CREASION'S Spring Highlights
CREASION'S April to June's Newsletter
Spring is the season after the winter and before the summer. Days become longer and the weather gets warmer in the temperate zone as the Earth tilts relative to its orbital plane around the Sun.
Several new programs were introduced last spring, but this time we have even better highlights. Let’s look at the ones with the most distinctive and fruitful moments. The activities that took place over the past three months were fascinating and fun.
Promoting Climate Smart Entrepreneurship in the Madhesh Province
A provincial kick-off meeting was held with consortium partners Youth Innovation Lab, Restless Development Nepal, CREASION, Center for Disaster and Management Studies in Janakpur, Madhesh Province on April 10, 2022, for the project “Nepali Yuwa in Climate Action and Green Growth (NYCAGG)” in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Mohammad Lalbabu Raut Gaddhi.
It focused on empowering youths of the age group of 15-29 years by offering them a platform for strengthening their entrepreneurial growth in the green economy sector.
Climate Fellowship, Climate Smart Entrepreneurship, Mentee-mentorship, Digital Advocacy, and Youth Sounding Board are the activities of the project to empower young people by providing job opportunities, generating innovative ideas to address climate and environmental issues, and advocating for policy changes that promote environmental protection.
The kickoff meeting focused on the overview of the project and encouraged the youths from the Madhesh province to participate in it. One of the major highlights of the event was the launch of the idea call for Climate Smart Entrepreneurship and Climate fellowship.
A crucial part of Nepali Yuwa in Climate Action and Green Growth is developing ideas for Climate Smart Smart Start-ups and educating young people about it. The team traveled to the Madhesh province to carry out outreach activities at various colleges of Madhesh Province namely Jana Jyoti Multiple Campus, Lalbandi, Chaturbhujeshwar Janata Multiple Campus, Harion of Sarlahi District, Janta Ma. Vi. and Nava Kshitiz college of Bardibas, in Mahottari District, Model Multiple College in Janakpur of Dhanusha District, Rajarshi Janak Campus in Janakpurdham, and Hanuman Youth Club in Janakpurdham.
During their time in the field, they also visited different villages in the Mahottari, Sarlahi, and Janakpur districts, actively communicating the idea of a climate-smart entrepreneurship program to the locals.
The main purpose of the workshop was to make the youths from Madhesh Province aware of the climate-smart entrepreneurship program, a detailed procedure to be a part of the program, and basic steps to brainstorm business ideas in groups. The students were divided into groups and were taught basic steps to brainstorm business ideas from among the group.
Project Kick-off for Preventing Plastic in Nepal Rivers by boosting the informal sector
Norwegian Retailers Fund supports CREASION, GRID Arendal, Doko Recyclers, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) to address Plastic Waste Pollution from the Rivers in Nepal.
The main purpose of this project is to contribute to the better management of plastic waste through a comprehensive solution that solves the existing challenges in a sustainable way. More specifically, the project will help to identify where plastic leaks into Nepal Rivers and strengthen the informal sector to capture more plastic for recycling, diverting it from landfills and open dumping, and increasing its value in the waste value chain.
The target group of this project is informal waste workers as they are the agents for change in waste management.
For the project launch, we were graced with the presence of Honorable Mr. Ramshaya Prasad Yadav, Ministry of Forests and Environment, and Ms. Torun Dramdal, Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal. The second half of the project kick-off was a workshop session with the waste workers and their view on managing plastic waste with entrepreneurship ideas to handle the waste.
Interaction Between Waste Management Stakeholders of Nepal
CREASION, Recycler Saathi, Waste Trade, and The Coca-Cola Foundation successfully organized an interaction session between the plastic waste management stakeholders of Nepal.
The interaction program was graced with the presence of Hon’ble minister Mr. Ramsahay Prasad Yadav Minister of Forests and Environment, Mr. Aanand Mishra, Founder and President of CREASION, and 30 balers from different areas of Kathmandu valley. Similarly, representatives from different private companies and NGOs that are actively working in the plastic waste management sector of Nepal were also present at the event.
