dalit youth, by directing questions to relevant stakeholders.
This event is part of the Alumni Small Grant (ASG) initiative in Bagmati Province, spearheaded by ASG finalist Ms. Bhawana Bhatta, Professional Fellows Program (PFP) participant- 2018.

Policy Dialogue on Midterm of SDGs Achievement and the issues of youth, women and marginalized

A training and strategic planning session focused on plantation and plant protection took place at Pushpa Batika Educational Academy, Laxminiya Rural Municipality-1, Dhanusha.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Bhogendra Mishra, Chair of Laxminiya Rural Municipality, Dhanusha, along with distinguished guests including Nagendra Yadav (Chief Administrative Officer of Laxminiya Rural Municipality), Jay Kumar Yadav (Education Officer of Laxminiya Rural Municipality), Dipak Jha (Headteacher of Laxminiya Janata Ma.Vi), Damodar Aryal (Principal of Tridev Academy), Ashok Sah (NUSAN Provincial Committee Member), and Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) Executive Member, Subash Nepali as a part of solidarity towards the initiative. 

The event garnered participation of 150 students from 7 schools' Green Clubs, and a total of 189 participants, encompassing caretaker teachers, school representatives, principals, and stakeholders from the Rural Municipality. 

This is an initiative under NUSAN Alumni Small Grant (ASG), led by ASG finalist from Madhesh Province, Mr. Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Teaching Excellence Achievement (TEA) program participant- 2013, in collaboration with Laxminiya Rural Municipality.

Empowering Young through Climate Literacy: Teachers’ Initiatives

NUSAN Alumni Small Grant (ASG) finalist - Gandaki province, Mr. Binod Neupane, Community Solutions Program Participant- 2021 conducted a comprehensive Workshop on Cybercrime & Internet Issues under his ASG project titled, 'Empower Fedi' on August 19. 

Guided by the expertise of the Assistant Sub Inspector from Gandaki Province Police Office, Pokhara गण्डकी प्रदेश प्रहरी कार्यालय पोखरा, the session unfolded within the precincts of the Ward Hall in Fedikhola 1, Syangja. 
The event was graced by the special guest, Mr. Amrit Chhetri, Ward Chairperson of Fedikhola-1 Syangja, along with the Vice Principal of Damgade Secondary School, and Mr. Bishnu Kumar Malla from United Community Nepal (UniCon). Nepal-U.S. Alumni Network (NUSAN) Secretary, Mr. Baman Kumar Ghimire, participated in the event, contributing to the sense of solidarity.

Tailored to cater to the needs of grade 8-12 students, the workshop garnered a diverse audience of 40 participants.

Empower Fedi

On June 15, 2023, the NUSAN Executive Committee participated in a courtesy meeting and preliminary discussion regarding potential collaboration with the Armed Police Force, Nepal."The meeting took place at the APF Headquarters, Halchowk. NUSAN extends its sincere gratitude to Inspector General, Raju Aryal of the Armed Police Force, Nepal, for extending the invitation and providing valuable input during the meeting.

Armed Police Force (APF) & NUSAN courtesy meeting

The disaster risk reduction project will gather professionals and common people to discuss the disaster preparedness scenario in Nepal. This will inform the public about the situation in Nepal and showcase educational video materials to help plan and mitigate major disaster effects in Nepal.

Disaster Risk Reduction

Since there is no consolidated resource on regional connectivity in Nepal, the panel discussions and subsequent compendium of papers and commentary will attempt to bridge that gap. Concerns regarding the roads, railways, waterways, transmission line, fiber optics and recent development will be presented.

Regional Connectivity

The transparency and accountability project will highlight issues regarding fiscal transparency, accountability, and right to information. Concerned stakeholders such as the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Auditor General, and others will have opportunities to collaborate to meet the project objectives.

Transparency and Accountability

The women and entrepreneurship development group will create a common platform for startups to demonstrate their minimum viable products. The program will conclude by building a network with potential investors, government and non-government representatives, future entrepreneurs, and current entrepreneurs. The variety of organizations and levels of experience will foster mentor-mentee relationships.

About NUSAN

Thematic Areas

Disaster Risk Reduction

Regional Connectivity

Transparency and Accountability

Women Entrepreneurship

Latest News

Armed Police Force (APF) & NUSAN courtesy meeting

Events

Our Resources

Summit on Climate Change (SCC) Pokhara, 2023

USG Alumni Cycling Event - 2023

Alumni Small Grant (ASG), 2023