TIGblogs - Sudip Aryal's TIGBlog http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us Tracking the MDGs of Nepal! http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/275725
The MDG Report for 2005, prepared with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, indicated that Nepal, despite the 12-year conflict, was likely or potentially able to meet all the Goals except universal primary education and HIV/AIDS. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper included analyses of sectoral policy from an MDG viewpoint. An MDG Needs Assessment, published in 2006, informed the three-year Interim Plan of the Government. With the conflict moving towards resolution, Nepal could achieve almost all the Goals.

An MDG Needs Assessment was conducted in one district, and five district MDG Progress Reports were prepared with the full participation of district-level stakeholders. A poverty monitoring and analysis system has been put in place at the national level, and a district system will follow. These systems, along with the NepalInfo database, capture most of the MDG indicators. A monitoring framework has been developed for the community level. The United Nations system, major donors and civil society organizations supported these initiatives.

These past efforts are now leading to concrete outcomes. The government has asked the United Nations for technical assistance to develop a package of initiatives to support national and local development strategies based on the MDGs and align them with the new Interim Plan. This will also form the basis for the preparation of a vision document, on which subsequent five-year plans will be based. The support involves: updating the MDG Needs Assessment and Costing; a macroeconomic framework and financing strategy consistent with the MDGs; identifying capacity development needs and tools to monitor the outcomes of MDG-based planning; and a framework for localizing the Goals at the subregional level. The United Nations is assisting the government in integrating the MDGs into its review of the Interim Plan, linking it to the Medium-term Expenditure Framework and the annual budget.

Major challenges include programmatic coordination and donor harmonization. Institutional weaknesses and capacity gaps also need to be addressed. The government is moving to align the MDGs with central planning and monitoring processes and to localize the Goals at national and district levels. But a resource crunch may also hamper achievement: It has been projected that a significant upscaling of interventions and a doubling of aid would be needed to meet the MDGs by 2015.

Source : UN agencies]]> Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:20:00 EST http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/275725 Tech Day concludes ! http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/274031
Tech Day was of benefit to executives and program managers in relief and development organizations, as well as those who implement information and communications technologies (ICTs) in these organizations. Managers and employees of local and international NGOs, government and UN agencies, and Nepalese nonprofit organizations participated in this event. Nepal Rural Information Technology Development Society (NRIDS ) , Sudip Aryal presented the ICTs activities being carried out in Nepal and NRIDS activities. (see Tech Day page for more information). Tech Day was held at the Hotel Himalaya.
Agenda, October 31
9:00 - 9:30 Registration and meet participants
9:30 Welcome Gregg Swanson
9:40 ICTs in Disaster Response:
the Value of Simulations Robert Patton, ADRA Asia
10:00 GPS in Emergency Response Steve Glassey
10:20 Geographic Information Systems:
Developments and Opportunities Gregg Swanson
10:45 Break
11:00 Developments in Mobile Satellite Communications Gregg Swanson
11:30 - 12:15 Exhibits and BGAN demo
12:15 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 Exhibits (continued)
1:00 - 1:20 ISAT phone demonstration
1:00 - 1:20 Presentation:
Nepal Rural Information Technology Development Society (NRIDS) Sudip Aryal
1:20 - 2:20 Roundtable discussions
(topics to be announced before lunch)
3:00 End of planned agenda, exhibits close


Source:www.humaninet.org
]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2007 07:19:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/274031 Farmers take to Internet surfing during leisure http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/272969
Jagat Bahadur KC, one among such farmers who has become fond of information technology lately, quips, "Though I am a farmer by occupation, how can I stay detached from information technology in this age?"

"We learn about each and every thing going on in our district by coming to the Center," another farmer Ganga Bahadur Gurung says, "All the more, the internet even provides information about the whole world." Gurung says that he travels for an hour everyday from his village Pelkachaur VDC to learn computer in Mapatari VDC.

These zealous farmers got the chance to be acquainted with computers only after Nepal Rural Information and Technology Society brought two computers to Mapatari for the purpose. Members of the society bought the pair of computers with the sum collected from Deusi and Bhailo during Tihar festival.

The center is also a sharing ground for local farmers. It provides space for sticking personalized notices so that farmers here won't have to worry about buying or selling their cattle, or even searching for farmhands. According to chairman of the society Sudip Aryal, the society has extended such community clubs also to Bagalthok, Karendada, Rangkhola, Bayaraghari, Bayatari villages of Syangja and Kaskikot, Dhital and Dang villages of Kaski district.

Although the center also serves as a library where farmers can flip through newspapers, the center charges a nominal Rs 10 per hour to everyone interested in using the internet. Following the club's popularity, it has been receiving pressure from farmers in other neighboring villages, requesting extension of such services to their own villages.

Source: Kathmandu post (National Daily of Nepal)
http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?nid=126063
]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2007 05:48:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/272969 ADB Assisting Nepal in Combating Corruption http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/268907 MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is assisting Nepal in combating corruption by strengthening the capacity of concerned government institutions in fulfilling their respective mandates. The assistance is in line with the objectives outlined in the economic development plan of the impoverished South Asian nation.

“Good governance and strong institutions are central requirements for poverty reduction and economic growth. Effective anticorruption measures are at the core of good governance, as corruption erodes confidence in public institutions, depresses investment, slows development, and worsens poverty,” said Gambhir Bhatta, senior governance specialist of ADB’s South Asia Department.

