Rural Self-Reliance Development Centre (RSDC) successfully organized this year’s Annual Review Workshop and Retreat Program in Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province and a renowned scenic tourist city.
The program was attended by 48 participants, including the Chairperson of the Management Committee, executive members, General Assembly members, and staff working at both project and central levels of RSDC. The program was divided into three sessions: formal, informal, and learning/observation sessions.
The formal session was chaired by Mr. Rajendra Dahal, Chairperson of the RSDC Management Committee. The session was facilitated by Mr. Dhirendra Kumar R.C., and the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shiva Basyal, delivered the welcome remarks and explained the objectives of the workshop. On this occasion, Dr. Indra Prasad Tiwari, RSDC member and Vice-Chancellor of Gandaki University, extended his best wishes for the success of the workshop.
During the formal session, the Chairperson Mr. Rajendra Dahal distributed letters of appreciation to 18 Local Resource Persons (LRPs) working under the Global WASH Project. In addition, Mr. Naresh Ray was honored as the Outstanding Local Resource Person, and all participants were presented with tokens of love on behalf of the organization.
The program, conducted from 23rd to 25th Mangsir, focused during the first two days on presentations of RSDC-implemented projects, including Global WASH, W4P, and activities being carried out by the center in Bajhang and other areas. On the same occasion, Dr. Sanjay Mahato, RSDC member, presented a paper on entrepreneurship and cooperatives; Mr. Pramod Dahal, RSDC member, presented on food and health; and Mr. Sashi Kumar Thapa from GCRU presented a paper on the concept and ongoing activities of the UNDP-supported “Green Job Creation through Recycling and Upcycling in Pokhara (GCRU)” project.
On the second day, participants conducted a field observation and participatory interaction with the solid waste management initiatives implemented by Hamro Jeevan Shaili Women’s Group with the support of UNDP, as well as the activities of the Women’s Skills Development Organization (WSDO). On the third day, an observation visit to major tourist sites within Pokhara Metropolitan City was organized.
Participants shared that the program not only provided an opportunity for reunion and interaction between RSDC policymakers and staff, but also contributed significantly to capacity building and motivation among RSDC staff members. It is noteworthy that RSDC has been organizing such programs in different locations for the past five years.