Despite of so many obstacles, one can observe Phurba Sherpa is the most happy soul of the organization. A bundle of wool is his bundle of joy. The way he finds happiness in small things and compliments can make every person smile back. The biggest passion and happiness in his life is knitting woolen mufflers and scarf which he does by using just a hand and a leg. The way he can involve himself hours and hours making colorful scarf can amaze everyone.

The wonderful colors and finishing of his work proves that he is best at what he does and that’s better than anyone else. The way he works with threads with his one hand and leg can leave any person in awe. His tireless passion would really make a person wonder: how can he be so content despite such physical hardship? His creativity, passion and skills has not only given him his inner peace but made him an example in the community and a great source of motivation and positivity. Normal people fight for money and materialistic happiness whereas for Phurba, the biggest happiness and innate peace in the world is a bundle of wool. 

A one day PSP (Participatory Strategic Training) organized at Namo Buddha resort at Kavrepalanchowk district in the aftermath of April 25 earthquake.

PSP training was given among the staff of the resort as an attempt to approach the prevailing problems with strategic planning. PSP has been a proven method to develop a shared vision among the participants to approach any problems they are facing.

The resort is currently closed as it was hit hard by the April 25 earthquake and the staff are having a hard time putting up with the situation. the PSP training will help them mitigate the shortcomings they've been facing due the damages caused by the quake.

The resort however, is to reopen soon and now that these people have developed a strategic mindset, they'll just knock down any problem in their way. All thanks to the Participatory Strategic Training.

THERE MIGHT BE A NEW SOLUTION TO PREVENT ABUSE AMONG GIRLS AND WOMEN!!!!

THERE MIGHT BE A NEW SOLUTION TO PREVENT ABUSE AMONG GIRLS AND WOMEN!!!!

Rape is a worldwide problem. In every part of the world, girls are abused just because they are girls. Our country is facing this barbaric problem even more in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. Its not in acknowledging the causes and motives behind rape our accomplishment lies but how we choose to fight it.

We have had a hard time spreading awareness in the matter of women considered to be the reason behind RAPE. Almost every aware rational citizen today believes it is BOYS who are the actual problem. But 'NO MEANS NO', a worldwide 'violence against women prevention' program for girls and for boys, in Nairobi, Africa brought into the light what might be the actual reason behind this sadist nature among boys.

 This huge campaign against sexual abuse in women initially focused in developing self defense skills among girls as like every other person in the world they believed the self defense techniques when taught to girls may prevent them from being raped more than any thing else but later, upon learning that girls are more likely to be raped by boys who are actually close to girls meaning their friends and even boyfriends NO MEANS NO started working towards Positive Masculinity. The positive empowerment focused towards boys, working towards the theory, If boys are the problem, then boys themselves can be the part of the solution.

It was after all not their biological structure that was the problem but their social construct which is why after incorporating the same self defense training and NO MEANS NO all along brought a huge drop in the rape cases and men who earlier thought it was justifiable to rape women, now started to defend them.



'NO MEANS NO'  World needs to start with early education on the topics of consent and assault and We are the World. 'NO MEANS NO' might be the answer to our ever so growing question of how to prevent Rape.

here is the link fore more info on this hugely successful campaign conducted in Nairobi, Kenya
http://www.upworthy.com/kenyas-unique-approach-to-rape-prevention-should-have-the-rest-of-the-world-taking-note

post earthquake relief and rehabilitation "Rise from Rubbles" with ICA :)

ICA Nepal with the support the members of Rotaract Clubs (Manohara, Rudramati and RudramatiBabarmahal) and Rotary Club of Rudramati, massively distributed relief materials to the earthquake victim. We visited the earthquake affected areas, instantly after the earthquake, inside the Kathmandu valley and assessed the situation. Initially, ICA Nepal helped people of Bhaktapur and Bungmati with drinking water bottles. We provided 1000 water bottles in the two locations. While visiting Bungamati ICA Nepal massively distributed food supplies to the different earthquake affected locations. We have reached to Sindhupalchowk, Changunarayan, Dhading, Bungamati (Tri Ratna School), Sangla, Nala, Gorkha with our food supplies. The food materials we provided included the set of salt, daal, rice, nutrella, beaten rice, masala, noodles, biscuits, drinking water along with a bucket, mug, plate and spoon, tarpaulin, blanket, and medicine (Gorkha). So we served 1000 families.