The Technical Assistance to Nepal for Support to Anticorruption Institutions promotes good governance through stronger action against corruption in the public sector and greater accountability and transparency in government operations and service delivery. By reducing corruption and improving governance, ADB and Nepal hope to contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction and better development outcomes in the country.

ADB will provide a $400,000 grant for the project, estimated to cost $475,000. The government will cover the balance.

Improving governance and anticorruption practices is especially important for Nepal in its quest for sustainable development as outlined in the country’s Tenth Plan. With per capita income of about $311 a year and poverty incidence of 38%, Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world.

In 2007, Nepal was also perceived to be the 131st most corrupt country among the 179 included in the cross-country database compiled by Transparency International. Public expectations of how government officials should behave and how they should address the needs of the masses have risen considerably. A renewed focus on effectively addressing the corruption problem has accompanied these rising expectations.

The government has identified five institutions for the project. The first is the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse and Authority. The second is the Special Court, which prosecutes corruption cases. The third, National Vigilance Centre, primarily monitors asset declarations of public officials. The fourth is the Office of the Auditor General, a constitutional body that conducts independent audits and evaluations of public resource use and promotes and upholds public accountability. The fifth institution is the Public Accounts Committee, a select committee of the House of Representatives that examines the Public Accounts and the Report of the Auditor General to reduce misuse and abuse of public funds.

“These institutions play an important role in curbing corruption in Nepal. However, considerable work is required to improve their capacity, professionalism and outreach,” said Mr. Bhatta.

Source:http://www.adb.org]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:48:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/268907 Community Information Center (CIC) established in Manakamana VDC http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/264985 In the capacity of NRIDS President (Mr.Sudip Aryal) presented the ideas of CIC.NRIDS expects that this CIC will turn to be a success in transforming Village with ICTs. This CIC has also decided to make village profile and Old People Experience book in near coming future. In this CIC the Technical research unit is also formed for the village technological advancement.
]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:46:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/264985 [oneworldsa] UNDP-APDIP and UN-APCICT Release e-Primer on ICT for Disaster Management http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/264161
This e-primer introduces policy makers and development practitioners to the application of different information and communications technology (ICT) for disaster management, with case studies from the Asia-Pacific region. A key conclusion is that the effectiveness of ICTs in reducing disaster risks depends on how these ICTs are used. The use of ICTs in disaster management should not be seen as a choice between one type of technology over another. A multiplicity of communication channels and technologies exist, and each can be suitable in a particular situation. The challenge is to identify suitable combinations of technologies.

The channels used for warning communities of impending disasters are explored such as radio, television, telephones and the Internet. Software and database systems that have contributed towards saving lives are featured. This e-primer also looks at the importance of geographical information system and remote sensing tools in creating simulation models for preparedness planning, and in mapping recovery efforts.

This publication is part of the APDIP e-Primer Series for the Information Economy, Society and Polity, which details the concepts, issues and trends in this field. The Series is intended to raise awareness and help policy makers and planners understand the relevance of ICT for development by explaining applications in straightforward terms.

This e-primer is jointly produced by UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme (http://www.apdip.net) and the Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (http://unapcict.org).


SOURCE: http://www.apdip.net/news/ict4dm

All UNDP-APDIP’s knowledge resources are available online at http://www.apdip.net/elibrary



]]> Mon, 08 Oct 2007 02:17:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/264161 E-Governance Interaction again In Syangja ! http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/248959 In District development committee, Nepal Rural Information Technology Development Society (NRIDS) , Mayatari and Suryodaya Club, Syangja organized an interaction programme about " Community Information Center (CIC) and E-governance" . In this program Local development officer Mr. Dependra raj poudel , Planning Officer Mr. Humnath Dhakal DDC Advisor Dhana Bhusal, Fedaration of Nepalese Journalist Association Syangja Chair person mr. Tirtha Neupane and other staffs participated the programme .
All the participants agree for CIC establishment in syangja district and to organize International rural information conference in syangja.NRIDS is marching ahead since last four years with the ambition to turn Syangja into a model district in the feild of ICT. NRIDS chairperson Mr. Sudip Aryal presented the the key ideas of the "Rural transormation of Nepal by Establsihing Community Information Centers in Villages of Nepal: A Pilot Project".

Source:DIDC/DDC Syangja]]> Thu, 13 Sep 2007 03:59:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/248959 ICT Interaction for Community Information Centers establishment in Syangja! http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/248931
Nepal Rural Information Technology Development Society (NRIDS) ,Mayatari Suryodaya Club,Syangja Organized ICT Interation prograamme for the preperation and readiness to employ the Egovernance in Syangja district. In this Program Representatives from Civil society ,Governement staffs ,NGOs, Journalists and VDC representatives actively participated. In this Program , All the activities carried out by NRIDS for the development of ICTs in Syangja till date were also shared by Sudip Aryal, President of NRIDS. All the participant agreed to put their hands together to carry on the Information Revolution initiative for the Egovernence Implementation in Syangja District.]]> Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:10:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/248931 An Interaction Program with NRIDS ! http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/245873 Recently District Information and Documentation center(DIDC) and Nepal Rural Information Technology Development Society(NRIDS) jointly organized a technical program regarding the establishment of community Information Center (CIC) in every villages of Syangja District. President of NRIDS Mr. Sudip Aryal presented the ongoing activities of NRIDS to aware ICT in the rural areas of Nepal. There are currently eight CIC’s in Syangja District. We are planning to extend this activities to all the villages of Syangja District. Mr. Aryal handed over the overal plan document regarding Rural transformation of Syangja District by establishing community information center (CIC) NRIDS has been working for ICT Development of Syangja District for more than three years. The participant of the meeting were Information Officer- Mr. Tanka Nath Lamsal and Sub-computer Operator Mr. Parashuram Adhikari. We will be updating about the information revolution initiave to transform Syangja with the help of ICT soon.


