Malteser felicitated KU volunteers

July 25
Malteser International organized a program today to felicitate Kathmandu University volunteers for their support to Emergency Response Nepal Project, 2015.

Prof. Jha, Dr. Poudel, Prof. Thapa and Mr. Pradhan (from left to right)   Photo: Khagen

Prof. Bhola Thapa, Registrar of KU, expressed happiness for the students' contribution and thanked them for their engrossment in helping the needy people in the post-earthquake situation. "Our students' have shown," he said, "how the energy of young students, which has sometime been used to political sloganeering and shutdown, can be used to contribute to our society". He added, "Our University decided to immerse in the relief work immediately after the quake: KU family was involved in many ways. We decided to send our students to quake affected places by adopting the philosophy of 'teaching outside the class'. And, we will continue working in this model". Prof. Thapa also extended thanks to Malteser International. "This collaborative work has been one of the most successful projects in the University, and this has encouraged us to continue working with Malteser in the second phase also," he stated. 

Prof. Thapa addressing the program    Photo: Khagen

Mr. Bijay Shrestha, Program Coordinator at Malteser International, extended thanks to KU and the students. Stating briefly about the history of Malteser's help to Nepal, he said, "we started our work with cross-border help to the flood victims of Koshi dam break". Expressing delight for collaborative work with Kathmandu University after the quake, he said, "The first phase of work was a great experience". He appreciated KU students for their dedication, patience, and ever readiness during their volunteering.

Mr. Shrestha felicitating KU volunteers    Photo: Khagen

Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, the Director of SWD, expressed gratitude to KU students, Malteser International, and Kathmandu University for the successful completion of the first phase of the project. "Our students' performance," he added, "has made us proud." He added, "the success has paved way for the second phase of collaborative work with Malteser." Acknowledging encouraging and positive response from KU authority, Prof. Jha said, "Our Registrar sir always signaled us to go ahead, which added avidness to our determination."   

Prof. Jha expressing delight    Photo: Khagen

Dr. Durga Prasad Paudyal, Chairman of Rural Self-reliance Development Centre expressed his appreciation for the contribution of KU students. "You have changed my perspective about KU students," he said and added, "I had thought that you all are pampered and thus incapable of doing hard and physical work." He admired their dedication, readiness, and execution of works. "KU deserves thanks for fostering such youth; I am sure these future leaders can change our country." Meantime, he advised the students to make up their mind to stay in the country instead of aspiring for life abroad. 

Dr. Poudel appreciating students' work       Photo: Khagen

Speaking on behalf of the student, Mr. Saroj Neupane shared volunteers' experience. He said that working with Malteser provided them chance to understand what it means to work for the needy people.

During the program                 Photo: Khagen

Follow-up Meeting Held in Central Campus

July 16
A follow-up meeting of functional team formed on 29 April is held today in the Central Campus.The meeting led by Prof. Bhola Thapa, Registrar of the University, reviewed the functioning of the teams and decided to formulate working strategy for the coming days.

Prof. Thapa chairing the meeting               Photo: Khagen

Addressing the meeting, Prof. Thapa thanked the members of the functional teams for their work and emphasized on the need for documentation. "We need to have exhaustive document pertaining to the affect of the earthquake and our activities thereafter," he emphasized.  

Members of the team       Photo: Khagen

Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, Director of SWD, briefed about the activities of volunteers from different schools. The volunteers served eight units: 75 volunteers in Dhulikhel Hospital; 25 in TTC, CEP and Wash Project; 15 in the Department of Civil and Geomatic Engineering; 15 in Dhulikhel, Tundikhel; 20 in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering; 60 for Malteser International; 5 for communication; and 10 as mobile volunteers.  "This is as per the information provided to SWD," he said and added that information from all the schools and students will be updated.

Dr. Prachand Man Pradhan, Acting Head of Department of Civil and Geomatic Engineering (DCGE), informed about the work of DCGE. "Our Department assessed the damages of KU buildings in the Central Campus, Hattiban, Balkumari, and Dhulikhel," he said and added, "we carried out Rapid Visual Assessment of public's buildings in Banepa, Panauti and Panchkhal.  

