AI ILAM

Revolutionary Village Transformation: Imagine Initiatives Spark Change Across Ilam **Source: [AI ILAM](http://www.aiilam.blogspot.com/) 🌟 Breakthrough: Imagine Dalit Village Ignites Empowerment Revolution January 1, 2007 | Gajmer Village, Barbote, Ilam In a groundbreaking moment that will reshape community empowerment in Nepal, the Imagine Gajmer Village Initiative has burst onto the scene, marking a historic milestone in Dalit community development. This transformative program, orchestrated by the dynamic local women's savings and credit group in Barbote VDC-2, Vorleni, Ilam, represents the collective aspirations of 17 Dalit households ready to rewrite their destiny. ⚡ Power-Packed Leadership Team The initiative's formation was masterfully facilitated by an elite team of change-makers: - Kishor Rijal - Secretary, Imagine Ilam (Lead Catalyst) - Ms. Pingala Basnet - Social Mobilizer (Community Energizer) - Netra Jyoti Ghatani - Community Champion 🚀 Dynamic Leadership Structure Command Center: 1. Chairperson: Mr. Krishna Bahadur Ghatani (Vision Leader) 2. Secretary: Mr. Gyanendra Ghimire (Operations Chief) 3. Treasurer: Ms. Purna Kumari Ghatani (Resource Commander) 4. Member: Ms. Tulasa Gajmer (Action Catalyst) 5. Member:Mr. Nir Gajmer (Progress Driver) Strategic Advisory Council: - Mr. Padam Kumar Gajmer (Wisdom Guide) - Mr. Netra Jyoti Ghatani (Community Connector) - Ms. Kamala Ghatani (Empowerment Champion) 💥 Game-Changing Vision Declaration In an electrifying closing ceremony, President Krishna Bahadur Ghatani delivered a powerful manifesto that sent shockwaves of inspiration through the community: **"The future of Gajmer Village will be forged from the fires of our positive past, fueled by our unbreakable strength, and propelled by limitless opportunities!"** His passionate emphasis on the transformative power of positive thinking has become the rallying cry for this revolutionary movement. 🔥 Soyang's Spectacular Social Development Surge December 22, 2006 | Soyang Village Development Committee, Ilam 🎯 Infrastructure Revolution Unleashed Imagine Soyang has exploded onto the development scene like a force of nature, simultaneously launching an aggressive physical infrastructure expansion while igniting a positivity pandemic across the region. This isn't just development—it's a complete community metamorphosis! 💪 Strength-Powered Community Mobilization The initiative is electrifying the people of Soyang, unleashing their dormant potential by: - Harnessing Current Strengths - Maximizing existing community assets - Mining Past Wisdom - Extracting golden lessons from historical experiences - Multi-Resource Mobilization - Combining cash, materials, and local resources in an unstoppable development cocktail ⚡ Formation Powerhouse October 2006 witnessed the birth of an 11-member Imagine Soyang juggernaut, launched under the strategic umbrella of the Soyang Collective. This wasn't just a committee formation—it was the assembly of a community transformation task force! 🌟 Prosperity Pipeline Activated Secretary Nar Bahadur Rai's electrifying declaration captures the essence of this revolution: **"Our strength-based progress engine, powered by positive action and visionary leadership, is rocket-fueling Soyang's journey toward unprecedented prosperity!" The community has unleashed an opportunity-hunting mission to architect a completely reimagined Soyang—a beacon of what's possible when positive energy meets strategic action. 🎊 The Ripple Effect These twin initiatives represent more than local development projects—they're launching pads for a regional transformation movement that's redefining what's possible when communities harness the explosive power of positive, strength-based development approaches!

