Here's a good article that highlights how major environmental issues in Kathmandu are a result of decades-prior, seemingly well-meaning initiatives. As we look at environmental solutions to address our countless maladies, it is important to take note of processes that utilize synthetic means. They may not always have the intended impact.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laurence-leamer/nepals-horsemen-of-the-ap_...

Here's the story of a lady from Trinidad, and a group of volunteers, who saved an species of turtles from extinction by fighting against cruel local customs and poaching practices.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/05/28/cnnheroes.suzan.lakhan.baptiste/index...

KATHMANDU: In an effort to increase the youth’s access to quality jobs by linking training providers, employers, and youth, USAID/Nepal, have launched a website, www.jobsfirst.org.np” monday.

For full story, visit:
http://thehimalayantimes.com/MostpopularNews.php?mostp=1&headline=Websit...

Upgrading oral hygiene and dental care in rural Nepal is long overdue

KONG YEN LIN

Since having her first phase of crown treatment and dental fillings eight months ago, Chapagaun resident Ani Desar is yet to return to the dentist for a follow up appointment.

"I'll probably wait until it starts hurting again," says the 18-year-old. Desar may lack awareness of prevention, but she is luckier than most rural Nepalis who have no dental care at all.

There are now 500 dentists in Nepal, but nearly 80 per cent of them practise inside Kathmandu's Ring Road. Almost all decay is left untreated, causing tooth loss, speech problems and facial disfigurement. Even in the cities, a root canal can cost Rs 5,000, so most Nepalis would rather suffer in silence.

To read full story, visit:
http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/issue/2009/04/22/Nation/15865

New school design could revolutionise classrooms

KUNDA DIXIT in BARDIYA

When Sonam Wangchuk first came to this western Tarai district to look at schools last winter, he was surprised to see the classrooms half empty. When he entered the schools, it was clear why: the rooms were just too cold. He was determined to do something about it.

Wangchuk is from Ladakh and has been working to improve the curriculum and classroom infrastructure in the harsh climate of the trans-Himalayan region of India where the temperature in winter often drops to 10 degrees below zero. But the classrooms stay a toasty 17 degrees in the daytime.

"The problem in the Nepal Tarai is a bit different," Wangchuk says. "You have a temperature variation of 44 degrees in summer and nearly zero in winter. This poses a much bigger challenge." As an engineer, Wangchuk came up with a new design that oriented the classroom to face the sun in winter, and with awnings that shade the windows in summer. The walls are made of compressed mud blocks that retain heat and insulate the rooms.

To read full article, visit:
http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/issue/2008/11/14/Nation/15376/print

Although we are a non-profit organization and currently rely on aid, the article below presents a good perspective on our position on aid as a long-term solution to development. As the interviewee tends to proscribe, we believe in aid that empowers, not just assists.

http://www.guernicamag.com/interviews/954/moyo/

This is not an endorsement of the book (which we have not read) or of any political discussion in the article itself.

We will post links to websites here related to YFN's fields of interest. We do so in the hope that some of you might find some of the stories inspirational in thinking of ideas for YFN projects.