THE WALK OF LIFE Kalu Man Majhi knows the rhythm of the Sunkoshi like the back of his hand. With the title Majhi you must have known his profession. For him, the river has always been a story of abundance—that has fed him, his family, and his ancestors for generations. It was never just a place or another river; but a lifeline. But somewhere along the way, that sacred connection began to unravel. Fishing, which had once been a daily blessing, became an increasing struggle. The ecosystem was disrupted, fish became scarcer, and Kalu’s nets, which once pulled in 20-21 kg of fish without effort now only retuned a disappointing 3-5 kg. Just when things seemed as though they couldn’t get worse, the flood came. In September 2024, the Rapti River, which Kalu had always known to be a source of life, turned into a force of nature, overwhelming everything in its path. A torrential downpour filled the river to its breaking point, and floodwaters swept through Kalu’s community, destroying homes, crops, and livelihoods. The flood left behind a trail of devastation, but amidst the wreckage, Kalu saw something unexpected: piles of plastic bottles, debris, and pollution—evidence of the river’s new burden. But Kalu is not a man who gives up easily. In the face of his despair, he remembered something he has recently learned. Earlier that year, Project CAP had reached out to the community and provided Kalu with training in sustainable practices. The program had introduced him to the idea that waste could be more than just something to discard—it could be a resource. Kalu had been given a special net, not for fishing fish, but for collecting plastic bottles. At the time, it had seemed like small task, a side project at best. But now, in the midst of the flood’s destruction, it became his lifeline. Kalu began to use the net to collect the PET bottles carried by the floodwaters. What had once seemed like a strange and unfamiliar task now felt like a renewed purpose. The bottles weren’t just trash; they were valuable. Every bottle Kalu retrieved could be sold, providing him with much-needed income. Slowly, the extra income gave him back the sense of control he had lost. Kalu’s relationship with the river was changing. Though it no longer offered him the same abundant catch of fish, the river had brought him an unexpected opportunity to support his family. The floodwaters that had once felt like a devastating force now seemed to carry with them a new chance for renewal. Every day, as Kalu pulled more bottles from the water, he began to feel like he was making a difference, even if just a small one, in the face of such overwhelming loss. Through Project CAP, Kalu had not just learned how to survive—he had learned how to rise again. His nets no longer just caught fish, but the resilience he needed to push forward. With every bottle he collected, Kalu was helping to restore the river he had known for so long, giving back to the ecosystem that had once given him so much. Kalu’s story is more than a tale of survival. It is one of rediscovery—of finding hope in what others may see as ruin, of seeing opportunity where other’s only see waste. Kalu may not fish the way he once did, but now, he is a restorer—a protector of the river, his community, and his future. With every PET bottle he collects, Kalu is creating not just a cleaner river, but a brighter tomorrow for his family and everyone who has ever depended on the river’s flow. The river may have changed, but Kalu’s spirit—like the water itself—will always find a way to flow.
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In Nepal, the waste management sector is essential for maintaining public health and environmental cleanliness, but there’s a paradox that often goes unnoticed—the safety and well-being of the very people who manage our waste are consistently overlooked. Waste workers, who tirelessly handle hazardous materials daily, are left vulnerable to dangerous working conditions. Could it be that their well-being is simply not a priority for society? As a project associate focusing on plastic waste management and occupational health and safety training for informal waste workers, I recently had an experience that opened my eyes to the grim realities these workers face. During a visit to a local scrap center, I was struck not only by the activity but also by the harsh conditions. It was an encounter that left me with a deeper understanding of the critical need for specialized health and safety training for waste workers. Upon arriving at the scrap center, the scene before me was chaotic yet highly organized. Workers moved through mountains of plastic waste, expertly sorting valuable materials with a precision that spoke to years of experience. There was an odd rhythm to their work—a flow that was as fast-paced as it was dangerous. Amid the clattering of metal and plastic, I watched as workers picked through heaps of waste, their hands unprotected, occasionally pulling out sharp objects without the proper tools. Toxic materials were scattered across the site, and as workers worked hard under the hot sun without masks or gloves, it was clear that they were constantly exposed to unseen dangers. One worker I spoke with, had been in the waste sector for over 10 years. Despite his experience, he admitted feeling vulnerable every single day. “I’ve seen people get hurt here and his own incident as he also went through the same,” he told me, pointing to a pile of sharp metal fragments. “We know the risks, but what can we do? We need to work.” His words stuck with me, echoing the sense of helplessness that permeated the scrap center. He wasn’t alone in this feeling. Most workers I spoke to were aware of the dangers they faced but felt helpless to change their situation. As I walked through the center, the hazards became even more apparent. There were no clear pathways to avoid the moving machinery, and many of the tools in use were makeshift at best. A worker explained that they sometimes used broken pieces of metal or glass, exposing them to further risk. Yet, despite these conditions, there were no proper safety protocols in place, no protective gear, and no emergency measures. I couldn’t help but think of the simple solutions that could make a world of difference for these workers: protective gloves, sturdy boots, safety masks, and structured training. This visit wasn’t just a learning experience; it was a call to action. Health and safety training programs tailored to the needs of informal waste workers could drastically improve their well-being. Simple practices, such as teaching workers how to properly lift heavy loads or identify hazardous materials, could prevent countless injuries. Moreover, providing workers with the right protective gear would not only enhance their safety but also their efficiency. Without the fear of injury or illness, workers could focus more on their tasks, increasing productivity and reducing downtime caused by injuries. Imagine if workers had been trained in proper lifting techniques and given a supportive back brace—they could have avoided years of pain and worked more effectively. Another critical aspect of health and safety training is educating workers on how to respond to emergencies. Chemical spills, fires, and injuries are all too common in scrap centers, and knowing how to act swiftly can mean the difference between life and death. During my visit, one of the scrap center owners recalled an incident where one of the workers suffered due to a fire incident. If workers had been trained in first aid and emergency response, they