Appreciative inquiry orientation for Constituent assembly election

Appreciative Inquiry Orientation for Constituent Assembly Election August 28, 2007 | Ilam, Nepal Organizational Background and Context The NGO Federation Nepal, District Chapter Ilam, serves as an umbrella organization representing various non-governmental organizations across the district. This federation has played a pivotal role in introducing Appreciative Inquiry methodologies to Ilam and stands as a cornerstone institution supporting Nepal's federal democratic republican movement. Recognizing the critical importance of the upcoming Constituent Assembly elections in shaping Nepal's democratic future, the NGO Federation District Chapter Ilam has been actively implementing various programs focused on the Constituent Assembly (CA) and building an inclusive Nepal for all citizens. Campaign Initiative As part of its comprehensive civic engagement strategy, the federation is currently running an "Empowerment Program for Constituent Assembly from People Level" campaign, designed to strengthen grassroots participation in the democratic process and ensure meaningful community representation in the constitutional development process. Workshop Program Overview Program Title: Empowerment Program for Constituent Assembly from People Level Duration: 2-day workshop and training program Date: August 28, 2007 Venue: Ilam District Appreciative Inquiry Component Within this broader empowerment program, a specialized one-day Appreciative Inquiry orientation was conducted with specific objectives: Primary Goals: - Motivate participants and build enthusiasm for democratic participation - Develop positive attitudes toward the Constituent Assembly process - Equip participants with tools to inspire and motivate their communities - Foster strength-based approaches to civic engagement Participation and Engagement Participants: 19 representatives from various NGOs across Ilam district The orientation featured an interactive format that included: - Success Story Presentations: Three participants shared compelling success stories drawn from community development initiatives and everyday life experiences - Interactive Discussions: Collaborative analysis of positive community transformation examples - Motivational Sessions: Focus on building confidence and optimism about democratic participation Key Outcomes and Insights By the conclusion of the orientation, participants reached significant realizations: Community Awareness Approach Participants recognized that barriers preventing community participation in the Constituent Assembly process must be addressed through strength-based community awareness initiatives rather than problem-focused approaches. Empowerment Strategy The group understood that sustainable democratic participation requires building on existing community strengths, positive experiences, and successful practices rather than dwelling on limitations or challenges. Grassroots Engagement Participants gained clarity on how Appreciative Inquiry methodologies could be effectively applied to motivate and engage communities in the constitutional development process. Facilitation Team The orientation was expertly conducted by experienced Appreciative Inquiry practitioners: - Lead Facilitator: Mr. Kishor Rijal, Secretary, Imagine Ilam - Co-Facilitator: Mr. Nabin Lamichhane Strategic Significance This orientation represents a unique integration of Appreciative Inquiry principles with democratic participation efforts, demonstrating how positive, strength-based approaches can enhance civic engagement and community empowerment. The program established a foundation for more inclusive and effective grassroots participation in Nepal's historic constitutional development process. The initiative showcases the NGO Federation's innovative approach to combining community development methodologies with democratic institution building, creating a model that could be replicated across other districts in Nepal.

Appreciative inquiry learning sharing program

Appreciative Inquiry Learning Sharing Program Regional Context and Background Ilam district has established itself as a leading region in cash crop production, with its agricultural economy built around key commodities including tea, potato, cardamom, milk, Akabare ginger, and broom. Within this productive landscape, Soyang Village Development Committee has distinguished itself as a premier location for milk-based production activities throughout Ilam district. The area benefits from collaborative development efforts through multiple organizations, including Sungava Development Organisation, Local Development Fund, and Soyang VDC, which jointly operate social mobilization programs in the region. Building on this foundation, Imagine Soyang was established in the previous year to further strengthen community-driven development initiatives. Program Overview A comprehensive three-day "Appreciative Inquiry Learning Sharing Program" was successfully conducted by the Umbrella Group Soyang, bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the community to share experiences and build collective capacity. Program Details: - Duration: August 2-4, 2007 - Participants: 34 representatives from various sectors - Organizer: Umbrella Group Soyang Participant Profile The program attracted a diverse group of 34 participants representing key community sectors: - Community Leadership: 26 community-based organization representatives - Education Sector: Local teachers and educators - Political Leadership: Local political leaders and elected officials Training Methodology The program employed an innovative and engaging methodology centered on experiential learning and knowledge sharing: - Success Story Approach: All sessions were conducted through systematic success story telling and collaborative analysis - Best Practice Identification: Participants worked collectively to identify and analyze the most effective practices within their VDC - Interactive Learning: Emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange Facilitation Team The program was expertly facilitated by a skilled team of practitioners: - Mr. Kishor Rijal - Secretary, Imagine Ilam - Ms. Srijana Chapagain - Member, Imagine Ilam - Mr. Rabin Rai - Secretary, Imagine Soyang - Ms. Krishna Kumari Baniya - Social Mobilizer Program Outcomes and Impact By the conclusion of the three-day program, significant outcomes were achieved: Mindset Transformation All participants developed a strong conviction in positive thought-based development approaches, representing a fundamental shift from problem-focused to strength-based community development strategies. Program Expansion Recognition Participants unanimously recognized the value and effectiveness of the program, expressing that similar appreciative inquiry learning opportunities should be extended to all community and political leaders throughout the region. Capacity Building Achievement The program successfully demonstrated how appreciative inquiry methodologies can be effectively applied to identify, analyze, and replicate best practices for sustainable community development. Strategic Significance This learning sharing program represents a significant milestone in community-driven development, showcasing how collaborative learning approaches can transform local leadership perspectives and build collective capacity for positive social change. The program's success in Soyang VDC provides a replicable model for similar initiatives across other communities in Ilam district and beyond.

