Arun Valley Concern Center would like to support tourism efforts throughout the Sankhuwashbha district of Nepal and draw more tourists into the region. In order to help us establish a clear direction forward, we need a good project definition.

What do we want to offer in terms of support to existing tourism agencies?

What support can we offer to the local community to allow them to benefit from the tourists that come through the area?

For our project to move forward, we need to first define what resources and barriers exist in order to appropriately plan a way forward.

Tejanath has been working on an initial SWOT analysis for the project and will post it here as a place to start. Please review the proposed project and background information in our village and help us list items to complete the SWOT analysis.

Earlier this year, the digital camera that was used to visually document exciting news and progress being made at Arrow-Web Hospital was stolen when Bramuel was ambushed by a group of robbers on his way home from a conference. Since that time, he has not been able to replace it.

Within the next year, Notre Dame High School hopes to expand it's vocational training program to offer students invaluable job skills training. One of the things that Christopher has done is conduct an extensive survey of the local community and community needs. There has been some previous discussion about exploring options such as establishing a piggery, planting a garden at the school to support the food requirements of the students while teaching agriculture skills, etc.

Sweet potatoes are commonly grown in Kabondo and are a staple food. The community wanted to learn more about alternative uses for sweet potato, improved or alternative growing methods, and any other information related to varieties, value-added options and so forth.

Please assist the community by gathering information specifically on Sweet Potatoes and:

1. Nutritional value
2. Growing methods and alternatives appropriate in Kabondo
3. Possible alternative uses (such as starch) for income generation
4. Any other relevant information

A large part of our project will revolve around marketing all that the Sankhuwasabha district has to offer. For this task, we are looking for volunteers to help us research and develop a database of trekking agencies located in Kathmandu and also around the world.

Now that we have all the research needed to start a school feeding program, we need assistance in compiling a brief plan for the program. This plan will be used to guide us as well as submit to organizations that may be able to provide funding for our program.

Kyomya has started educating the farmers and provided seeds and tools for through a farmers cooperative. However, one of the biggest obstacles to their success is having a vehicle to transport the cash crops to the market. The farmers cooperative would like to purchase a truck for this.

We require someone to research foundations, organizations or other agencies that may be able to assist with finding a vehicle for the farmers. Alternatively, research ways that the farmers may acquire a vehicle.

Do you know of any organizations that work specifically in water and sanitation? If so, this is the place to list them.

Please provide as much information as you can about the organization including name, website link, email addresses, contact information and a brief overview (what they do, where they work, etc).

This is a place to share experiences, resources, ideas, information, links and any other comments or questions related to hygiene.

This could include posters and other tools or materials that promote hygiene; ideas for for community projects or sensitization; experiences on what your community has already done or plans to do; or any other relevant information.