could have mitigated the severity of the accident. But the benefits of training go beyond physical safety. Equipping workers with knowledge about their rights can empower them to advocate for better conditions. One of workers whom I met, for example, had no idea that he could demand basic protective gear from his employer. “I didn’t think we had any rights in this job,” he said. But when workers are informed about their rights, they gain the confidence to push for the changes they deserve. Training programs that include information on labor rights and safety regulations can ignite a movement where workers like him feel emboldened to demand fair treatment and safer environments. My visit to the scrap center illuminated the urgent need for comprehensive training programs specifically designed for informal waste workers. These individuals, often labeled as marginalized by society, deserve a workplace that reflects their value and dignity. By investing in their education, providing essential tools, and fostering awareness of their rights, we can help shift the narrative. These workers should not feel invisible or expendable; instead, they should be empowered and recognized for their vital contributions to our community. The informal waste sector is the backbone of waste management in many parts of the world, including Nepal. It is our responsibility to ensure that the workers who handle the waste that keeps our environment clean are treated with the respect and care they deserve. Through targeted training, proper safety protocols, and advocacy for their rights, we can create a safer, healthier, and more dignified environment for these invaluable workers. Only then can we truly say we are investing in both their well-being and the future of our communities.
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In Nepal, the waste management sector is essential for maintaining public health and environmental cleanliness, but there’s a paradox that often goes unnoticed—the safety and well-being of the very people who manage our waste are consistently overlooked. Waste workers, who tirelessly handle hazardous materials daily, are left vulnerable to dangerous working conditions. Could it be that their well-being is simply not a priority for society? As a project associate focusing on plastic waste management and occupational health and safety training for informal waste workers, I recently had an experience that opened my eyes to the grim realities these workers face. During a visit to a local scrap center, I was struck not only by the activity but also by the harsh conditions. It was an encounter that left me with a deeper understanding of the critical need for specialized health and safety training for waste workers. Upon arriving at the scrap center, the scene before me was chaotic yet highly organized. Workers moved through mountains of plastic waste, expertly sorting valuable materials with a precision that spoke to years of experience. There was an odd rhythm to their work—a flow that was as fast-paced as it was dangerous. Amid the clattering of metal and plastic, I watched as workers picked through heaps of waste, their hands unprotected, occasionally pulling out sharp objects without the proper tools. Toxic materials were scattered across the site, and as workers worked hard under the hot sun without masks or gloves, it was clear that they were constantly exposed to unseen dangers. One worker I spoke with, had been in the waste sector for over 10 years. Despite his experience, he admitted feeling vulnerable every single day. “I’ve seen people get hurt here and his own incident as he also went through the same,” he told me, pointing to a pile of sharp metal fragments. “We know the risks, but what can we do? We need to work.” His words stuck with me, echoing the sense of helplessness that permeated the scrap center. He wasn’t alone in this feeling. Most workers I spoke to were aware of the dangers they faced but felt helpless to change their situation. As I walked through the center, the hazards became even more apparent. There were no clear pathways to avoid the moving machinery, and many of the tools in use were makeshift at best. A worker explained that they sometimes used broken pieces of metal or glass, exposing them to further risk. Yet, despite these conditions, there were no proper safety protocols in place, no protective gear, and no emergency measures. I couldn’t help but think of the simple solutions that could make a world of difference for these workers: protective gloves, sturdy boots, safety masks, and structured training. This visit wasn’t just a learning experience; it was a call to action. Health and safety training programs tailored to the needs of informal waste workers could drastically improve their well-being. Simple practices, such as teaching workers how to properly lift heavy loads or identify hazardous materials, could prevent countless injuries. Moreover, providing workers with the right protective gear would not only enhance their safety but also their efficiency. Without the fear of injury or illness, workers could focus more on their tasks, increasing productivity and reducing downtime caused by injuries. Imagine if workers had been trained in proper lifting techniques and given a supportive back brace—they could have avoided years of pain and worked more effectively. Another critical aspect of health and safety training is educating workers on how to respond to emergencies. Chemical spills, fires, and injuries are all too common in scrap centers, and knowing how to act swiftly can mean the difference between life and death. During my visit, one of the scrap center owners recalled an incident where one of the workers suffered due to a fire incident. If workers had been trained in first aid and emergency response, they could have mitigated the severity of the accident. But the benefits of training go beyond physical safety. Equipping workers with knowledge about their rights can empower them to advocate for better conditions. One of workers whom I met, for example, had no idea that he could demand basic protective gear from his employer. “I didn’t think we had any rights in this job,” he said. But when workers are informed about their rights, they gain the confidence to push for the changes they deserve. Training programs that include information on labor rights and safety regulations can ignite a movement where workers like him feel emboldened to demand fair treatment and safer environments. My visit to the scrap center illuminated the urgent need for comprehensive training programs specifically designed for informal waste workers. These individuals, often labeled as marginalized by society, deserve a workplace that reflects their value and dignity. By investing in their education, providing essential tools, and fostering awareness of their rights, we can help shift the narrative. These workers should not feel invisible or expendable; instead, they should be empowered and recognized for their vital contributions to our community. The informal waste sector is the backbone of waste management in many parts of the world, including Nepal. It is our responsibility to ensure that the workers who handle the waste that keeps our environment clean are treated with the respect and care they deserve. Through targeted training, proper safety protocols, and advocacy for their rights, we can create a safer, healthier, and more dignified environment for these invaluable workers. Only then can we truly say we are investing in both their well-being and the future of our communities.