Training for community workers

Training Program for Community Workers July 25-26, 2007 | Ilam, Nepal Organization Background Sungava Development Organization, based in Ilam, Nepal, stands as a prominent institution in the development sector, spearheading various community development initiatives across the region. The organization specializes in rural drinking water and sanitation programs, with a particular focus on serving communities throughout Ilam district. Training Program Overview As part of its comprehensive capacity-building efforts, Sungava Development Organization conducted an intensive 7-day social mobilization training program designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of its field staff. Program Details: - Duration: 7 days (comprehensive training) - Participants: 15 community workers and technicians - Focus: Practical, hands-on training methodology - Approach: Community-centered development strategies Appreciative Inquiry Component Within this broader training framework, a specialized Appreciative Inquiry (AI) training module was integrated to strengthen the participants' approach to community engagement. AI Training Specifics: - Duration: 1.5 days (July 25-26, 2007) - Facilitator: Mr. Kishor Rijal, Secretary, Imagine Ilam - Methodology: Practical, experiential learning approach Training Methodology The Appreciative Inquiry sessions employed a highly practical and engaging approach, with all training modules structured around: - Success Stories: Real-world examples of positive community transformations - Case Studies: Documented experiences from successful development interventions - Interactive Learning: Participant-centered discussions and analysis This methodology ensured that participants could directly relate the AI principles to their fieldwork experiences and apply strength-based approaches in their community development activities. Training Impact The integration of Appreciative Inquiry principles into the social mobilization training provided community workers and technicians with valuable tools for: - Identifying and building upon community strengths - Facilitating positive community engagement - Implementing development programs based on existing assets and capabilities - Fostering sustainable community-led development initiatives

Appreciative Inquiry Orientation for Youth July 10, 2007 | Ilam, Nepal Program Overview A comprehensive one-day orientation program on Appreciative Inquiry was successfully conducted for 55 young participants representing diverse sectors of youth engagement in Ilam. The program brought together youth from various backgrounds, including: - Student union representatives - Business network youth - Young Communist League (YCL) members - Ladies youth organizations - Young NGO activists - Games and sports enthusiasts Event Details Date: May 26, 2007 Venue: Sungava Resource Hall, Ilam Organizers: Batabaran Chetansil Samaj and Imagine Ilam (Joint Organization) Participants: 55 youth representatives Strategic Context The orientation was organized in response to a significant policy development where the National Planning Commission (NPC) initiated the integration of youth-focused strategies into the Three-Year Interim Plan. This represents a historic milestone in Nepal's development planning, as it marks the first time the NPC has officially recognized youth as a focus group and established a dedicated Youth Chapter in national planning frameworks. Program Focus and Approach Unlike traditional problem-focused approaches to youth policy, this orientation emphasized identifying and building upon the inherent strengths and capabilities of Nepal's youth population. The program recognized that in our contemporary postmodern world, the strength, courage, and potential of Nepali youth serve as fundamental building blocks for creating a transformed Nepal. Key Outcomes By the conclusion of the session, all participants reached a collective understanding that the upcoming Three-Year Interim Plan must: - Formulate policies based on youth strengths and capabilities - Recognize the valuable contributions made by youth during the 11-year armed conflict - Acknowledge youth leadership in the People's Revolution of 2063/64 BS - Build development strategies that harness youth potential rather than merely addressing youth-related challenges Facilitation Team The orientation was expertly facilitated by a skilled team from Imagine Ilam: - Lead Facilitators: - Mr. Kishor Rijal, Secretary, Imagine Ilam - Mr. Devraj Bhardwaj, Member, Imagine Ilam - Co-Facilitator: - Ms. Sirjana Chapagai, Member, Imagine Ilam Significance This orientation represents a paradigm shift in youth development approaches in Nepal, moving from deficit-based thinking to strength-based planning. The program successfully demonstrated how Appreciative Inquiry methodologies can be applied to harness the transformative potential of youth in national development processes.

