Regional Workshop held in Western Nepal, Dhangadhi 24th March 2012

Dhangadhi, Western Nepal

-By Kabita Gautam
One day Regional Workshop on Rio+20 was held in Dhangadhi (Western part of Nepal), which was organized by Nepal Youth Task Force for Rio+20 on 24th March 2012. Facilitated by Ms. Kabita Gautam and Ms. Shreejana Bhattarai, there were 45 children and youth from different districts of the Western Region of Nepal who participated in the workshop. The workshop was kindly supported by Far-West Secondary School, Dhangadhi and Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) Program, Dhangadhi.

Starting with the welcome speech, Ms. Shreejana Bhattarai introduced Nepal Youth Task Force on Rio+20 and presented the scenario on Green Economy and Sustainable Development. Focusing on the Mountain Agendas, she explained the status of Nepal in Rio+20. The participants showed their due interest on the topics. She also gave a flash back on how was The Earth Summit started. 

Then, there was a short Quiz which made the workshop more exciting for the participants. The winners of the quiz were awarded a book by Ms. Kabita Gautam. Introducing Rio+20, Ms. Kabita Gautam highlighted on why is Rio+20 needed? With a short tea break, she shared few successful stories of Sustainable Development around the world and explained what is going to happen in Rio+20. The participants were actively involved in the discussion along with their curiosity on Rio+20. After the presentation, Ms. Kabita Gautam made the workshop more interactive. As “The Earth Summit” is also included in the course book, the workshop was very fruitful for the participants and Nepal Youth Task Force on Rio+20 team members were overwhelmed by the responses from the participants. 

After the interactive discussion, Ms. Kabita Gautam asked the participants to share their views on the Role of Children and Youth in Green Economy and Sustainable Development. Their views were collected and compiled. There was also a feedback session on workshop which cheered up the Nepal Youth Task Force on Rio+20 team members. It was really amazing that the children and youth wanted to contribute and work with the team. The workshop was a great learning for the participants. They will be writing on different issues regarding green economy and sustainable development in coming days which will be published in the official blog and website of Nepal Youth Task Force on Rio+20 and other medias as well. 

Finally, there was “Vote of Thanks” session, during which Mr. Tek Kadal (Far West Secondary School, Dhangadhi) expressed his sincere gratitude to the team and wished them for further similar activities. Ms. Kanchan Ojha (Terai Arc Landscape Program, Dhangadhi) requested the children and youth not to waste the energy they possess and act in time so they can acquire a secure future. Respected Vice-Principal, Mr. Bishnu Rai (Far West Secondary School, Dhangadhi) conveyed his gladness to have such an opportunity to learn about sustainable development as well as he emphasized the team to organize such events frequently as such issues has to be tackled in time to make this planet a better place to live. The workshop was then resumed with a huge round of applause for everyone for its grand success.