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.