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;d'bfodf d]/f cg'ejx?======================= g]kfnsf dw]z,s0ff{nL / ;'b'/klZrd k|b]zdf ;+rfng /x]sf] jftfj/0f tyf hnjfo' cg's'n ljsf;df g]kfnL o'jf sfo{qmdn] o'jfx? hnjfo'd}qL Joj;fo ;+rfng ul/ cfTdgL/e/ eO{ :jfR5 jftfj/0f lgdf0f{ / jftfj/0f ;+/If0fsf] kl/sNkgf u/]sf] 5 . ;'b'/klZrdsf k|b]zsf !* b]vL @( aif{ ;d'xsf o'jfx?nfO{ hnjfo'd}qL Joj;fodf cfj4 x'g] ;'gf}nf] cj;/ k|bfg u/]sf] 5 . o'jfx? hnjfo' :df6{ pwdzLntf gjk|jt{g ;f]r jf Jofj;fodf cfj4 eO{ g]kfnsf] cy{Joj:yfdf yf]/} ePtfklg ;'wf/ x'g] ck]Iff 5 . :ynut cg'lzIf0f-Outreach program) sfo{qmdn] ;'b'/klZrd k|b]zsf ljleGg lhNnfsf o'jfx?sf] gjk|jt{g ;f]r jf Joj;fox?sf] k|j4{g tyf k|rf/df ;xof]u k'u]sf]5 . o'jfx? cfTdlge/ x'g /f]huf/ ;[hgf x'g] ck]Iffsf ;fy hnjfo' :df6{ pwdzLntfsf nflu :ynut cg''lzIf0f sfo{qmd ;+rfng ul//x]sf] 5' . ljleGg ljZjljwfnox?, ag tyf s[lif SofDk;x?, o'jf ;+hfn,dlxnf pwdL ;d'xx? / :yflgo hgk|ltlglwx?sf] ;xof]u / ;xsfo{df sfo{qmd ;+rfng ul//x]sf] 5' . :ynut cg'lzIf0f -Outreach program) sfo{qmd ;+rfng ul/ o'jfx?sf] ;f]r jf Joj;fo gjk|jt{g cg'bfg sfo{qmddf ;xefuL x'g ;'rgf ;fdflhs ;+hfnx?df ;Dk|];0f ul/ v'nf cfjxfg u/]sf]]n] w]/} o'jfx? cfj]bg eg{] of]hgfdf /x]sf 5g . hnjfo' :df6{ pwdzLntf cg'bfgsf] cfj]bgsf af/]df lg/Gt/ kmf]g / ;fdflhs ;+hfndf klg ;Dks{ ul//x]sf 5g . c5fdsf] /fdf/f]zg / s}nfnLsf] l6sfk'/, uf}l/u+uf, wgu9L,hf]l;k'/ , af}lgof / a6gk'/ nufPtsf w]/} :yfgx?df d]/f] pkl:ylt /x]/ :ynut cg'lzIf0f -Outreach program) sfo{qmd ;+rfng tyf ;DkGg u/]sf] 5' . sfo{qmd ;+rfngsf] cjlwdf gful/s / :yflgo hgk|ltlglwx?n] o;sf] af/]df a'emg lgs} rf;f],ck]Iff / ;xof]u ul//x]sf 5g . SofDk;,lawfno,o'jf ;+hfn / dlxnf pwdL ;d'xx?df 5nkmn tyf cGt/lqmof sfo{qmd ;+rfng ul//x]sf] 5' . sfo{qmd ;xhLs/0f ul/ /xbf o'jfx?sf] ck]Iff w]/} /x]sf] kfPsf] 5 . ufFpdf a:g] s]xL o'jfx? nfdf] ;do b]lv k'vf{x?n] ul/ /x]sf] k]zfnfO{ cfw'lgs/0f hnjfo'd}qL ul/ Jofjl:yt ?kdf ;+rfng ug{] dg;fodf /x]sf 5g . o'jfx? :jb]zd} /f]huf/sf cj;/sf] vf]lhdf /x]sf 5g . t/ s]xL ufpFaf6 cWofogsf] nflu zx/df /x]sf o'jfx?sf] /f]hfO{ a}b]lzs /f]huf/L /x]sf] kfOG5 . :ynut cg'lzIf0f -Outreach program) sfo{qmd ;+rfng ePsf] cljlwdf o'jfx?n] g]kfndf s]xL sfdsf] ;'?jft u/f} eg]klg pTkfbg / ahf/ Joj:yfkgsf] lgs} 7'nf] ;d:of /x]sf] atfp5g . hnjfo' :df6{ pwdzLntf Joj;fo ;+rfng ul/ o'jf pwdL aGg] ;kgf ePtf klg g]kfnsf]] cfofltt ;fdfgx?sf] pRr s/ a[l4 / a]/f]huf/ ;d:ofn] ubf{ Joj;fo ;+rfng / lbuf] Joj:yfkg ug{ 7'nf] ;d:of /x]sf] jtfp5g . sfo{qmdn] hnjfo' :df6{ pwdzLntf gjk|jt{g cg'bfg cfj]bgdf o'jfx?sf] ;f]r / Joj;fonfO{ v'nf cfj]bg ul/ 5gf]6 ug{] k|lqmofsf] af/]df v'l; ePsf 5g . s]xL o'jfx?df k|ljlwssf] k|of]u ug{df ;d:of /x]sf]n] cfkmgf] ;f]r / Joj;fonfO{ cfj]bgdf k]z ug{ ;d:of bz{;fO /x]sf 5g . oblk o'jfx? ;dosf] ?kfGt/0f ;+u} gFof ;f]r / hnjfo'd}qL Joj;fo ;+rfng ul/ hnjfo' :df6{ pwdzLn aGg] ;'gf}nf] cj;/sf] ?kdf lnO/x]sf 5g . o'jfx?sf] ck]]Iff / hnjfo'd}qL Joj;fo ;+rfng / Joj:yfkgsf] nflu gjk|jt{g cg'bfg Pp6f cj;/ /x]sf] atfp5g . o'jfx? hnjfo' :df6{ pwdzLn aGg] kl/sNkgfsf ;fy cfkmgf] Joj;fo jf ;f]r nfO{ cuf8L a9fpg] of]hgf ul/ /x]sf 5g . ;]t axfb'/ e'n k|b]z ;+of]hs,;'b'/klZrd k|b]z jftfj/0f tyf hnjfo' cg's'n ljsf;df g]kfnL o'jf sfo{qmd