The main agenda of the session was to facilitate the interaction of the plastic waste management stakeholders with the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MOFE) to highlight the issues regarding the current scenario of plastic waste management, challenges faced by the stakeholders, and possible interventions to achieve a holistic and robust plastic waste management system.
Mr. Aanand Mishra, Founder, and President of CREASION, also suggested a policy-level workshop in near future to actively discuss the role of key stakeholders in making the existing system more sustainable. Moreover, Hon’ble Minister Mr. Ramsahay Prasad Yadav thanked all the plastic waste management stakeholders for their contribution to our health, our environment, and our economy and emphasized that MOFE will actively work to address the issues discussed.
Honoring the Recycling Heroes of Kathmandu
Waste Workers are a crucial and essential part of keeping the environment clean. They are the most underrepresented people in the waste management sector. Hamro Cycle Yatra #DignityforAll is held annually to publicly honor waste workers and to admire their remarkable involvement in keeping our environment clean and healthy.
The Hamro Cycle Yatra rally is a symbol of unity where all government, private institutions, youths, and waste workers come together to recognize the environmental challenges of the nation and to appreciate the remarkable contribution of waste workers in maintaining a clean environment. The Hamro Cycle Yatra aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 11, the #Recyclingheroes theme by Recycling Day Foundation, and supports the UNEA 5.2 plastic treaty.
Around 300 participants joined the cycle rally, making it a grand success. The rally commenced opposite Jawlakhel Birendra Salik then proceeded through Dhobighat, Sanepa, Bakundole, Pulchowk Engineering College to Patan Dhoka and ended at Nagbahal.
We were graced with the presence of Mr. Gopal Prasad Aryal, Director General for the Department of Environment, Mr. Aanand Mishra, Founder and President of CREASION, Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal, Mrs. Keki Adhikari, Goodwill Ambassador of CREASION, Mrs. Sushila Kathayat, Budhanilkantha Women’s Forum run by Haritnagar Abian, Mr. Rajesh Kalwar, Imadol Platic Udhyog, and Mr. Padam Rai, R.P Recycle Collection and Management. The cycle rally also had medical camps for the waste workers where they received free eye and dental checkups. Furthermore, the waste workers were provided with certificates and medals from the distinguished guests for their contribution to the environment.
We would like to thank our supporting partners The Coca-Cola Foundation, Bottlers Nepal Terai Ltd, implementation partner Volunteer for Change, and association partners Clean Up Nepal, Community Health Service Centre of Nagbahal, Dental Care Centre, Greenway Nepal, Girls Empowered by Travel Nepal, Cycle City Network, Kathmandu Cycle Group, Kora Cycling Challenge, Lions Club International, Lions Club of Kathmandu, Nepal Cycle Society, Rato Bangla School, Samsara Creation, Social Tours, Waste Trade and Women Cycling Nepal for making this event a grand success.
World Environment Day 2022
World Environment Day 2022 is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1973, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world.
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2022, CREASION and Recycler Saathi hosted a one-of-a-kind event known as “Swap Your Plastics” that emphasizes the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling promoting the theme "Only One Earth".
The ceremony took place in Maharani Pokahari, Patan and the event was graced by Mr. Parakram Rana, Digital Content Creator for the event. The main goal of the event was to promote behavioral change and the adoption of healthy habits by utilizing the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle concept, in which participants exchanged PET Bottles (Cold Beverages bottles /plastic bottles) in exchange for a plant where the PET Bottles would further be sent for recycling in our Recycling facility and reduce carbon emissions.
On the same day, our team at Chitwan planted around 60+ plants in the different waste smart schools of Sauraha and Bharatpur. Students and teachers of our waste smart schools came together to plant the little saplings and pledged to take care of them.