Please ! send your feedbak and comments.


DDC/DIDC, Syangja

]]> Sun, 26 Aug 2007 05:08:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/245873 IT training for Indian government officials ! http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/243035 The State Information Technology (IT) Mission has begun giving free computer training to Government employees. About 2,000 police officers in Malappuram district will get training in the first phase of the programme, being conducted here in association with Akshaya.

Each of the five lakh Government staff in the state of Kerala will get 40 hours of computer training over three years. The pilot phase of training will cover 38,000 Government employees working in different departments in Malappuram district.

As much as Rs.1.69 crore has already been transferred to Akshaya in Malappuram for the mega training project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGAP). Computer training has been made mandatory for police officers in view of Malappuram becoming an e-district. It will soon be made mandatory for other Government employees in Malappuram.

The training is estimated to cost the Government Rs.450 per employee. The IT training course would cover operating system, word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, computer hardware, Internet and Malayalam typing.

Source:

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/02/stories/2007070258300400.htm]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:48:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/243035 IT training for Indian government officials ! http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/243037 The State Information Technology (IT) Mission has begun giving free computer training to Government employees. About 2,000 police officers in Malappuram district will get training in the first phase of the programme, being conducted here in association with Akshaya.

Each of the five lakh Government staff in the state of Kerala will get 40 hours of computer training over three years. The pilot phase of training will cover 38,000 Government employees working in different departments in Malappuram district.

As much as Rs.1.69 crore has already been transferred to Akshaya in Malappuram for the mega training project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGAP). Computer training has been made mandatory for police officers in view of Malappuram becoming an e-district. It will soon be made mandatory for other Government employees in Malappuram.

The training is estimated to cost the Government Rs.450 per employee. The IT training course would cover operating system, word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, computer hardware, Internet and Malayalam typing.

Source:
http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/02/stories/2007070258300400.htm]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:48:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/243037 Improving women’s lives in post-conflict Nepal http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/243033 After more than a decade of conflict, Nepal’s government took historic steps toward democracy by adopting an interim constitution earlier this year and establishing a transitional parliament to involve more parties in the decision-making process.

Nepal’s post-conflict process provides an opportunity to advance women’s leadership, foster democratic culture and create new policy frameworks, governing structures and institutions that support women and their families.

CEDPA/Nepal is working to advance the leadership and advocacy skills of Nepalese women to ensure that they can shape and lead post-conflict efforts.

More than 20 young women joined CEDPA/Nepal from July 22-25 for a workshop on What to Expect in Peace and Transition. The workshop outlined the political processes that occur after conflict has ended, and ways women can engage in these processes to advance women's leadership.

Participants represented community organizations that advance women’s lives, but had not directly engaged in peace building or post-conflict efforts.

The participants learned to think about ways they can take advantage of the political opportunities that open up for women in post-conflict settings. Sessions focused on constitutional reform, legislative advocacy and other opportunities to engage in governance.

“It is vital that women take advantage of the window of opportunity that occurs post conflict,” said Rebecca Sewall, CEDPA’s senior technical advisor of democracy and governance. “Women must make sure that the constitutional drafting process includes women and that the new constitution protects and promotes their rights - if not, they may never get another chance to change the constitution.”

The young women leaders left the workshop with increased self-confidence and heightened awareness of their own leadership styles and advocacy skills; tools for improved program design in democracy and governance; linkages with donors, networks, partners and CEDPA staff and alumni; and more effective communication and fundraising skills.

Source: CEDPA
]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2007 09:43:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/243033 Parliamentary committee directs NTA to clash rates http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/242815
The meeting of the Environment, Communication and Technology committee of the interim parliament held Sunday gave the directives stressing on making telecommunication service more accessible to the people in rural areas.

MP Raghuji Panta, a member of the committee, said they asked Nepal Telecom to provide telephone services at the same rates all over the country by doing away with mobile roaming and STD charges for now, to provide those service in local rates.

“The NTA and telecom are positive on making all telephone calls (inside the country) local after doing the same with long distance mobile phones,” he told Kantipur Daily.

Interim parliament lawmaker Panta said after the government opens internet phone (VOIP) service, the telecommunication service Magsasay Prize winner Mahabir Pun has been operating in the remote areas would get legitimacy. “Telemedicine, long distance education…this would be useful for everything,” he said adding, “nobody can stop fast emerging technology, we only have to regulate it by formulating laws.”

The committee has reached the conclusion of consulting and taking the advice of Pun, telecommunication expert Binay Kumar Kasaju and Gorbazar Upadhyaya on the law to be formulated in the telecommunication field and immediately open this kind of service.