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Surkhet, the capital of Karnali province, is a key gateway to destinations like Humla, Jumla, and Simikot. This growing urban area features a picturesque landscape similar to the Kathmandu Valley, characterized by clustered concrete structures nestled amidst hills and greenery on the outskirts. Renowned as a hub for various international and national non-governmental organizations, Surkhet is a bustling center of developmental activities. Despite the beautiful serenity, beautiful landscape, and warm-hearted people, Surkhet faces a significant issue with Municipal Solid Waste. Upon arriving in Surkhet on October 29th, I was captivated by the scenic view from the flight, featuring lush green fields. However, Soon after I walked out of the airport, I saw a pile of open waste burning consisting of plastics and papers. During my autorickshaw journey to the hotel, I noticed a couple more piles of waste burning. The following day, as I delved into my research, I noticed many itinerant buyers travelling on cycles with heaps of recyclable materials barely able to hang at the rear. Generally, people from Madhesh Province are mostly involved as itinerant buyers or cycle hawkers commonly referred to as ‘kawadi’. I initially imagined Surkhet a bit different from any other place of far west but as I explored the rural wards, the commercial wards, institutions, and stakeholders; it turned out to be like Kathmandu Valley. Initially envisioning Surkhet as distinct from other far-western places, my exploration of rural wards, commercial areas, institutions, and stakeholders revealed a similarity to the waste challenges faced by the Kathmandu Valley. Here are the stories I captured: In a conversation with the owner of Surkhet's second-largest scrap center, I discovered that urbanization has been on the rise, leading to a gradual shift in waste composition. Nowadays, he receives a higher volume of metals and iron. He employs seven itinerant buyers who sometimes even travels to neighboring districts to collect recyclables. To run a informal recycling sector is hard but he enjoys his work, as he feels that he is helping the environment and also making money off of it. I visited the landfill situated in ward 1 of the municipality and talked with a few waste pickers. Most of them have been working in this sector for only about couple of years. It is easy to be involved in this sector and does not require many skills but there are risks of bruises, cuts, musculoskeletal pain if one does not focus on occupational safety measures. I had the opportunity to interview KP Dhakal, a biogas energy expert who recently entered the waste management sector. He set up a biogas plant on the outskirts of the municipality and is actively encouraging fuel-powered autorickshaws to switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Dhakal collects organic waste from the vegetable market and nearby households to produce biogas. He envisions that the biogas generated from his plant will contribute to the transition towards green energy in Surkhet. Surkhet stands as a city of immense beauty and untapped potential. Yet, it becomes important to actively engage in efforts aimed at resource preservation to uphold the city's dignity and sustain its dignity and nature.