*detail soon

Malteser International to Help in the Second Phase: Students Expressed Delight for the First Phase Volunteering

July 10
Malteser International announced second phase of help for the earthquake affected people during a review meeting held in KU today.

Delegates and volunteers during the meeting       Photo: Khagen  

In the meeting attended by SWD Director and Associate Directors, the delegates from German Embassy in Kathmandu, and representatives from Malteser International, student volunteers expressed happiness for successful completion of the first phase of work. The students said, "it is a matter of pride to be a part of a project which provided relief materials to 10,600 families.

Prof. Jha speaking in the meeting   Photo: Khagen

Mr. Wolfgang Hruschka addressing the meeting  Photo: Khagen

Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, the Director of SWD, welcomed delegates and volunteers in the program. Inaugurating the meeting, Prof. Jha briefed about the first phase of the work.

Mr. Wolfgang Hruschka from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development expressed happiness for the successful implementation of the first phase of work. He emphasized on the need to work further to help earthquake affected people. Other delegates from German Embassy in Kathmandu consisted of Ms. Jacqueline Groth, Deputy Chief of Mission/ Head of Development Cooperation, Mr. Dirk Steffes-enn, First Secretary/ Deputy Head of Development Cooperation.

On behalf of Malteser International, the meeting was attended by Arno Coerver, Team Leader Emergency Response Nepal, Mr. Bijay Shrestha, Project Coordinator, and Mr. Juergen Focke.

A three member team from KU comprising Dr. Dhurva Gauchan and Er. Diwakar Bista, Associate Directors of SWD was led by Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, the Director of SWD .

We are ready for the second phase work    Photo:Khagen

*detail soon

MSF helicoptor operating from KU ground

June 5: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been operating helicopter from Kathmandu University (KU) football ground to provide relief supplies to mountain villages in Sindhupalchok district.

MSF helicopter about to land             Photo: Khagen

As per the request from Peter Heikamp, Logistic Coordinator of MSF, the University is providing access to football ground, said Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, the Director of SWD. KU security force is also coordinating with ground team of MSF to provide required safety condition for the operation.

MSF ground team loading relief materials   Photo: Khagen

MSF will operate helicopters with shelter/hygiene kits to villages in Sindhupalchowk on 6 June as well. Previously, MSF had operated helicopter from KU on 18, 19 & 26 May.

KU distributed relief materials

Kathmandu University (KU) distributed relief materials to 25 staffs of attendant level on 3 June in the Central Campus.

  Mr. Upadhaya distributing relief materials  Photo: Khagen

Mr. Sunwar distributing relief materials     Photo: Khagen

Speaking in the program, Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, the Director of SWD, informed how the University has been working to serve earthquake affected people in adjacent districts. "This does not mean," he emphasized, "we are not concerned about KU family." The University has formed Relief Material Distribution Committee comprising Dr. Dhurva Gauchan, associate director of SWD, Ms. Jyoti Pradhan, manager human resources, and Mr. Mahendra Niraula, officer, physical facilities. And, as per our plan, we are giving out relief materials to 121 staffs of attended level, he added. He acknowledged Malteser International for providing 100 tents, 50 food baskets, and 50 hygiene kits; Shree Ram Krishna Mission, India for supplying 26 tents, 49 cotton sarees, 25 kitchen utensil sets, and some blankets. He also thanked USAN for their support.

Prof. Jha speaking during the program    Photo: Khagen

Mr. Mukunda Prasad Upadhaya,Chief of Management Service Division, expressed happiness for the fact that there is no human casualty to KU family. "We are lucky in this sense," he said and added, "Our responsibility is to work for the affected Nepali brethren. It would not be ethical to expect for relief materials if we really do not need." He also expressed hope that KU would restore to normal schedule soon. 

