12th December 2024, Kathmandu
The Hult Prize is an annual global competition to inspire young minds to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. The Pulchowk Campus branch has an exciting calendar of events planned for 2025, focusing on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Creating a More Inclusive World
A recent impactful event conducted by the team at the Center for Disabled Children Assistance (CDCA) Kapan left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
The Center for Disabled Children Assistance (CDCA) in Budhanilkantha-11, Kathmandu, Nepal, has been a non-governmental organization (NGO) since 2006. This organization is dedicated to the education and skill development of children with disabilities. CDCA provides comprehensive care and support, including accommodation, education, and essential services. Additionally, the center distributes wheelchairs, and disability aids, and offers free medical treatment and scholarships to financially disadvantaged children.
Dendi Sherpa is the dedicated chairman of CDCA. His commitment to social work and efforts in campaigns to prevent disabilities has led to the establishment of this valuable support platform for the community. His story illustrates how determination can lead to meaningful change in the world.
On the occasion of International Disability Day, the Hult Prize at IOE, Pulchowk Campus organized a wonderful event on December 7 (Saturday) for differently-abled students from CDCA. Sixteen students, aged between six and twenty years, participated in the event. In collaboration with the Rotaract Club of KIST Medical College, the event offered free health checkups, consultations, and medications to ensure the well-being of the students. Sahayatri, our supporting partner, also provided medical kits, including medicines, masks, sanitizers, ointments, oral rehydration, and mosquito-repellent creams for the participants. Sahayatri is a social enterprise that provides global health literacy for all. It is an organization dedicated to the well-being of humankind founded by Sareesha Shrestha and co-founded by Saisha Shrestha. Further conversations with the students during the event highlighted their dreams and talents, showcasing their remarkable resilience.
As the day progressed, the organizing committee engaged the children with creative and fun face-painting sessions. The event also included a screening of documentaries and informational videos on topics like good and bad touch, trusting appropriate individuals, and fostering optimism for a brighter future. The atmosphere became even more vibrant when the center’s music teacher joined, allowing the students to enjoy a delightful time dancing and singing together with the organizing committee of the Hult Prize. A special Italian guest, Chiara Parton, an environmental economist, was also present from the Hult Prize team at IOE, Pulchowk Campus, to cover this event. She interacted with the children, appreciated the initiative, and also enjoyed herself singing and dancing with the children. The joy on the faces of these innocent children was truly mesmerizing as they sang with heartfelt emotion.
During break time, the students enjoyed frozen momo and achar, generously sponsored by Monster Meal, Kathmandu, known for its delicious offerings like hot wings and spicy chicken sandwiches.
A heartfelt thank you to all the supporters and sponsors: Monster Meal, the Rotaract Club of KIST Medical College, Sahayatri Nepal, Bhairav Trade Concern, CDCA Nepal, and the Organizing Committee of the Hult Prize at IOE-Pulchowk Campus. Your contributions made this event a tremendous success and have helped in creating a better world for everyone.
This event was an eye-opening experience for everyone involved, highlighting the urgent need for the government to prioritize inclusive education for all children with disabilities. It emphasized the importance of creating a truly inclusive world for individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to raise awareness that various organizations are tirelessly working for the betterment of these students. If the government collaborates with such organizations, we can undoubtedly manage this process effectively, marking a significant step forward for society.
The event was dedicated to the well-being of the students and served as an initiative to inspire gratitude for the small things that many take for granted. While these little things may seem ordinary to some, they can hold significant meaning for others worldwide. It was an impactful event aimed at fostering empathy towards those students and taking steps toward creating a more disability-friendly world. They deserve to be treated with respect and admiration for their bravery in living life to the fullest, while some complain about minor inconveniences despite having all the facilities. Let’s unite to follow the roadmap for creating a better world. Together, we can surely bring change.
For more: Creating a More Inclusive World