Birth of imagine dalit village and initiaiton of imagine soyang in social building

Formation of Imagine Dalit Village Initiative in Ilam, Nepal January 1, 2007 | Gajmer Village, Barbote, Ilam A groundbreaking Imagine Initiative was successfully established in Gajmer Village, marking a significant milestone in community empowerment and development. The formation program was organized by the local women's savings and credit group in Barbote VDC-2, Vorleni, Ilam, representing a community of 17 Dalit (scheduled caste) households. Facilitation and Support The initiative formation was expertly facilitated by a dedicated team comprising: - Kishor Rijal, Secretary of Imagine Ilam - Ms. Pingala Basnet, Social Mobilizer - Netra Jyoti Ghatani, Community Leader Leadership Structure The newly formed committee consists of the following members: Executive Committee: 1. Chairperson: Mr. Krishna Bahadur Ghatani 2. Secretary: Mr. Gyanendra Ghimire 3. Treasurer: Ms. Purna Kumari Ghatani 4. Member: Ms. Tulasa Gajmer 5. Member: Mr. Nir Gajmer Advisory Board: - Mr. Padam Kumar Gajmer - Mr. Netra Jyoti Ghatani - Ms. Kamala Ghatani Vision for the Future During the closing ceremony, President Mr. Krishna Bahadur Ghatani made a powerful commitment, stating that the future of Gajmer Village would be built upon the foundation of positive experiences from the past, community strengths, and available opportunities. He emphasized the crucial importance of positive thinking and its transformative power in community development. Imagine Soyang: Leading Social Development Initiatives December 22, 2006 | Soyang Village Development Committee, Ilam The Imagine Soyang initiative has emerged as a driving force in community development, actively working to expand physical infrastructure while promoting a culture of positivity throughout the region. Development Approach The initiative is successfully motivating the people of Soyang to build upon their existing strengths and learn from past experiences. Community members are actively contributing to infrastructural development through various means: - Cash contributions - In-kind donations - Locally available materials and resources Formation and Leadership The 11-member Imagine Soyang committee was formally established in October 2006 under the guidance of the Umbrella Group Soyang. The initiative represents a collaborative effort to transform the community through collective action and shared vision. Progress and Impact According to Secretary Mr. Nar Bahadur Rai, the strength-based approach to progress, combined with positive work ethics and visionary leadership, is successfully guiding Soyang toward greater prosperity. The community is actively exploring new opportunities to build a transformed and thriving Soyang for future generations. This initiative demonstrates the power of community-driven development when built on a foundation of positivity, collective strength, and shared commitment to progress.

Report presented as success story in third summit of Imagine Ilam

Appreciative inquiry district network Ilam


Progress report
(2004-2006)



Prepared by
Kishor Rijal
Secretary
explorer.kishor@gmail.com
Appreciative inquiry district network Ilam


September, 2006




List of abbreviations

NAINN
Nepal Appreciative Inquiry National Network
AIERN
Appreciative Inquiry Eastern Regional Network
SDO
Sungava Development Organization
AI
Appreciative Inquiry
HRDU/DDC
Human Resource Development Unit/District Development Committee
VDC
Village Development Committee


1. Introduction
Appreciative inquiry approach was introduced in Nepal since 1998, as a new tip in the field of development. It is only used as Management holding aspect & planning methodology, in the very beginning. There is not common voice in the field of its application, but nowadays it is practiced as holistic management approach in various fields. So that it’s supreme value is holistic management and positive societal transformation.

Appreciative inquiry emphasizes to protect indigenous, social, cultural, biological and environmental diversities for the positive societal transformation. At 2060, 4, Magh, by the best effort of its practioner Nepal Appreciative Inquiry National Network (NAINN) had formed. Then first national summit was held in 2061, 15, Asoj in Banepa, Budol after the formation of NAINN. The summit released “Banepa Declaration 2061”, which is the guideline for forming regional, district and other networks and imagine initiatives.

In this context, Appreciative inquiry district network/Imagine ilam was formed in the initiation of AI practioners, ngo activists and civil society members at 2060, 25, chaitra. Various activities are conducting to spread out appreciative inquiry all over the district in coordination with NAINN, AIERN, and Sungava Development Organization & Ilam Cooperation Council. The activities are orientation, Training & imagine initiatives formation, its application in different fields to inform its basic concept. And also trying to inquire positiveness, strength, positive thinking to find out best practices from this social lab.

