Since I started ChangeFusion Nepal, it has mostly been work 365 days, so my New Year resolution for 2012 was to give time to myself atleast on weekends. What I did not know was that destiny had something else planned for me - I landed up working on all the weekends in January.
 
The 1st weekend, I went to Pokhara to meet Khom Raj Sharma who is visually impaired. This visit inspired and amazed me at the commitment Khom had, to use his knowledge of IT to educate as many individuals like him. In order to provide a platform to other visually impaired individuals, Khom plans to start a hub where they can come and access the internet as well as visit the café. We are now in the process of designing a   sustainable venture plan with him.
 
 My 2nd weekend went in meeting Sabita and her team in Kirtipur. Sabita together with women from Kirtipur currently income generate by selling knitted products. Seeing their dedication and hard work, CFN decided to introduce them to a Thai Designer who came up with exciting and innovative products which was not limited to just knitting. Earlier Sabita’s products were limited to just winter but now, with the help of the designer we see limitless possibilities for her and a great start to new summer products.
 
The 3rd weekend, was reserved for Pushpa (CFN Fellow 2009) and her kids who were going to foray in to the world of art with the support of Paul, an artist from UK. As an additional income generating source and with the aim of making Pushpa’s organisation ECDC sustainable in the long run, we will be launching  greeting cards, post cards and paintings made by the inmates children supported by ECDC. When I saw their art work, it was just magical, as if the pictures were speaking the children’s voice.
 
The last weekend, was a trip to Banepa to meet Ritu (Youth Action Fund Grantee 2011) and her team. After receiving the YAF grant, the team is working on a project involving students of 3 colleges in Banepa for a drama concerning students and drug abuse. It was quite an eye opener to learn about the different reasons behind such abuse and its consequences.
 
My New Year resolution did not last, but if weekends are so productive then I cannot complain!
 
Luna