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The informal sector primarily revolves around the waste management industry, where individuals engage in the collection, sorting, and sale of recyclable materials to generate income. These informal workers operate independently, without direct ties to formal organizations or sectors. My encounter with these waste workers and participants in the informal sector was a truly eye-opening experience. It shed light on the distinctive manner in which they conduct their tasks, their unique work processes, their work environments, and the way they are perceived and treated by both society and local authorities. Despite their pivotal role in managing waste, a crucial aspect of urban life, they are often marginalized and stigmatized. Local governments sometimes subject them to discrimination, even prohibiting their access to certain areas. This restrictive treatment is due in part to the unfortunate involvement of some informal sector workers in unlawful activities. In our discussions, these individuals candidly shared the hardships they face on a daily basis. They are frequently denied their basic rights, and their children encounter resistance when attempting to enroll in boarding schools, despite their parents' financial capability. The desire to embark on entrepreneurial endeavors remains largely unrealized due to inadequate financial support, compelling them to accept low-paying jobs. Furthermore, they often struggle to receive regular and fair compensation for their hard work. Regrettably, their significant contributions to society frequently go unnoticed, with many people unfairly branding them as thieves and using derogatory terms to refer to them. This issue extends beyond waste workers, affecting even the owners of Informal Recycling Centers (IRCs). It is disheartening that these individuals find themselves accused of deeds they have not committed and are readily judged by society. Local authorities often take action without concrete evidence. Notably, many of these informal workers reside in the locality of the Bagmati corridor area, where these challenges are particularly prevalent.
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This August, the Creasion team organized a field trip to Chitwan in order to welcome five new schools into the Waste Smart School initiative as part of the Recycler Saathi project together with goodwill ambassador Parakram Rana and actress Shilpa Maskey. The visit to the local office also gave the colleagues from Kathmandu the chance to spend a day with the Chitwan chapter of Volunteer For Change and create the yearly curriculum with the Waste Smart School Teachers. The trip was kicked off by a day with the young volunteers in Chitwan who were eager to share their experiences and impressions from working on local recycling initiatives. During an interactive session on the concept of circular economies and plastic circularity in Nepal, the volunteers got to discuss their new insights on sustainable development practices. During this session, they also brainstormed a variety of long-term approaches to move towards circular economies in Nepal. They then got to implement the new learnings creatively by developing innovative business ideas in smaller teams, and even had the unique chance to pitch their ideas to Mr. Aanand Mishra, Founder and President of Creasion; Ms. Sujata Koirala, General Secretary of Creasion; Mr. Parakram Rana, Goodwill Ambassador of Creasion; and Ms. Shilpa Maskey, a renowned artist and actress of Nepal. During the afternoon, the volunteers also got to engage with the senior management and celebrity guests through keynote speeches and Q&A sessions. The successful and intensive day was concluded by photo opportunities with the celebrity guests and dinner at Creasion’s Innovation Hub. Over the following two days, the Creasion teams from Chitwan and Kathmandu, graced by the presence of our celebrity guests, had the honor of visiting and participating in the inaugurations of five schools to recycler Saathi’s Waste Smart School program. By joining this program, the schools share a Memorandum of Understanding with Creasion on implementing recycling practices and engaging their students through Waste Smart Clubs. Each club consist of eleven highly motivated students who are committed to raising awareness on the importance of recycling. During the inauguration, the club members and their fellow students participated in an oath taking ceremony and received the necessary equipment to set up their clubs, such as Waste Smart School Club kits, dustbins, notice boards, and seed money. Thanks to Janajagriti Secondary School, Ratnanagar-14; Dwarikadas Secondary School, Ratnanagar-14; Malpur Secondary School, Sauraha, Ratnanagar-7; Shree Bishwa Prakash Secondary School, Bharatpur-15; and Shree Rastriya Adharbhut Bidhalaya, Bharatpur-4, the Waste Smart School initiative is able to expand its reach to the distinguished schools and communities. This way, students from a young age get to learn about the importance of environmental protection practices such as sustainable waste management, engage with their peers and communities by implementing recycling practices, and enhance their educational experience by participating in Waste Smart Clubs.
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Kathmandu is a place of opportunities, people from all walks of life, and different cultures. Knowing this there are Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes, and Entertainment Hubs that cater to this population, meaning a lot of waste PET plastic bottles. This is where the HoReCa initiative comes in. After thorough planning and a lot of discussions, we started the HoReCa initiative where we would collect and pay the partnered institutions a certain rate for their collected bottles. Initially, I underestimated this initiative as we know that the municipality and local waste vendors manage and circulate the waste plastic. However, much to my surprise, the HoReCas were quite informed about waste PET plastic. So much so that some of the institutions did ask us whether we are only using the plastic for profit. When we gave them our pitch, they were greatly inclined to give us their waste PET bottles. We developed 25 partnerships out of which 60% free extractions and 40% paid extractions. On average we would collect 90kgs to 175 kgs from the established partnered institutions. Looking at the way institutions function, we can greatly make a difference when it comes to making different HoReCas and entertainment hubs Waste Smart. Imagine the difference we can make with greater partnerships!