2. Objectives
The district network is working on the base of following objectives.
☺ To spread out appreciative inquiry.
☺ To discuss in the possibilities of its application.
☺ To conduct basic trainings of concept and application of appreciative inquiry.
☺ To initiate to form and expand networks.
☺ To prepare reports & documents as record keeping of activities and programs into the district, send to NAINN & AIERN.

3. Activities
1 District network formation SDO,resource hall, Ilam,1 day,2060, by Ram Rimal
2 District level orientation on AISDO,resource hall, Ilam,1 day,2061,by Buddi Tamang
3 Training on AISDO,resource hall, Ilam5 days,2061,by Dipak Trikhatri & Kuber Niroula
4 Orientation on AI,SDO,resource hall, Ilam,1 day,2062,by Ram Rimal& Kishor Rijal
5 Discussion,SDO,resource hall, Ilam,1 day,2062 by Khibaraj Dahal
6 Discussion on Network membership,SDO,resource hall,Ilam,1 day,2062by Khibaraj Dahal
7 Peace action group formation,SDO,resource hall, Ilam,,1 day,2062,by Khibaraj Dahal
8 Training on AI,HRDU/DDC, Ilam,5 days,2062,by Ram Rimal& Pradip Puri
9 Training for peace action group,SDO,Peace centre, Ilam,3 days,2062,Kishor Rijal
10 Training on AI,SDO,Peace centre, Ilam,3 days,2062,by Kishor Rijal
11 Orientation workshop on AI,Saraswati Ma. Vi., SOYANG,2 days,2063,by Kishor Rijal
Krishna Kumari Baniya
12 Participants selection orientation for third summit,SDO, resource hall,Ilam,1 day
2063,by Kishor Rijal
13 Dalit community orientation on AI,Barbote-2,Gajmer Gaun, Community hall, Ilam
1 day,2063,by Kishor Rijal
14 Participation on first eastern regional summit 2062,Welcome hotel, Biratnagar
2 days,2062 Kishor Rijal, Ram Rimal, Kuber Niroula, Nabin Lamichhane, Dambar Kumari Bhaktaraj,

4. Achievements & Impacts

a) 19 members district network/Imagine Ilam had formed on the base of Banepa Declaration 2061 and feedback from first regional Biratnagar summit 2062.
b) The district level stakeholders developed their skills & got benefit to research, planning & implementation, situation analysis, discussion, concept raising, conflict transformation and daily official activities through appreciative inquiry.
C) Creation of environment to form 2 vdc, 1 municipal and 1 dalit gaun imagine initiatives.
d) 450 ngo activists, local stakeholders, women, dalit, students were benefited from different trainings and orientations conducted by Imagine Ilam.

5. Future Plan

Following activities will be done for coming year.
1 Formation of VDC & Dalit gaun level initiatives.4,Different VDC’s & Places of Ilam
2 Conduct first district summit,1,Ilam
3 Conduct training for women, youth & stakeholders,3Different VDC’s & Places of Ilam
4 Orientation Workshop on AI for VDC secretaries,1 Ilam
5 Training for peace action group,1,Ilam

6. Conclusion & recommendation

The district level stakeholders developed their skills & got benefit to research, planning & implementation, situation analysis, discussion, concept raising, conflict transformation and daily official activities through appreciative inquiry including exploration of life giving forces, spreading out optimism & raising practice of visioning or dreaming through strength.
v In this way, to continue the positive societal transformation campaigning & assisting corporate development of district initiatives; following points should be implemented.
o To spread out the theme of AI, mass media should be used from national level.
o To create new Nepal, A regular sharing forum should be established to share success tips.
o To strengthen the districts and other initiatives, capacity building & supporting projects should be run & professional development of human resources.

Participation in Pokhara summit held at September 8-10,20061
Kishor Rijal
Secretary
Imagine Ilam

Srijana Chapagain
Member
Imagine Ilam

Krishna Kumari Baniya
Member
Imagine Ilam

Chandrakala Guragain
Member
Imagine Ilam

Devraj Bhardwaj
Member
Imagine Ilam

Ram Rimal
Central Member
NAINN

Ghanashyam Khatiwada
Central Vice President
NAINN