Mr. Upadhaya addressing the program   Photo: Khagen

Mr. Harka Sunwar, Officer Malteser International thanked the University for accepting their proposal for collaborative work. He said, "Our service to the affected people has been easier due to this collaboration." He stated that Malteser would continue working for the affected people. "There is a need to accelerate work as the monsoon is starting soon," he said.

Mr. Sunwar during the program      Photo: Khagen

Dr. Dhurva Gauchan, and Er. Diwakar Bista, associate directors of SWD; Mr. Lijesh Regmi, volunteer coordinator, Malteser International were also present during the program.

After relief material distribution    Photo: Khagen

CEP commenced construction of classrooms

Community Education Project (CEP) initiated construction process of classrooms in Methinkot VDC, Dapcha. CEP shall construct two classrooms having capacity of 50 students in each room.

A team from KU visited the construction site on 28 May to start the work.

Photo: Bishal Acharya

* Report from Bishal Acharya (detail soon)

USAN handed over tents

University Sports Association Nepal (USAN) confided 27 tents to Student Welfare Directorate (SWD) in support of the University's service to the quake victims. Mr. Purna Singh Bohara, general secretary of USAN handed over the tents to Dr. Dhurva Gauchan, associate director of SWD and executive member of USAN. Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, the director of SWD & vice-president of USAN, and Er. Diwakar Bista, associate director of SWD were present during the hand over. USAN team met Prof. Bhola Thapa, Registrar of KU after the program.

Photo: Dr. Dhurva Gauchan

Photo: Dr. Dhurva Gauchan

USAN, which was established in 2007, has been working to provide national and international platform for its student members. 

KU volunteers' work published in national media

Volunteers from different schools of Activities of KU volunteers in post-earthquake situation have appeared in national media. On May 27 Himalayan Times published a precis of activities done by a group of KU volunteers. 

Please visit
http://epaper.thehimalayantimes.com/Details.aspx?id=3078&boxid=65434578&dat=5/27/2015
for detail news.

Malteser International signed MoU with KU

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Kathmandu University and Malteser International, Germany on 22 May 2015 to provide relief materials to quake affected areas. The MoU will remain effective till 24 July 2015.

Signed by Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, the Director of SWD and Mr. Arno Coerver, the team leader of Emergency Response Nepal from Malteser International, the Understanding agrees on the issues of providing storage to relief materials, distributing the materials to quake affected people in Kavre and Sindhupalchok districts and mobilizing KU students as volunteers.

Dr. Dhurva P. Gauchan and Er. Diwakar Bista, Associate Directors of SWD and Mr. Bijay Shrestha, project coordinator of Malteser International were also present during the ceremony.

Malteser International among the affected
Malteser International, which came forward as one of the helping hands after devastating earthquake of 25 April 2015, has been serving people affected by the devastation.The activities are being done in collaboration with Kathmandu University.
* detail soon

SWD gave out tents

Student Welfare Directorate (SWD) gave out 15 tents to the quake affected staffs of Kathmandu University on 21 May 2015.

Photo: Dr. Dhurva P. Gauchan

 Altitude Innovations Pvt. Ltd. (Kathmandu) and Ficus Biotech (Kathmandu) sponsored purchase of the tents. Two students of KU Ashish and Rijan had helped to get the tents from market. The tents were handed over by the representatives of the two organizations Er. Diwakar Bista and Mr. Durlav Karki in the presence of SWD Director Prof. Kanhaiya Jha, and Associate Director Dr. Dhurva P. Gauchan.
 

Photo: Dr. Dhurva P. Gauchan

SWD extended thanks to all for their kind cooperation.

KUSL among the quake victims

A group of students from Kathmandu University School of Law (KUSL) were actively involved in various relief works.
- A six member team led by Beenod Shrestha volunteered in Dhulikhel Hospital for three days from 25 April.
- A team of two students led by Abhishek Jha collected relief materials from Dhanusha and Mahottari. The team in collaboration with local organizations collected 3000 kg of relief materials and distributed in Timal VDC of Kavre and Golche of Sindhupalchowk. Nine other students from KUSL joined the group during the distribution of relief materials.