Source: www.nepalnews.com Aug 20 07
]]> Mon, 20 Aug 2007 01:53:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/242815 Charge mobile with peepal leave: A Strange Discovery in Nepal http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/242159 No soon the people came to learn this development, they tested it and found encouraging results. If your mobile has been discharged and you are inside a jungle then you need not to use any charger. You Should pluck two peepal leaves and your work would be done.
It is very good idea and easy to charge your mobile. You would have to open your mobile battery and connect it with peepal leaf. After that without shaking mobile set you should set the battery in your mobile set. After some time your mobile would be charged.
Though it is unbelievable but as soon as the residents of Chitrakoot came to know about the discovery they could not believe the news. But when they saw it practically then the incident proved true.
Now hundreds of mobile holders are using this technique and charging their mobiles.
Several persons including Sushil Kumar Shukla, Santosh Verma, principal of Mahatma Gandhi School, Raj Karan Patel, Shyam Patel, Shekhar Dwivedi, Pramod Gupta, Manager of Gayatri temple, RN Tripathi proved the incident true.
Whereas according to the botanists, it is just changing mutual energy into electrical energy power can be saved in battery. Similarly, it is also possible. They said that it is the subject of research.
Please Send your Comments and feedbacks if you have any knowledge regarding this!
Source: http://www.centralchronicle.com

]]> Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:04:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/242159 UNGIS- the United Nations Group on the Information Society http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241901 In April 2006, UNGIS (United Nations Group on the Information Society) was endorsed by the UN-Chief Executives Board (CEB) as the new inter-agency mechanism with the main objective to coordinate substantive and policy issues facing the United Nations’ implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

UNGIS will gather CEB members (UN agencies, programs and funds as well as other specialized agencies such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund or the World Trade Organization) and is designed to promote policy and programme coordination and coherence as well as overall guidance to the UN system.

To achieve this objective UNGIS will:

*

Contribute to the implementation of the Geneva Plan of Action and the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society, primarily at the international level, by mainstreaming the Information Society Agenda into the activities and programmes of CEB members. In this context, the UNGIS would be closely coordinated with the mechanisms for national and regional implementation established in the Tunis Agenda (paragraphs 100 and 101), as well as the multi-stakeholder implementation process (paragraphs 108-110).
*

Facilitate synergies between organizations belonging to the UN system to maximize joint efforts, avoid duplication and enhance effectiveness in achieving the WSIS outcomes; and
*

Promote public awareness about WSIS implementation by the UN system.

Source:http://www.ungis.org
]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:33:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241901 RSS the Best of Web 2.0? http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241899 Really Simple Syndication (RSS) has the highest value among Web 2.0 technologies, according to a Forrester Research report cited in a BtoB article.
RSS was considered to have substantial business value by 23% of respondents. One in three said they used RSS for marketing.
Web 2.0 business value was not measured by 14% of respondents. Of those who did measure, most looked at metrics such as ROI and total cost of ownership.
Forrester surveyed IT decision-makers between April and June 2007.
So is RSS really the most valuable Web 2.0 technology?
That depends on who is asked, and how "valuable" is defined.
RSS is simple to implement, requires no maintenance and can be integrated easily into all business processes using most forms of content. That is all music to the ears of chief technology officers and other IT decision-makers.
US interactive marketers are also catching the RSS bug, judging by another Forrester study conducted with ClickZ. The study found that 40% of US interactive marketers were either using or piloting RSS in 2007, up from 10% in 2006.

However, that does not mean that business-to-consumer marketers all think that RSS is more effective or valuable than other new media.
In fact, a November 2006 study by the American Advertising Federation put RSS at the bottom of select online new media types - including Web 2.0 methods like social networks and blogs - in terms of effectiveness.

If the technology is not so hot, why are marketers using and piloting RSS in growing numbers, as indicated in the Forrester/ClickZ study?
Those piloting RSS may be testing exactly how effective it is. Others who are using it may not consider it the best new tool in terms of effectiveness or value, but use it anyway as part of a campaign with multiple elements.
This is especially true with television networks, which recognize the need to adapt to a Web 2.0 environment. Users expect to be able to integrate their own media with professionally created content. As a result, 74% of the top TV networks said they had included RSS in the media mix during the first quarter of 2007, according to a 360i study.

RSS, like any emerging media, is not for every marketer. TV networks use it with other Web 2.0 tools to reach Internet users. Techies like it because it is flexible and low-maintenance.
]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:27:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241899 We need to learn a lesson from this kind of intiatives http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241093 CWRC Launches Community Wireless Networks in two telecentres


In July 2007, community wireless networks were implemented at telecentres in Lira and Nabweru by the Community Wireless Resource Centre (CWRC). The CWRC team included CWRC staff and four electrical engineering students who are doing industrial training under CWRC. This intervention arose out of the need to reduce the high cost of internet connectivity at IDRC-supported telecentres in Uganda, to explore optimal connectivity models such as sharing the existing bandwidth with neighboring institutions via outdoor wireless networks and to provide internet access to these partners without need for heavy initial investments in satellite hardware and subscriptions. It is anticipated that these networks will enhance sustainability of internet access at these telecentres.