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A comprehensive fire safety training, specifically focused on firefighting techniques, was recently organized for our dedicated baling staff, sorting unit staff, and the Regional team. As part of the training initiative, a fire extinguisher system was also installed at our esteemed regional office. Through this training program, we aimed to educate our baling staff, sorting unit staff, and the Regional team about the various aspects of fire safety, including fire prevention techniques, early detection methods, proper usage of fire extinguishers, and evacuation procedures. Recognizing the paramount significance of safeguarding the well-being of our waste workers at their job sites, CREASION has diligently organized Fire Safety Training sessions as a pivotal component of their comprehensive training program. These specialized training are thoughtfully designed to fortify and equip our waste workers with the necessary knowledge and skills, ensuring they remain resilient and well-prepared in the face of potential hazards. By prioritizing their safety, we aim to foster a secure and protected environment, elevating the standard of occupational training across various fields and occupations.
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Creasion Nepal and Recycler Saathi successfully conducted Occupational Safety Training and Health Camp for Waste Workers in the scrap centers of Chitwan district with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation. 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. 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 kit, and dignity kits. \ It also included an awareness session on basic hygiene and potential occupational risks followed by a medical health check-up. 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.
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On February 18, 2022, the CREASION team headed to Budhanilkantha to organize an Occupational Safety Training and Health Camp for the waste workers of Budhanilkantha. Waste Workers face many occupational challenges which are not addressed most of the times. In order to address these challenges and tackle any occupational and safety challenges, the team conducted the training to teach about the safety measures to take while working in the scrap centers, handling of any health emergencies as well as using of fire extinguishers and handling cases of fire properly. Recycler Saathi acts as an ally to uplift the occupational condition of the waste workers with the support of The Coca-cola Foundation and Bottlers Nepal Ltd.
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The collection of post-consumer waste is handled by the informal waste management sector involving the poorest communities in Nepal. The human resources working in this sector are exposed to occupational vulnerabilities and compromised hygiene practices. Prolonged exposure to hazardous and infectious waste materials, sunlight, electrical and heavy-duty machinery operation, long and uneven working hours, poorly timed and unwholesome eating habits, accompanied by socio-economic and psychological stress are some of the factors contributing to their appalling quality of life. Consequently, they are subjected to higher occupational safety risks and health risks compared to other working sectors. On the occasion of World Health Day 2021 (April 7), CREASION, in support of The Coca-Cola Foundation and Bottlers Nepal (Terai) Limited, organized a three-day Occupational Safety Training and Mobile Health Camp from April 6 to April 8, 2021, with an aim to formalize the informal waste management ecosystem, provide occupational safety training and a free health screening to the waste workers. The training was designed as a part of the Recycler Saathi 2.0 activity component - Strengthening of Baling Center and Informal Waste Workers. The team included a licensed doctor to reach out to a total of 74 waste workers at five different waste scrap centres in Satungal, Teku, Imadol, and Jorpati. The waste workers included young and middle-aged men and women. The occupational safety training included a session to provide instructions to the waste workers on how to properly use safety amenities such as safety gear - shoes, gloves, mask, reflector jacket and cap, first aid, dignity kits and fire extinguishers, workplace etiquette, and basic hygiene awareness. The scraps centres were also equipped with safety amenities as a means to avoid workplace risks. In addition to that, as an awareness tool, infographics with the name of the scrap centre and basic safety protocols were also provided at each location. The training was followed by a one-to-one basic health screening of each of the participants by Dr. Anuj Raj Kadel through the mobile health camp. The doctor also provided medical and psychological consultations as required. The most common issue among all the participants was high blood pressure caused by daily alcohol consumption, smoking and chewing tobacco. Similarly, few of them complained about back pains and body aches induced by heavy weight lifting, which could lead to problems associated with bad posture. Although none of the trainees were malnourished, most of them had problems caused by dehydration prompted by long working hours under direct sunlight. As a preventive measure, the doctor recommended all the participants get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus, tetanus, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. The female waste workers were provided with reusable sanitary pads with its instruction to use and advantages. This session also shed light on the lack of knowledge about health care, sanitation, and food habits among the waste workers. Besides training and health examination, the trainers connected with the waste workers to understand their working mechanism, the reason for joining the sector, and their opinion about the informal waste sector. One of the waste workers, Mr. Naresh Rokka said, “The salary that I get here as a waste collector is considerably higher than what I used to earn as a driver. My wife suggests that I stop working as a waste worker because of society’s perception towards waste workers but I don’t see a point in settling for less income because I don’t want my salary to be the reason why my children are denied a proper education.” The training couldn’t be more apt considering the second wave of the COVID-19 virus. Now is the best time for the waste workers to make a move towards full implementation of the learnings to stay safe and secure while working in possible risky situations.
