Changes brought at local level by ICT Volunteer

Sarlahi District Development Committee is more IT friendly, thanks to the support from LGCDP ICT Volunteer Mr. Bishal Gautam. With Mr. Gautam’s efforts, the DDC office has more functional web based reporting system and its own website. Additionally, social media pages such as facebook, you tube account, free wifi services in DDC premises and regular maintenance of office computers. The DDC now has digital display of information through LCD Projector in Local Development Officer’s Office and has established a system of communication through SMS, to name few.  “With these facilities, it has been realized that our work effectiveness has increased considerably”, said Mr. Pushkar Ghimire, Program Officer in Sarlahi DDC.

Bishal Ghimire

Further Mr. Ghimire admired Mr. Gautam’s significant contribution particularly in compiling LGCDP related information, communicating with social mobilizers, facilitating planning workshops and maintaining up-to-date information. DDC staffs mentioned that his  knowledge, supportive attitude, friendly behavior and dedication to strengthening institution has aided in bringing noticeable changes in information technology in the DDC within the short pe

riod of time.

It has been realized that DDC requires a dedicated personnel in the Information Section to work with Mr. Gautam so that all the initiatives are institutionalized in the long run.

Model Citizen Awareness Center

Shakti Citizen Awareness Center (CAC) at Pattharkot in Lalbandi Municipality -10 has been adopting Environment Friendly Livelihood development activities as well as fulfilling social responsibilities by establishing a social welfare fund, thanks to the support from LGCDP.

LGCDP formed the CAC three years back. Due to having regular weekly REFLECT classes and meetings, all 26 families, majority of which are Majhi a

nd Tamang in the village are united and developed culture of working in a team, said Ms. Pashupati Majhi Chairperson of the CAC.

The CAC has switched from traditional firewood based income to stall feeding goat farming practices. Each member of the CAC are rearing upto 10 goats and generating income of upto Rs.20,000 per year. They got goat rearing training as we all necessary medical facilities from nearby veterinary service center and veterinary technicians respectively. The stall feeding goat farming practice was initiated when they had received Rs. 1,00,000 as grants from LGCDP last year. Incomes generated from the stall feeding goats are being invested in schooling of children. Now, they don’t need to depend on firewood for daily income. With this, forests productivity nearby their village is also increased. Moreover, with the support of Environment Friendly Local Governance Program (EFLGP) they have decided to plant at least 10 tree species in their home yard this year.

Moreover, the CAC members are creating a separate welfare fund by contributing Rs.1 in every week from each member. They are investing the wellbeing fund for treating illness of its members with free of interest schemes. So far, four-five members of the CAC has benefitted from the welfare fund.

It is recommended to replicate the environment friendly sustainable income generation activities and establishment and mobilization of welfare fund of this CAC to other parts of the country.