In Lira, a total of three partners have been connected to the telecentre wirelessly and can now access the internet at their premises. In Nabweru, a total of three partners have also been connected. The CWRC team now heads to Kabale to implement similar wireless networks in Kabale town and Kachwekano (which is located

approximately 8 km from Kabale town). The design of these networks considers the telecentre to be the hub of the network where all other sites are connected. In cases where line of sight links to the telecentre are not possible, connection between the hub and the partner site is accomplished via a repeater. Therefore, in this arrangement, the telecentre acts as a wireless internet access point to its partners.


Juma Okee, the IT officer at CPAR (Lira telecentre) had this to say, ldquo;On behalf of CPAR, I would like to express my appreciation to the CWRC team for the great job well done at our telecentre in Lira. The CWRC project is a blessing for rural connectivity over distances. CWRC has really come at a time when we needed it most.


CWRC provides training opportunities to electrical/telecommunication engineering students. In its first year, three students got this opportunity. This time round, four students are training with CWRC. They are taking part in setting up the wireless networks, configuring wireless equipment, procuring equipment, updating the CWRC website (http://tech.mak.ac.ug/cwrc), blogging, etc. Lillian Olule, one of the students, had this to say, ldquo;Itrsquo;s a great place to train. From my

experience, we gain a wide range of experience in wireless technology, we travel and the environment favors learning. It tickles you to rise to finding solutions.rdquo; Ssanyu Nalule, another student, said, ldquo;It has borne fruit in extending communication to rural areas for sustainabilityrdquo;. Emmanuel Miyingo says, ldquo;It is excellent training

since it translates theoretical knowledge into practical work.rdquo; Peterson Mwesiga, another student, says, ldquo;Training with the CWRC has been such a fruitful venture whose relevance in my prospective career development cannot be over-emphasized.rdquo;


The Community Wireless Resource Centre (CWRC) was established within the Department of Electrical Engineering (Faculty of Technology, Makerere University) with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian organization. This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University and IT +46, an ICT consultancy firm that provides technical support. IT +46, which has over ten years experience, works

with grassroots organizations, academia, as well as regulators in both developing and developed countries. IT+46 is based in Stockholm, Sweden. The aim of this initiative is to make connectivity more affordable for Telecentres by implementing a communication infrastructure that is shared and managed by the community. Such

concept is known as ldquo;Community Wireless Networkrdquo;, and it is based on the possibility for groups or communities to build self-owned and operated networks. Hence, the projects would be in line with Ugandarsquo;s rural communication development priority of ldquo;affordable communication services for allrdquo;.


Source: CWRC Press Release, 3 August 2007


Sudip Aryal

NRIDS

]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:08:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241093 Low power PC launched in Uganda: Good news to the remote areas of Nepal and to the whole world http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/239497
The computer was launched by Inveneo with support from the Ugandan government through the ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

This computer requires 6 to 10 times less power than a standard desktop computer, eliminating the need for generators, inverters, converters andUPS.

“It has been designed to specifically address the key ICT challenges faced in regions of the developing world, specifically Africa,” said Inveneo CEO and co founder Mark Summer.

The computer will help to address such issues as
- Lack of dependable electricity - or no electricity
- Extremely tight budgets for ongoing operations and maintenance
- Punishing physical environments - extreme heat, dust and humidity
- Lack of ICT experience at the administrative and end-user level

“This is a solution to the undependable electricity. With the introduction of such cheap technology, everyone whether in the urban or rural areas can afford to access a computer,” said Ministry of state for ICT Alintuma Nsambu at the launch of the revolutionary computer.

Nsambu wants the computer to be availed in the rural schools of Uganda where there is no electricity. It is affordable and costs about US$600.


]]> Mon, 06 Aug 2007 03:29:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/239497 Nepal Tech Day http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241095 HumaniNet and the other sponsoring partners of Tech Day, to be held in Kathmandu on August 22, have assigned ten free registrations to students and youth ages 16-23 who have an interest in ICTs for humanitarian work in Nepal. Anyone interested should send a short paragraph introducing themselves and explaining why they would like to attend to info@humaninet.org by August 13. The ten people selected will be notified by August 16.


More information on Tech Day:


Tech Day in Nepal, August 22


On August 22, HumaniNet, ADRA Nepal, and Caritas will host a ldquo;Tech Dayrdquo; in Kathmandu, Nepal. The purpose of Tech Day is to familiarize managers and teams of participating humanitarian organizations with ICTs (information and communications technologies) that would be of value to relief and development programmes.


Attendees will hear presentations and see demos

of technologies that support humanitarian relief work.


In addition, the host partners will lead roundtable discussions on several important topics, including the use of GIS and digital mapping tools, information management in relief scenarios, and how to integrate technology into relief training.


Start Date amp; Time

August 22, 2007

All day event.


End Date amp; Time

August 22, 2007

All day event.


Location

Hotel Himalaya

Bagmati, Nepal


Event URL

http://www.humaninet.org/tehellip;


RSVP Info

Name: HumaniNet

E-mail: info@humaninet.org


Registration Deadline

August 13, 2007

]]> Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:08:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241095 Fundraising Tips for CBOs and NGOs http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241097 The Problem

The work of CBOs amp; NGOs in developing countries is vital to millions of people. However,fund-raising for these organizations is particularly difficult, for numerous reasons:

o There is often great competition among numerous local groups for scarce local

financial resources.

o International funders are reluctant to fund community-based NGOs ldquo;directlyrdquo;, because of a perception of lack of accountability, difficulty in establishing credible references, practical issues with resource transfers, and numerous tax questions.

o Some community-based organizations lack what donors regard as the necessary prerequisite structure for being able to process donations, financial or otherwise. For many organizations, this becomes a ldquo;Catch 22Prime;: resources would permit the necessary administrative changes to become more donor rule-compliant, but they cannot get those resources without making the changes.