It was the time we leapt towards the second phase, rehabilitation and reconstruction. As much as there was huge physical damages, the mental and emotional damages could not be overlooked because these were the kinds of breakages that could leave the victims shattered for a long time. Keeping the consequenses of the mental and emotional breakdowns in mind, Our first approach for the rehabilitation was providing the training of social artistry. During the time of massive hazard our focus was a complete and sustainable rebuilding of the nation and social artistry was one of the tools. The training was provided to the locals of Changunarayan so that they could come up with innovative and participatory ideas to move forward with rehabilitation and rebuilding and so that the change could be sustainable and participatory which is our major belief. We started to rebuilt temporary shelters and rehabilitate the displaced population along with the relief distribution as it was high time for everybody to focus on rehabilitation because of the approaching monsoon. We believe that community participation yields sustainability, that is why we worked with local community and Progressive Women Group in Changunarayan to clear the rubbles and move their belongings. During our relief work at Changuarayan we discovered that people were in immediate need of shelter that is when we decided to collect fund for the construction of permanent shelter. As an immediate relief we started with one earth bag house which was also a pilot. Mr. Purna B. Tamang was one unfortunate 82 year old whose house was destroyed by the earthquake and he had nowhere to go. We built him a home and earthbag home was very innovative and sustainable idea as it was cost effective, durable and also earthquake resistant. It was overwhelming seeing him hopeful and happy in the end.

Mr. Tamang is just a representative and we have a lot of such helpless people who need our support and we are trying every possible way to collect funds and help those in need rebuild in a sustainable way. ICA Nepal is very aware that it is a high time to get back to normalcy and it is expected to take 10 years for our country to bounce back which is a very long time so we are committed in doing every possible bit to shorten that time period and get all the development activities to pace up. then again, contentment we gained in those smiles :)

Training on communication!

Communication Paradigms and Practices-
Exploring Win-Win, NLP and Spiral Dynamics
Feb. 15 – 16, 10 am to 4.30 pm
Training Venue: ICA Nepal Training Hall, Babarmahal, Kathmandu.

Purpose: Enabling participants to stimulate personal and organizational creativity and manage conflicts through effective communication skills.
Process: Interactive discussion, Demonstration and Practice, Leadership Models, Audiovisuals
Focus: Attitudinal Transformation, Skills Development, Knowledge Enhancement.
Anticipated Results: Participants are able to work from a deeper understanding of communication needs and options and apply new tools for resolving conflict.
Training Investment: Rs. 5 000.
Introduction
Through a series of presentations, workshops and exercises the training provides you with tools and techniques that help you and your organization to achieve better results. The training focuses on the Win-Win perspective of Conflict Resolution, on NLP and Spiral Dynamics that can transform the way you work. The 12 Skills of Conflict Resolution strengthen your abilities in leadership, creativity and problem solving. Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) describes the interplay between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how they affect our body and behavior (programming). Knowing more about it reveals opportunities for more rapport and change. Spiral Dynamics shows the many levels of current value systems and their effects on thinking and action, conscious and unconscious. The course gives you much to think about and make immediate practical use of the learnings. It supports your motivation to reach your goals and objectives.
Programme Host:
ICA-Nepal is a registered non-government organization concerned with the human factor in development to create a just and sustainable world for all, through partnership and participation. We work locally, nationally and internationally to enable individuals, organisations and communities to cooperate to bring about positive change. For over 50 years ICA has been developing a set of participatory methods called the Technology of Participation (ToP) used in many group setting to create solutions and facilitate strategic planning. In the last 10 years, more than 10 000 people have received training from ICA in Nepal, including facilitation and presentation skills.

