This site is underconstruction
SMILES is a rural based project managed by an NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) called Help Himalaya (http://www.helphimalaya.org.np/,). The main objective of SMILES is to introduce and implement the combination of technology and socio-economical interventions that may lead to an increased living standard for the people in the rural villages. More than 80% of the people in Nepal live in rural areas and out of them 42% under acute poverty line. Due to the political instability in Nepal, no solid policies and plans have been formulated to reduce poverty. Few NGOs and INGO:s working in Nepal have been able to make significant results in eliminating poverty. We believe communication technology within the reach of the poor and minority people is the most important tool that can bring significant change in the socio-economic status of the people. But technology itself is not sufficient to uplift the living standard of the rural people. We must participate in some more sectors that have direct impact on poor people’s living like rural electrification, education, health and sanitation and community entrepreneurship. SMILES is thus an integrated project targeted to bring significant change in the socio-economic status of the poor people living in the rural and hilly areas in Nepal
.......................................................This site is still under construction ......................
Smies team is proposing a plan. To begin with we will choose a remote place in Nepal with no electricity, no roads and no other basic infrastructures. After that, we will be working step by step in the following ways:
1. Using wireless technologies to provide internet, VOIP telephony service and telemedicine facility.
2. Studying the feasibility of micro hydroelectricity projects and installing generators accordingly.
3. Using solar panels and wind turbines to generate electricity wherever feasible in the absence of hydroelectricity. No 2 and 3 making SMILES into a green energy project.
4. Helping local schools to build infrastructure to upgrade them from primary schools to secondary schools and introducing computer education (computers) to increase the number of students and with the main aim to increase the literacy percentage.
5. Encouraging local people to focus the community to handle all the facilities we can bring to the place.
6. To find out the possibilities of introducing the village as a potential tourism destination and urge local people to invest in various infrastructures needed (hotels, lodges, tea houses, resorts, etc.); such that it can be the source of sustainable economic growth. (If individual investment is not possible then it can be made through the community.)
7. Helping local people to uplift the rural livelihood by supporting the agriculture.
8. Promoting small scale industries based on local resources and agriculture products. E.g. making jams, juices, pickles, carpets, match sticks, stationary products, meat processing, local handicrafts and finding national and if possible international markets.
9. Combining the concept of e-banking and microfinance (Bangladesh’s Nobel Prize Winner’s concept) and develop in the community.
10. Starting local newspapers communicating national and local news, for local product advertising and awareness programmes.\
11. Providing various kinds of training like technical to handle wireless technology and computers, training needed for starting small scale industries etc.
12. Working in coordination with various organisations to provide basic health facilities and medicines.
13. Each and all projects should run in an environmental friendly way.
Kalimati is a small village with population of about 12,00 is located in Jhanga-Jholi Ratamata VDC(Village Development Committee) of Sindhuli district ( we have total of 75 districts) of Nepal. It lies in 27 22 30 N latitude and 85 53 30 E longitude in the geographical location. The surrounding villages are very far and have to be walked up and down hill from Kalimati
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Pilot Phase I
Two solar panels are installed in two schools. The light is there. The toilet has been finished the very recent days and will offer the best sanitation facilities in the village. The villagers have been deeply engaged from the very first sight of the SMILES team, when carrying the panels and the batteries to Kalimati, until the finalizing of the toilet. Now they are asking for more work to do. The SMILES team has proved to be an efficient and hard working team in this first trial. We are especially happy to have a young woman, Neelu Shrestha
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