Fund-raising First Step - Networking amp; Establishing Credibility

Many funders want to know that a CBO or NGO is credible before they will even reply to an organizationrsquo;s request for funding. Establishing credibility doesnrsquo;t take money - it takes time, effort and personal attention.

As noted earlier, the first impulse of many CBOs or NGOs seeking funding is to request the contact information for possible funders, and once such information is received, these NGOs often write immediately to the potential funder, stressing how desperately funds are needed. Sadly, this approach often harms the NGOrsquo;s reputation, rather than garnering support. Not only does it rarely attract funding, it can turn funding sources against the NGO altogether.

The activity to start with for successful fund-raising is networking: establish relationships mdash; formal or informal mdash; with local NGOs and representatives from International NGOs, local UN offices, large employers in the area, etc. If someone were to approach any of these agencies and institutions and ask about your organization, the answers should obviously demonstrate that these other organizations know what your CBO or NGO is, why it is important, and some of the good things it has done. Having such good local relationships means its more likely for these situations to occur:

o your CBO or NGO may be able to collaborate with these organizations and institutions and, therefore, receive funding o when funding becomes available for an activity your CBO or NGO undertakes, these organizations will contact you and let you know.

To network, start locally, with:

o local reporters or local media outlets (newspaper, radio, etc.)

o large employers in your area

o local UN offices (UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO, ITU, etc.)

o local offices for International NGOs with excellent reputations with donors, such as OneWorld, Save the Children, Oxfam, World Vision, MercyCorps, and Doctors Without Borders (this is by no means a comprehensive list)

o local CBOs and NGOs

o local communities of faith

o local universities

o international volunteers serving in your geographic area

o any associations in your area (such as associations for small businesses, associations of women farmers mdash; such associations can be formally or informally-organized)

o local embassies or consulates

o local and regional government offices

Meet face-to-face with these people, whenever possible, to let them know what your CBO or NGO is doing mdash; do not emphasize what your organization needs but, rather, the good work that it is doing, and why the organization believes its mission is important, even essential, to the area. Invite representatives of these organizations to visit your organization and see your work first hand mdash; invite them more than once! If you can, give them printed information about your organization. And people representing your CBO or NGO should attend their events and accept their invitations too!

By doing this, you will lay the groundwork for funding! You will greatly increase your chances of receiving resources if you engage in these networking and reputationbuilding activities.

Even better is if this networking can lead to formal associations/affiliations with other local CBOs, NGOs, International NGOs, or UN agencies in your area, in the form of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), collaborative activities or shared resources. Potential funders view all such associations very favorably when considering who to fund.

But remember mdash; when networking initially, do NOT ask for funds, nor describe your organization as desperate for support. The purpose of networking is to establish your organizations reputation for excellent, quality work, and to create a network of organizations and people who will verify to others that your organization is legitimate, credible and worth supporting.

Even More Credibility-Building

The aforementioned networking tips should help build up the reputation of your CBO or NGO, but there is more that you can do, if you have the resources to do such. Some of the following activities may not be possible in your geographic area, or, you may not have the funds to engage in these activities:

o Membership in formal networks and associations mdash; If your country or region has a network or association of CBOs or NGOs, you should be a member. You can find these by contacting other local organizations to find out if such exists, or searching on the Internet for such.

o Excellent online profile mdash; If you type your organizationrsquo;s name into www.google.com what happens? Does your organizationrsquo;s web site come up (if you have such)? What about an online document by an International NGO or UN agency that references your organization? Or a newspaper article highlighting your organizationrsquo;s work? Or your listing on a site such as www.onlinevolunteering.org ? Anything negative come up? An online profile adds to your organizationrsquo;s credibility, and many potential funders, if they receive a proposal from you, will ldquo;Googlerdquo; your organizationrsquo;s name, as well as the name of the leader of the organization, to see what comes up. Also, post relevant information that can help others at www.developmentgateway.org , www.eldis.org and www.comminit.com . If you involve volunteers, write about how they help your CBO and NGO (especially how they help those you serve, NOT how they save you money), and submit your story to www.worldvolunteerweb.org . Even doing these activities just once every year will help greatly expand your online reputation, and increase the chance of your getting noticed by potential funders.

o A clear, complete, easy-to-use web site mdash; Itrsquo;s not essential that your organization have a web site in order to attract funding, but it will help in your efforts if you do.

If your organization has a web site, it should be:

o free of advertising for for-profit companies

o free of misspellings

o well-designed; simple and without lots of cumbersome graphics

o accessible via a variety of different types of web browsers

o complete, with a listing of your staff, your board of directors, your organizationrsquo;s address, contact information, and at least a summary of your organizationrsquo;s budget.

o Academic profile mdash; Itrsquo;s not essential, but it will certainly add greatly to your organizationrsquo;s credibility if it has been referred to in a university-related paper. Ofcourse, itrsquo;s not always possible to say yes to participation in an academic research project, given your other priorities. But your organization should try, whenever possible and when asked, to participate, as such will add to the appearance of your organization as transparent and credible to anyone investigating your organization for such.