Facilitators
Richard and Maria Maguire have been working as consultants and adult educators for more than thirty years. Originally from the USA and Germany, they have lived in Australia for the past twenty-five years. Their focus is facilitation and they particularly use the Technology of Participation (ToP) methods in their work with organisations and communities. They also teach others how to enable productive meetings, trustworthy plans and effective change through maximizing the participation of everyone involved. They both have Masters degree and have continued their ongoing learning and qualifications in many related skills of training and assessment, de Bono, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), etc. They work through their company Unfolding Futures Pty Ltd in Australia and have also worked overseas, including in developing nations. They are passionate about creating a sustainable future for all in all its environmental, social and cultural or spiritual implications.


Call Us On: 4220450/4224145
ica@icanep.wlink.com.np

An Opportunity!

ICA VOLUNTEERS

Introduction
ICA Volunteer Programme is affiliated to ICA Nepal which focuses its activities on human capacity building and community development. Philosophically, the group concerns itself with the factor of individual involvement in community development. ICA V has already hosted more than a dozen international volunteer groups to various development projects across Nepal.

Volunteering will help the individual broaden and develop better communication and group participation skills in addition to enriching their overall life experience. While working with several volunteers, ICA V has realized the benefits offered by volunteers from abroad who could introduce new knowledge and skills which help community development.

Objectives of the Program
The objectives of the volunteer support program are to:
• Bring freshness and new energy into the organization and the project.
• Provide alternative cultural perspective and life experience for the volunteer.
• Bring practical training in the application of participatory methods in development
• Enable local people to work alongside each other to share their skills, building capabilities and promote international understanding and action.



Volunteering for and through ICA V
Nepal is one of the unique and richly diverse countries. ICA V also works in finding the appropriate placement for incoming volunteers. Since, ICA V is working closely with a number of nongovernmental organisations and private and public institutions in Nepal, many of the volunteers will be sent to them. The duration is 1 to 10 months.
ICA V has also been undertaking ‘Development Study Tour’. ICA V has organised such tours several times for Japanese students. The participants of the study tour spend time in the rural areas where ICA V or other partner organisations have community development works.

Types of Programs
1. Volunteering Support Program
The duration of volunteer work can range from one to six months in length. ICA V can also provide accommodations for longer volunteer work if desired. Depending on the duration of stay and the opinions of the individual volunteer, there will be a one or two week long training for the volunteers run out of the ICA V main office and hostel in Kathmandu. The main objective of the training will be to acquaint the volunteers to local language, culture, and development issues. They will also be given training in ICA methods of participation in the development process. Contents such as basic facilitation skills; participatory rural appraisal; participatory strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation are also included.

Through this training the volunteer will be prepared to go into a rural community and see ICA V's philosophy of the human factor in development put into practice. They will participate in community development activities such as: literacy training, income generating training, micro-credit, environmental awareness, health and sanitation, English training, school teaching, etc.

What makes ICA V's volunteer program unique is that each volunteer will be given one staff member of the ICA team to operate as the volunteer's counterpart throughout the day. This person will serve the volunteer in terms of translator and Nepali teacher as well as someone that can answer general cultural and development questions. For those who desire a shorter initial training, this person will be someone the volunteer can heavily rely upon.

2. Internship
Nepal is a place with many opportunities for study. The possibilities of study include Nepalese culture, language, social life style, biodiversity, overall development and more. ICA -V has field offices in several districts across Nepal that will provide the students or researchers a base through which to carry out their work in the project sites. ICA V is affiliated with the 'School of Environmental Management and Sustainable Development' and ‘Darwin Academy’. Potential programs and fields of study include but are not limited to; Anthropology, Sociology, Environmental Sciences, and Development. Interns or students will have collaboration with the local university through ICA V. The internship program has a minimum of three months.