The student groups acknowledge Lions Club of Janakpur and Kavre, Terai Human Rights Defenders Alliance and Amnesty International for their collaboration.

GE working with UAV

Geomatic Engineering (GE) program under Department of Civil and Geomatic Engineering (DCGE) utilized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to acquire aerial images of Panga and Itagol of Kirtipur Municipality and Kuttal of Dhulikhel Municipality.

Mr. Ghimire during conversation     Photo: Shivaji Dhakal

"We produced maps of these places which can be utilized by governmental and non-governmental agencies for relief purposes," said Mr. Subash Ghimire, coordinator of GE program. Talking to our reporters, Mr. Ghimire briefed about the work being done by GE program. Here is a brief of what he told:

Mr. Ghimire: Our first year students are engaged in disaster reporting through android application in nearby areas like Kuttal and Nayagaon. Second and third year students are volunteering with other students in the University. As I have known, they are working in Panchkhal, Nayagaon and Sankhu. GE fourth year students are studying change detection before and after earthquake through satellite imagery, assessing post-disaster situation, and preparing GIS maps using OSM data.

Our masters students in Land Administration (2014 batch) are involved in post-earthquake mapping of ward no. 1 and 11 of Banepa municipality, ward no. 8 of Bhaktapur, ward no. 4 of Bhaktapur, and Gothatar VDC

I request our students to be careful about the accuracy of the location based data. Much appreciation for your work.

* Ujjwal Thapa & Bijaya Poudel

TTC prepared model houses

Faculties and students from different schools in the Central Campus have been working to design shelters of different models. Working in the Technical Training Center (TTC), they have prepared 7 different models. Estimated cost of each type of house along with the materials is given:
1. Dome shaped temporary shelter A
GI pipe frame, outer layer of GI sheet
Estimated cost: 4000 -5000. The house is meant for short term shelter.

 

2. Dome shaped temporary shelter A
Bamboo frame, outer layer of tarpaulin
Estimated cost: 10,000

3. Dome shaped temporary shelter 1
Bamboo frame, outer covering of tarpaulin
Estimated cost: 8,000 excluding labour cost

4. Triangular temporary shelter 2
Bamboo frame, outer covering of tarpaulin
Estimated cost: 7,000-8000 (may vary based on the cost of tarpaulin in local market)

5. Semi-permanent emergency shelter
Bamboo frame (10-15 fts each), outer covering of GI sheet and cardboard
Estimated cost: 30,000-40,000

6. Permanent shelter (low cost)
Steel bars frame, outer covering of bricks and cement
Estimated cost: 80,000-100,000

7. Permanent shelter for at least 2 years
Wood frame, outer covering of wood and plywood
Estimated cost: 100,000

*Detail will be uploaded soon.

CIEG volunteers in Panauti Municipality

A group of faculties and students from Civil Engineering (CIEG) performed Rapid Visual Assessment of buildings in Panauti Municipality. Here are some photos:

Faculties & Students before RVA     Photo: Deepak Raj Bhat

Volunteers in Municipality premises (Photo: Amir Joshi)

Er. Ramesh Adhikary instructing students (Photo: Amir Joshi)

Er. Shyam Sundar Khadka talking with the locals (Photo: Amir Joshi)

* The detail will be uploaded soon.

DCGE in assessment and construction

Department of Civil and Geomatic Engineering (DCGE) faculties and students have been assessing buildings in Kathmandu and Kavre, and constructing temporary shelters for the affected people.

"A group of third and fourth year Civil Engineering students are in Dhulikhel Municipality, Panauti Municipality; and a group is in Kaushaltar and Jadibuti area," said Er. Ramesh Adhikari, faculty in the department.

"A group of 10 students from 3 year completed construction of temporary shelters for the earthquake victims in Nala of Banepa; the students are constructing shelters for Ratomato of Banepa. CEP and Sano Prayash funded for the construction material," Er. Adhikari added.

