HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT?

A Request from Team Leader, Mahabir Pun

So far we are moving at slower speed for two reasons. The first reason is that we were testing different things and learning ideas to find ways to maximize the benifits of wireless networks in the isolated remote villages of Nepal. Secondly we did not have enough resources to expand the wireless network in larger areas of Nepal. Whatever we have been able to do is because of the financial and technical supports of some individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and international organizations (such as International Telecommunication Union, World Bank). So far we have not gotten any support from the Government of Nepal even though we approached them in 2007. We have also submitted a concept plan for 2008 to build wireless networks that includes 19 districts. The government is positive about the proposal but has indicated a shortfall in available funds. Moreover, it will take some time for the political parties to resolve all the political issues in Nepal.

At this situation we just don't want to wait for some years until current political issues are resolved in order to get support from Nepal Government. We want to continue our effort of building bigger wireless networks and provide ICT services in rural Nepal. Therefore we have started "Donate $1 Per Month To Build Wireless Network Across Nepal" campaign . Please participate in the campaign and help Nepal to be prepared to move to 21st century.

We would like to request all the organizations of the Nepalese in the US to actively participate and contribute for the campaign during the ANA convention in Baltimore USA. This is a great opportunity for two million Non Residence Nepalese (NRNs) living around the globe to do something good for your country that gave you birth, took care of you and brought to the position where you are now.

To contribute, you can go to http://www.himanchal.org/contribute-one-dollar-a-month.html to set up an annual recurring charge of $12 (i.e. one contribution of $12 each year) instead of having 12 separate monthly transactions of $1 each. Or if you wish to set up your contribution of $1 on monthly basis, you can do it through http://nepalwireless.thamel.com. Please note that Networkforgood.org do not accept less than $10 per transaction. Either way, the money comes to our school’s bank account. The money raised through this campaign will exclusively be spent to build broadband information highway across Nepal.

Our target for 2008 is to make 15,000 members from around the world to participate in this campaign. This is not an ambitious target. According to the estimate done by NRN Association there are 2 millions Nepalese all over the world. If we could convince just 5% of these Nepalese signed up for this campaign, we will have 100,000 members. With this number of people supporting to build the information highway project, we can easily connect most of the rural Nepal in five years.

We would also like to request donor agencies to provide matching fund for whatever we will be able to raise from "the $1 per month campaign". With your support, we can build wireless networks across Nepal covering at least 80% of the country, without taking any loan from international funding agencies. This task is perfectly doable and we are determined to do it.

The request is not only for people of Nepali origin. This request goes also to friends of non Nepali origin from around the world. Donating $1 a month you won't loose anything but 80% of the Nepalese living in rural areas will benefit so much by getting access to the Information and communication technology. Your $1 a month will actually be one of the greatest supports you can ever make to build "New Nepal". We appreciate very much for your support.