Kathmandu, September 2

The Young Thinkers’ Society, an NGO working for the empowerment of youths, has decided to provide a platform for Nepali youths to execute ideas for solving the current socio-economic challenges faced by Nepal in aftermath of the devastating April 25 earthquake.

As part of the initiative, Nepali youths, both in and outside the country, will be asked to send their innovative ideas on five basic thematic areas, including public health, agriculture, tourism, and education and information technology. Two winning innovative ideas for each thematic subject will be awarded with Rs 50,000 each.

Chewan Rai, founding president of YTS, said the winning youths must develop a small scale pilot project within two-three months by making field visits to the quake hit districts. The youths can also carry out the projects in Kathmandu.

Top five ventures from the concluded pilot projects will receive further funding, investment and grants worth NRs 2.5 million. Expert assistance and materials will also be provided to help the youths executive their innovative ideas.

The Microsoft, Cisco, America Nepal Medical Foundation and Caring Hands Foundation have already started providing technical assistance in the fields of information technology, public health and education. The government and other stakeholders are being approached to garner technical support for tourism and agriculture sectors.

“Restoring Nepal to its former state and transitioning life back to normal is going to be a long and arduous journey, which will require huge amounts of efforts from everyone involved, especially the younger generation,” said Rai, adding that currently, there are hundreds of young people with the desire, motivation and fresh ideas to make a difference.