Our utmost gratitude to Chameli Devi Ma. Vi., Naughare, Bharatpur-3, Shree Ma. Bi. Chitrasari, Ratnanagar (Sauraha), Shree Bachhauli M. Vi., Ratnanagar (Sauraha) for coming together to celebrate with us.
Stakeholders In one platform
CREASION and Recycler Saathi participated in an interaction program organized by Hetauda Metropolitan City regarding plastic waste management with the government officers, community members, and business officials.
Mrs. Rammaya Shrestha, Community Outreach Officer of CREASION, facilitated a session on the topic of plastic waste management and segregation techniques required for solid waste reduction. The discussion mainly highlighted the need for collective action and shared responsibility to manage plastic waste pollution.
Occupational Safety Training and Health Camp incepted at Bharatpur, Chitwan
We conducted an Occupational Safety Training and Health Camp for Waste Workers in the scrap centers of Chitwan district with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation.
The training included a session to train the waste workers on how to properly use safety gear such as - shoes, gloves, masks, reflector jackets, medical kits, and dignity kits. It also included an awareness session on basic hygiene and potential occupational risks followed by a medical health check-up.
The Waste workers from Chitwan were given training on occupational safety and were also provided with safety gear and the required equipment for the safety of the scrap centers. A medical officer also did a health checkup of all the waste workers that were present at the event.
Furthermore, the scrap centers were also equipped with safety amenities and fire extinguishers to prevent and tackle potential workplace fire hazards. In addition to that, an awareness tool, and infographics with basic safety protocols were also provided at each location for future reference.
Plastic Waste Management Exhibition
Recycler Saathi successfully participated in a one-day plastic waste management exhibition for the ‘Environmental conservation and waste management exhibition and interaction program’ hosted by the Bharatpur Metropolitan City on April 19, 2022.
This event was a platform where the Chief District Officer of Chitwan, Mr. Asman Tamang, the mayor and deputy mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Renu Dahal, and Parabati Shah Thakuri and government officials came together to exhibit and celebrate the environmental conservation and waste management ideas and efforts of professionals, stakeholders, and local community members.
Celebrating World Bicycle Day 2022
Each year on June 3, World Bicycle Day is observed to spread awareness about sustainable transportation that also ensures one's physical wellbeing. The day reminds us of the age-old tradition prevalent in the world. It is a special day meant to be enjoyed by all people regardless of their age, color, or race.
On June 4th, 2022 CREASION Nepal and Volunteer for Change (VFC) commemorated World Bicycle Day by raising awareness of Save Soil by riding a bicycle with the theme “Living Sustainability In Harmony with Nature”.
The event was graced with the presence of Hon’ble Minister Mr. Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Ministry of Forests and Environment. The initiative was done with the support of the association partners, Department of Environment, Cycle City Network 2020, Tour De' Lumbini, Green Way, AMN Nepal Unity For Sustainability, Rotaract Club Of Yala, Pancbike, Isha Foundation, GD Labs, Sano Paila (A Little Step) NAXA. The event would not have been possible without the support of our volunteers for coming together to celebrate World Bicycle Day leading up to World Environment Day 2022.
Celebrating the spirit of Volunteerism on Volunteer Recognition Day
Volunteer Recognition Day was formally conducted on April 20, 2022, for VFC Kathmandu volunteers at the CREASION premise to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. The volunteers shared their inspiration and aspirations for joining VFC and were provided membership cards, badges, and T-shirts.
Expressing his journey in the formation of CREASION, Aanand Mishra, founder, and president of CREASION, shared the start of CREASION his journey, how he started to volunteer and what led to the start of Volunteer for Change and CREASION. He encouraged young minds to take actively participation in programs and become active advocates for volunteerism.
The volunteers were introduced to Sujata Koirala, Environment and Sustainability Manager of CREASION, where she briefed about CREASION’s ongoing projects and shared her experience of working in CREASION from being an Associate and now the Manager of the organization.
Vikram Upadhaya, Head of Education and Advocacy of CREASION, highlighted the essence of volunteerism and showcased the annual activities and programs planned for the upcoming year for Volunteer for Change, 2022.