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Dear Nepalis, Not to come off as hostile, but what happened to the passion and drive that you showed in posting “Nepal will rise again” pictures just a year back in reference to the April-May earthquakes that brought Nepal crashing down onto its knees. What happened to the sympathy you showered your social media news feeds with? The number of clothes you donated out of empathy? The statuses, the tweets, the news bulletins shared? Have they turned into lame complaints about the government’s inability to take action? For the past two weeks now, my newsfeed has seen large traffic of its posts by international news agencies shed light on the pitiful state of our country’s reconstruction programs. But I think we’d all expected the result of a government-based program that was so heavily funded. So that’s not where the disappointment stems from. Not the local disappointment at least. The ‘problem’ right now seems to be the lack of local – and by that, I mean Nepali, not just based on your geographical proximity – support in the ongoing reconstruction programs being conducted by private NGO’s like Creasion itself. While a few volunteers may pop up from time to time, people arrive on-site only if their friends are coming or if they are promised community service hours. That is the compassionate approach that Nepalis have with regards to helping their own brothers and sisters. That is the attitude that has left us lacking in stark comparison with many drastically developing countries. But the easiest way out is to casually push our responsibilities aside and blame the government. Which as reliable as it is in making use of its enormous amount of funds, is not the only body you should be pointing your fingers at (although four fingers would always be pointing in the right direction) when the blame for a recovery period not up to expectations is brought into the light by media. So I’m not going to bring up what needs to be done now. That should be a common understanding. It should reflect the passion shown in the posts on your timeline from April through June. And if you don’t know where to start, google it, ask your friends, but act on your words. Try to help fulfil your pledge to rise again and we will. If you want to make a difference in the lives of these earthquake-affected villagers, come join us, or any other NGO supporting the cause in making sure Nepal stands tall for once.
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Burunchuli is a small and beautiful village located in Lalitpur, just bit farther then Sunakoti. We had the privilege to visit this village quite recently on the 2nd of September, Friday. We visited the school first in order to figure out our program for the upcoming literacy day on the 8th of September. All the children were more than happy and enthusiastic to participate in all activities they were asked about. They were all very frank and did not hesitate to raise questions and ideas. Soon after finishing the work at school, we headed off towards the houses which were being rebuilt for the villagers after their houses were affected by the earthquake. This program is being conducted by the RFC (Rebuild for Change) program – a joint initiative of Creasion and Rotary Club of Jawalakhel Manjushree. The houses all looked well-built and sturdy; the design was properly thought out as well. The environment was so much cleaner and calmer than we had expected it to be. We saw how the bricks were made for the construction of the houses and we had a go at making a few as well. The process was so easy and quick, and the results were remarkable. All the bricks were made by the women of the village. Being a woman we personally felt soo good to see women out there were self-dependent. Just as strong as the houses were, so were the people of Burunchuli. They were enthusiastic and gave all their hard work for the making of their new houses. Even the elderly were filled with zest and energy. For example, as we were taking pictures of the surroundings and people we asked an old lady, round about the age of 70, to look into the camera for a picture and without any hesitation, she posed like any young girl would have posed for the camera. Our first trip to Burunchuli was amazing, and we surely wouldn’t mind going there again.
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To celebrate the International First Aid Day, we, the VFC Team, accompanied by Mr. Krishna Sharma , in charge of the nearby health post went to Burunchuli to spread awareness on the importance of giving proper first aid which was conducted for the upper grades and a hand washing program targeted for the lower grades of Shree Bhimsen Madhyamik School, Burunchuli, lalitpur . Around 100 eager to learn and enthusiastic students showed up for the programs. We started moving early in the morning at around 8 from the office. It was a very rainy day and we were all drowsy and wanted to snuggle inside our beds with a cup of coffee but once we had a quick breakfast break we were all energized. We reached Burunchuli at around 11 and started the program at around 11:30. We started with the hand wash program for kids by teaching them step by step ways to not only wash their hands for the sake of washing hands but to kill germs.The second part of our program started at around 1:30. We conducted the first aid program for children above grade 5. The children were taught temporary ways to take care of injuries when the hospital maybe too far away. At the end of the program the principal of the school Mr. Aatma Ram Ghimire spoke a little bit about what he felt about the program and some words from his point of view. CREASION also gave them a box of materials that could be used for sanitation which included objects such a disinfectants, toilet cleaning brushes etc.Both programs were led by Mr. Krishna and VFC program Officer. It was an enriching sessions and we received positive feedback from the kids which was our main aim.