Again, these activities may not be possible in your geographic area, or, you may not have the funds to engage in these activities. Potential funders will understand, for instance, if your CBO or NGO cannot have a web site because your resources are so limited; they will not, however, accept ldquo;limited resourcesrdquo; as an excuse for a web site riddled with errors, or as an excuse for negative stories about your organization online.


Source: All African Bazar


Sudip Aryal

NRIDS,Mayatari ,Syangja

]]> Sat, 04 Aug 2007 04:08:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241097 Low power PC launched in Uganda http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241099 A commercial low power computer was launched by California based company Inveneo in Kampala last week. The computer system uses three options of power supply including solar and a normal 12V battery as an alternative source to conventional power.

The computer was launched by Inveneo with support from the Ugandan government through the ministry of Information and Communication Technology.

This computer requires 6 to 10 times less power than a standard desktop computer, eliminating the need for generators, inverters, converters andUPS.

“It has been designed to specifically address the key ICT challenges faced in regions of the developing world, specifically Africa,” said Inveneo CEO and co founder Mark Summer.

The computer will help to address such issues as

- Lack of dependable electricity - or no electricity

- Extremely tight budgets for ongoing operations and maintenance

- Punishing physical environments - extreme heat, dust and humidity

- Lack of ICT experience at the administrative and end-user level

“This is a solution to the undependable electricity. With the introduction of such cheap technology, everyone whether in the urban or rural areas can afford to access a computer,” said Ministry of state for ICT Alintuma Nsambu at the launch of the revolutionary computer.

Nsambu wants the computer to be availed in the rural schools of Uganda where there is no electricity. It is affordable and costs about US$600.


For people in Uganda who would like to purchase the low power computer, you can visit the suppliers of the Inveneo computers at

Computer depot

21 Cham towers

P.O box 25306

Kampala

email: info@cls.cc

]]> Sat, 04 Aug 2007 03:08:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/241099 What can be done for to enhance the ICT Revolution in Nepal? http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/230619 • National/Regional/Zonal/District/VDC/ ward/small village level ICT(Information Communication Technology) Taskforce should be formed

• Establishing CIC is the best way to implement this Taskforce development

• According our more than three years of experience in this field, the best approach for success is following the notion of “By the Community for the Community and with the community”. It means Lets try to ware them with the importance of ICT in individual’s life and motivate them to be interested to take this initiative themselves.

• “The One and only alternative for Development of Nepal is through ICT”. Proper use of ICT enables all the areas of development to happen in an easier, simpler and scientific way.

• A rigid policy and action plan should be prepared by the detailed research of the Remote areas of Nepal. Plans and Policies prepared just by considering the success stories of other countries are not sufficient. We need to identify the key areas where ICT can help the life of Villagers easier and better than before. Providing Computers, Internet, telephone, fax and photocopy machine to villages is not only sufficient. Important thing to analyze is what in particular community take can benefit from these resources to enhance their business and other works.

• Government should try to use the Resources of School and Colleges of different parts of Nepal.

• Still there is a lack of ICT awareness through Mass media e.g. Newspapers, Television, FM, Radio etc. They can play very important role to support our mission of “ICT Revolution in Nepal”.

• Every Village should be encouraged to prepare the village profile every year. Also the concept of “senior people Experience book “(“ब्रिध्ध अनुभब पुस्तिका”) should be implemented in every village of Nepal. The knowledge is in our villages, with our grandfathers/grandmothers/Fathers/mothers/brother/sisters living in their villages. They are the ones who know about the village history/Geography etc. We need to document that precious knowledge from them. This knowledge will help Government or any organization to carry out development activities. CIC,Dhital ,CIC Mayatari, CIC Bayatari and CIC Kaskikot are implementing this concept.

• Government can take the bottom up approach for the preparing plans and policies only if there is CIC in every village. Indeed the Village community plans for their village development and forward it to the Government. Then only can our country feel the pace of Development. We are proposing the government from village level about the areas of development for particular villages through the Community Information Centers (CIC). This should be implemented everywhere villages of Nepal.

• Conferences /Seminars/ Workshop should be organized in the grass root level. The organizing these kinds of programs should be handed over to the Community themselves. If there is a security problem then the government should call all the people/Organizations/Business/Industries/ Academic Institutions to volunteer in ICT revolution activities in their capacity. So this can happen more spontaneously by the notion of “By the community for the Community and with the community.” Government need not make budget and security as the major barriers. Rather Government should empower all Nepalese to help voluntarily in this initiative. Not only should the Government, Every individual must feel the equal responsibility to develop their own villages through ICT. The best thing about ICT is even talking about it also is beneficial.

• I also like to call upon all the political parties of Nepal to raise ICT issues to their party members. It’s high time that our political leaders also speak about the importance of ICT for development of Nepal. If only we could make them feel the importance of ICT /CIC they are the ones who are frequently having meetings and programs in Villages. Rather always giving speech about the same old stereotypes. They must give speech for the awareness of ICT. Indeed they should also take the initiative to establish CIC in every villages of Nepal. However these CIC shouldn’t be politicized and used for particular Party benefits. Every Political parties one of the Top Priority should be to create ICT/Knowledge revolution in Nepal.