3. Study Tour
Nepal is a mountainous Himalayan Kingdom with extreme natural resources. Because of its’ uniqueness, thousands of tourists visit Nepal every year. The potential developments of tourism in Nepal still exist. A study tour offers the opportunity to learn about the problems and possibilities of Nepal and to explore the various approaches towards development while gaining knowledge by visiting project sites. The participants will therefore gain an experience that provides them understanding of Nepali culture and life style, while participating in voluntary work in the area. The aim of the tour is study and observation in each sector. The participant will have a chance to visit ICA's human development projects in different regions of Nepal including Parbat in western Nepal and the Jhapa district in eastern Nepal. The study tour is organized for a two-week period. Volunteers and Interns also will be given the option of participating in this tour. Contact directly to ICA-V for costs and other details.

4. Specific Packages:
Along with the regular long term internship programme, ICA V also conducts short term development visits for the students and others. There are varieties of such packages which are also custom designed based on the need of the group.

ICA V also customises volunteering packages based on the request and expectations of the volunteers in group. Some volunteers participated in construction activities and some in education or agriculture. Many of our volunteers spend weeks on constructing school building to helping farmers to apply a new technology. Most of the groups spent time of varieties of integrated activities.

Some of the sample specific packages organised before are as follows:

Camp Code Month Place Date Type Number
ICA 01 June Gajuri 01-15 Construction 15
ICA 02 June Gajuri 16-30 Construction 15
ICA 03 July Gajuri 01-15 Construction 15
ICA 04 July Gajuri 16-30 Construction 15
ICA 05 August Gajuri 01-15 Construction 15
ICA 06 August Gajuri 16-30 Ph/Education 15
ICA 07 September Gajuri 01-15 Agriculture 15

One sample itinerary of a two week program is as follows:

2 Weeks International Community Youth Work Camp Schedule

Day Programs Activities Remarks
Day 1st Final arrival,(meeting- Introduction, Orientation, registration etc. All volunteers should attend the orientation Well come party
Day 2nd Leave for camp Arrival in camp house/settlement
Day 3rd Work and location briefing
Day 4th Work
Day 5th Work
Day 6th Work
Day 7th Free day Recommendation for Chitwan National park or Pokhara or rafting etc For detail pls. see your guide book
Day 8th Free day Back to the camp
Day 9th Local Cultural/musical events Nepal day Home stay
Day 10th Work
Day 11th Work
Day 12th work till lunch / evaluation Preparing for departure
Day 13th Leave the camp/back to kathmandu Final evaluation / solidarity meeting Farewell party
Day 14th Departure

• Regarding Working hours and schedule we talk on the first meeting in camp house
• Food and accommodation – During this program ICA – Volunteers provide very basic and Nepali standard food and accommodation.
• Camp fee – $ 300
• The fee includes –
- Airport pick up
- 3 times meals during the camp period
- In country transportation
- Airport departure
• The doesn’t includes
- Visa and flights
- Alcohol and beverage
- All kind of personal expenses (communication, drinks, shopping etc)
• What to brings – Sleeping bag, seasonal clothes, working gloves and shoes, torch light, mosquito net, sun blocks cream, small country flags, playing materials with children, notebooks, pencil etc. ( you are staying with Nepali family so you may bring some typical presents for them).

Facilities and Procedure:
There will be a nominal charge to participate in any of the above-mentioned programs. For the volunteer and internship programs, the fees which includes all the local cost including food and accommodation, local travel for the work are as follows:
• Registration, Administration and Management = $ 200
• Language training and 3 day local visit (Kathmandu) = $ 100
• First month fee = $ 250
• Second month fee = $ 200
(So, for a 2 month programme = $ 750). From the second month only US$ 200.
• Each additional month = $200 per month (No counterpart from third month. If counterpart needed, $ 150 extra).

Where do my fees go?
Your fees will go to four main places. The majority goes to the host family and counterpart. Other portions go to the administration and community development.
The fees include the following services:
• Training in community development including ICA methods, Participatory Rural Appraisal, Appreciative Inquiry, etc.
• Nepali language training.
• Housing facility (Basic) which includes single room, common kitchen and Nepali cook, and a common toilet.
• A local Nepali counterpart with similar background.
• All domestic transportation costs one time to and from the site and 3 day visit of Kathmandu Valley.
• Free Internet/ E-mail facilities from the head office.


http://www.icavolunteers.org.np