Students about to complete construction

We are working for community settlement: Dr. Baral

Dr. Bibek Baral, who is the director of Technical Training Center (TTC), has been coordinating 17 member team comprising students, staffs and faculties in the Center to help the affected people. Media team members Indira Fuyal and Nirjal Gautam met Dr. Baral for short interview.

Dr. Baral during work

1. How is TTC involved in post-earthquake situation?
We have been constructing dwelling houses of 4-5 different types using easily available materials like wood, plywood and tin plates. These constructions will be standard samples of the houses for affected sites. Estimated cost for the construction will be calculated based on number of volunteers involved and the cost of raw materials.

A model of house at TTC

Previously, we handed over 10 temporary pit latrine to Dhulikhel Hospital and other 5 to people rehabilitated in Tundikhel of Dhulikhel. We provided some portable urinal as well.

Students during work

2. What difficulties have you been facing in ongoing works?
A major problem for us is scarcity of raw materials as many shops are still not open. Another problem is unavailability of essential tools; some tools like drill machine break little faster and thus we need them in a good number. These are some of the difficulties we are facing. The work of volunteers, however, has been very appreciable.

3. What plan do you have?
We are working for community settlement of the victims in headquarters. For this, 8-10 different models of houses will be designed and constructed. In total, there will be 100 houses in the community settlement we have envisioned.

Prof. Thapa during supervision

Notice: KU would like to reach out to larger number of needy people. Any individuals, faculties, students and project teams willing to support our endeavor are requested to come forward and join us.

CEP supporting construction

Different schools, departments and units in Kathmandu University have been working together for the affected people. Mr. Sushil Shrestha, Project Coordinator of CEP briefed us about what the project has done:

Mr. Sushil Shrestha    Photo:Khagen

Mr. Shrestha: Faculties, staffs and students from KU have been volunteering to ease life of affected people collaboratively. CEP is supporting TTC to buy raw materials required for the construction work; we are also volunteering individually.

On May 4, our volunteers installed five toilets, one urinal and one hand wash basin constructed in TTC in Dhulikhel Hospital premises. It was the first phase work. In the second phase, 9 temporary toilets will be built and installed for outreach centers of Dhulikhel Hospital in Bahunepati, Dhap and Manekharka. 

Temporary toilet

Update from Mr Shrestha on May 29:
CEP is working for "Development and Maintenance of Temporary Toilets" in Chautara, Dhulikhel hospital premises, UAE camp in Dhulikhel hospital, Bahunepati outreach center, and Takura. CEP team comprises Mr. Suman Dhun Shrestha (researcher, KU), Nivesh Dugar, Sugam Tandukar & Sameep Bimal Chhetri (ENE 4th year), Pramod Rai (Civil engg 4th year), Saugat Bhattarai (CE 3rd year), Anish Shrestha (EE 3rd year), Sudin Man Tamrakar (EE 2nd year) and Saurav Ghising (EE 1st year). 

The work in Takura and Chautara was done in coordination with Simrik Nepal, an NGO. Twenty-five toilets have been constructed.

Dhulikhel Hospital has ordered 80 toilets which are to be installed in its outreach centres. CEP team is working for this now. The team has been approached by School of Arts (KU) for the construction of toilets in Bungmati, Kathmandu.



Notice: KU would like to reach out to larger number of needy people. Any individuals, faculties, students and project teams willing to support our endeavor are requested to come forward and join us.

Registrar apprised faculties at DCGE

Prof. Bhola Thapa, Registrar of KU appraised faculties at Department of Civil and Geomatic Engineering for working in post-earthquake situation.

Prof. Thapa apprising faculties   Photo: Khagen

Prof. Thapa informed the faculties about the work done by the University. He also pointed out at the ways of generating resources for the volunteering work. 

Faculties during the meeting     Photo: Khagen

Faculties during the meeting      Photo: Khagen