• Government should make a policy reform for mandatory Community Service in Remote areas for the partial fulfillment of their Degree. If only two educated youths out of 200 can contribute in this initiative. Then we can think of “One CIC per Village” (“हरेक गाॐमा एॐटा सामूदायिक सूचना केन्द्र”) .Nepal Rural Information Technology Development Society (NRIDS) is also taking the fresh graduates for voluntary service in CICs. But this should be implemented all over Nepal.

• We are now conducting awareness campaign in Grass Root level and also preparing for the District Level ICT conferences and workshops.

• NRIDS is conducting Information Brothers and Information Sisters (सूचना दाई र सूचना दिदि) Program. Foreigners as well as Nepalese whoever comes to volunteer in CICs they are honored as Information Brothers and Information Sisters of NRIDS. Our Information Brothers and Sisters are inside and outside the county. Outside the Country they are in Australia, Japan and America. The concept is not to expect funding/donations from them. Motive is to transfer the knowledge they have to the community; promoting the village tourism; introducing the villages to the world.

• NRIDS is an organization having a potential team of IT Engineers. The team members are voluntarily working for “Establishing CICs in remote Villages of Nepal”. The Concerned authority should utilize the experience/Expertise of Engineers like us who are working day and night for the development of Nepal through ICT. It is important to involve many youths dedicated for this kind of movement from the initial planning to formulation of plans and Policies.

• NRIDS’s working modality is Collaboration with small groups such as Aama Samuha /Youth Club/organizations and government agencies for the Long Run.
]]> Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:14:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/230619 ICT Revolution in Nepal-"By the Community for the Community and with the Community" http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/223797 I used to question myself why this is happening to the villages of Nepal. Just to take an example, In 2006 we set up computers in the Community Information Center (CIC) Mayatari, Syangja. Indeed it was a great challenge for us to manage the Computers, Printers and other equipments. My Friend Cameroon Brooks From Australia who volunteered in CIC for more than month and I was surprised not to see the invited people of that place. To our astonishment we knew that the reason that they didn't came was because they thought they would transfer the virus to the computers if they touch or get near to it. First of all we were very sad that most of them didnt came there. Afterwards, Were happy that they were totally convinced with the fact that Computer virus and the organic virus are two different things.CIC, Mayatari was a community initiative to transform the village. Its already been three years of the establishment. This CIC is runs Computer Classes, Language classes. Also there is a CDMA telephone, Internet where the local people use for various purposes. We first started the CIC, Mayatari with only newspapers, Magazines, Notice board and books donated by the community people.The problem was that the newspaper reached late only in the evening. However the situation is not the same as before with accessibilty of internet people browse the internet for daly news early in the morning. What they do is they print the newspaper in the printer and paste for all of others as well.
Recently people are trying to sell their product through internet. Syangja District is considered as "the Orange and Coffee Land". NRIDS in association with the local Agriculture organization is currently working on having a E-commerce web site for Farmers. It made me very happy that the people way of looking things has changed drastically.Instead of writing mail to the nearones outside through post office. People feels easy to send emails to them. Those who are illiterate takes the assistance of someone other to convey message to their near ones. To get back to four years back when I shared this idea to Mr. Bhakta Bahadur Adhikari ,Mr. Bodh Raj Aryal, Mr.Lekhnath Aryal: They were just listening to me as if I was telling the stories of Aliens. These people are the social activist of Syangja District. They are also educated, so I chose to work with them. They were very supportive to the idea of CIC but were totally ignorant about ICT. You these days all of them use internet,Mobile,CDMA phone for communication. They are now awaring other vilages in Syangja for the trasformation through ICT - by establishing CICs.
Similarly with the exeperience of CIC in Mayatari. NRIDS team has been conducting various ICT awareness campaign in rural areas of Nepal. Till now there are 10 CICs established in three districts namely Syangja,Kaski,and Dang District. All of these CICs were establsihed by the concerned community with the concept of "By the Community For the community and With the Community". From furnitures to Newspapers room for the CIC and other materials that are needed for CIC are contibuted voluntarily from the community themselves. I will share the exciting experinces establishing CICs in other parts -rural Nepal soon. However all the concerned should keep in their mind that ICT revolution is only possible through the concept of "By the Community For the Community and With the Community".Involving Community in every action the Government or anyother bodies working for Development is must.

]]> Wed, 27 Jun 2007 07:42:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/223797 Happy to see the Transforming Rural Communities of Nepal http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/212599 Its me its you, Never think for the whole country at first, Think about your own small village,give your contribution to your own village. If all of do the same then time is very near that Nepal is also one of the Developed Country.

Hey all the Nepalese friends Lets us generate the work flow and start from small and form own community.

Dreams Come True for those who work while they Dream.
Sudip Aryal]]> Thu, 31 May 2007 05:58:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/212599 Radio Awareness Program About Community Information Centers http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/212595 Nepal Rural Information Technology Development Society(NRIDS)
,Mayatari, Syangja conducts many ICT awarenes programmes to the grass roots. Rural Transformation by establsihing Community Information Centers in the Rural Areas is the Pilot project of NRIDS.
Interviewee: Sudip Aryal, Dambar Raj Poudel and Bhim Prasad Bhattarai
Interviewer: Arjoo Bista Salyani]]> Thu, 31 May 2007 05:12:00 EDT http://sudiparyal.tigblog.org/post/212595