Binita Niraula, Program and Operations Intern at Himalayan Institute for Civic Action and Policy (iCAP), presented the volunteers with a briefing on the organization's mission, vision, and goals, as well as a short explanation on how to vote in the next election.
Anupam Mishra, Sales and Marketing Officer of Waste Trade, spoke about the value of volunteers' contributions to the environment throughout the session. The overall session was moderated by Mr. Pranav Raj Regmi, Youth Engagement Officer, and the session was concluded by showing the VFC Annual plan and Volunteers Engagement Plan throughout the coming events.
Induction session to Volunteer for Change (VFC), Bharatpur Cohort
An induction session was formally conducted with the volunteers of Bharatpur Cohort at CREASION’s Regional Office in Bharatpur, Chitwan. The main agenda of this induction was to welcome new Volunteers and give a brief overview of Volunteer for Change (VFC), familiarize the mission, vision, and goals of Volunteer for Change (VFC), and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. The first session was conducted by Ms. Sushila Shrestha, Program Intern who gave a brief introduction to CREASION’s background and its mission, vision, and goals. The volunteers were introduced to Ms. Rammaya Shrestha, Regional Community Officer who briefed them about the ongoing projects of Recycler Saathi.
The second session was conducted by Ms. Sushila Shrestha, Program Intern where she presented “Know Your Plastics” a brief workshop about different types of plastics and their identification. The volunteers were then shown the process of baling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Bottles to make them aware of carbon emissions and how small actions can make a significant difference in the environment. The overall session was moderated by Mr. Pranav Raj Regmi, Youth Engagement Officer who concluded the session by showing the Volunteer for Change (VFC) annual plan and Volunteers Engagement Plan throughout the coming events.
Drawing Competition for the students of Bharatpur Metropolitan City
We successfully facilitated a one day essay and drawing competition organized by Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The program was conducted on the theme #OnlyOneEarth to promote the visual representation skills of students and inspire them to become more conscious and aware of the environment and current environmental issues.
Around 60 students from three waste smart schools in Bharatpur; Shree Mohanpur Aadharvut Vidyalaya, Shree Chameli Devi Piya School, and Shree Madhyamik Vidyalaya took part in the initiative. Students who bagged the first, second, and third prizes from each school were awarded art and stationery supplies for further motivation.
International Yoga Day 2022
On the occasion of International Yoga Day (2022) Volunteer for Change (VFC), the youth wing of CREASION hosted a yoga session. During the event, participants from different colleges and youth groups were taught various yoga poses. The instructor talked about the different yoga postures and how they might aid in leading a healthy lifestyle, which made the course educational. After the session, the youths played a friendly futsal match among the attendees. The participants, engaged in two way communication with the instructor to learn how to stretch their bodies properly. The event was held at Dhuku Futsal with a total number of 25 attendees.
Mindfulness Practice: Managing your Emotions
On the occasion of World Health Day on 7th April 2022, Volunteer for Change organized a session on 'Mindfulness Practice: Managing Your Emotions' virtually carrying the slogan of “Health comes first”. In this session, we kept mental well-being at the forefront and the participants got a chance to experience mental well-being by practicing mindfulness.
The main speaker for the program was Mr. Ekal Silwal from ICAP, who is also a longtime mindfulness practitioner. He shared different tools and techniques such as deep breathing exercises, the art of knowing yourself, and the self grounding technique. These tools helped participants address their problems and cope with them. Shrisha Nepal, the initiator of Monday Mental Health (MMH), also spoke on the purpose behind starting MMH. The session was moderated by Pranav Raj Regmi, the Youth Engagement Officer at CREASION. Overall 25+ youths from various backgrounds participated in the program. Insightful sharing between the participants and speakers regarding mindfulness practice, and personal experiences were addressed & discussed in the end.
Thanks for taking the time to go through our winter quarter updates. To learn about our initiatives in the coming months, follow us on our social media handles.