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The plan looked perfect on the email, the night before: the creasion team was to assemble at HQ by 6:30 a.m., but of course, things played out quite differently the next day. Although we did manage to gather everyone together in time to reach the village according to our best case scenario following our worst case situation, everything felt rushed and disorganized. We let the situation sink in and worked through that patch as the harmony returned and the team began to tick to its beat. An hour gone, we’d set up the tables, set up the food, cleaned up our stations, and cleaned up our shoes. Now came the hardest part: engaging with the members from Rotaray Club of Manjushree. But me and the rest of the team that’d come from the office today could relax and sit back for a while, for here, Aanand Dai would shield us from questions and inquiries- he knew best. Another hour gone, our wait was finally over. The President of Rotary International was finally there. But there was tension in everyone’s face. Our chief guests had arrived, but from a completely different entrance than the one we expected. After a fair bit of running and shifting, and some time spent regaining our composure, the program was finally underway. As Aanand Dai and Bhushita Didi mingled with our guests, I rushed to the make-shift kitchen with a few volunteers from Rotract to make last-minute checks on our preparations. We were prepared. We began setting up the table around the meeting hall (also makeshift) as the Rotarians flowed in to get a bite of what our program. We watched from aside as the minutes ticked by and the program reached the end of what had been a mentally draining 4 hours. The fact that the sun was right above our heads in a day that promised of being gloomy didn’t work well with the thick layers of clothes we had tied ourselves to. Sweat dripping off our foreheads, we gave a sigh of relief as we took part in the final photograph taken before Aanand Dai and co. left with the guests from Rotary for a presentation. We wrapped things up back in the village, helping clean things up as our stomachs cried “no more.” But we were rewarded for sush-ing our bellies as we were served one of the best plates of Daal-Bhaat-Achaar I’d tasted in a very long-long time. As we stood in the sun to ease up our muscles after a tense 15 minute period of gorging down on the food, we met two of the most cheerful little people in Burunchuli- Sani and Dolma. With them, Lopsang Dai, Sushmita Didi and I played Inti-Mintu London ma and sang the most popular song in Burunchuli- “Simple Simple Kanchi ko” we got a glimpse of how friendly the people there were and got exactly why Burunchuli was always called the perfect pilot project. We didn’t want to, but we had to leave in a while though. The kids asked to be taken back to the office with us but of course we couldn’t risk being jailed for it. So we said our goodbyes and our “until next time”s to Burunchuli and its lovely people and head off home.
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This is a short extract from our Finance and Admin Officer Lopsang Dorje Lama’s Weekly Progress Report. This week nothing much was done as planned. Sonam had returned from Dhading during the second half of Sunday and went on settling the 2nd and 3rd advance taken for the dhading school project. Next advance was approved on Wednesday and preparation was done to leave for the field visit. At 9 am on Thursday, we head out for Dhading. Shankar’s driving made me feel nauseous for the most part of the afternoon. Part Payment was made to the Cement and TMT supplier; Next payment will be final. Then we had lunch at Malekhu, Prem dropped us at Adamghat and he left. One of the few reasons I decided to go for field visit was that I was enthusiastic to get a glimpse of program officer’s work there. After an hour and half’s hike from Adamtar Sonam and I reached Aamdaada. He probably would have done it quicker without me. Work in progress looked great. All the plastering is supposed to finish on Sunday at Aamdaad and all old labours and masons agreed to volunteer the Sunday’s work. As for Mulabari the work is planned to finish on Monday/Tuesday. I had planned to go to Mulabari the same day, but was exhausted and the nausea hadn’t left from earlier. I hadn’t worn out completely so I decided to leave early next morning. The villager who served food to our program officers daily at Aamdaada apparently went to Adamtar early in the morning so we had to wait for breakfast. The day began late and thus Sonam and I reached Mulabari late. Mulabari’s work looked little slower but it is understandable given the difference in area of the two schools. After returning from mulabari we sat down with Pushpa khatiwada (Tractor/carriage service provider) to discuss about all the transactional anomalies. We had direct approach, had heated exchange of arguments but he didn’t confess anything and was stiff on his ground proclaiming repeatedly to be honest. We couldn’t get any cuts on his pre-agreed rate. I drafted an agreement with him about his involvement in the project. It had to be done because he wasn’t registered service provider and amount of transaction with him was huge. I had planned to return afterwards but it was already late afternoon and I was also tired after walking 45 minutes back and forth Mulabari and Aamdaada so decided to stay the night. Next Day we had scheduled meeting with Block vendor. Issue of 721 block was settled as follows. Total number of Blocks procured for entire project was 4079, out of which 721 was sub-standard. 121 had immediately been returned that same day. Although I pushed on not paying any money for rest of the 600 blocks, weakness on our part was that some of it was already used, so payment had to be made anyway. However, since the blocks were sub-standard and carriage cost involved was our loss, we held it against the block supplier. So cutting to the chase we decided on paying for 290 blocks out of 600. Block vendor have been fully paid. Afterwards I returned Kathmandu. There are so many things to discuss on the “lesson learnt from the project” after Sonam and Kaushal returns however my quick observation on my 2 days’ stay are as follows. – Program officer’s life is rather difficult. Dealing with supplier, mason & labor, sleeping in a not-so comfortable tent for months, having limited option with food, tiring landscape etc. – Our estimations regarding everything was based on “best case scenario”, they didn’t involve considering the other possible factors that could have brought about undesirable outcomes which could directly/indirectly hamper the project’s completion on time. – Life insurance and robbery & theft insurance are immediately needed for those who travel frequently during the project.
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