NATIONAL 4 - (Spotlight Weekly)

‘We Try To Ensure Every Dollar Of Funds Contributes Towards Making Real And Positive Impact’— Stewart McNab

Stewart MCNab, Country Representative of the United Nation's Children's Fund, UNICEF, is very familiar with the social development issues confronting Nepal. After starting his UNICEF career in Kathmandu in 1975 and working in several countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, he returned to Nepal in July 1997 as Country Representative of UNICEF.

How do you see the on-going programs of UNICEF in the country ?

UNICEF supports a range of national and sub-national programs which are designed to improve the survival, development and protection of children in Nepal. Through its country office, four regional field offices, and network of district-based staff, UNICEF is well placed to support the planning, monitoring and implementation of effective programs for children at national and local-level. The current Country Program, which is supported by various donors, is budgeted at US$ 54 million for the five-year period 1997-2001. In terms of the rights and needs of children in Nepal, it is a relatively modest budget, but we try to ensure that every dollar of these funds contributes towards making a real and positive difference in the lives of children in this country.

How do you evaluate the performance of UNICEF's programs ?

UNICEF's programs are regularly monitored and evaluated as part of the routine program cycle. Impact assessments are also conducted to determine the current situation of women and children in Nepal. A national survey is currently underway to assess the progress that has been achieved in meeting the goals establishing at the World Summit for Children in 1990. Along with other countries, Nepal will be reporting on the national situation of children at a special session of the UN General Assembly in 2001. Additionally, UNICEF supports the collection and analysis of social indicators at district-level. The findings from eleven district surveys have just been published. This information facilitates the district planning process and allows DDC officials to better advocate on behalf of local children.

What are the challenges to reduce child mortality in Nepal?

Almost 800,000 children are born annually in Nepal. The majority of these children grow and develop into adulthood. However, nearly 80,000 young children, or ten percent of the total births, die before reaching the age of five years. Almost half of all deaths that occur in Nepal each year are among children below the age of five. In the period of the 1990s alone, it is estimated that almost one million young Nepalese children died before reaching the age of five years, mostly from preventative causes. ---- acute respiratory infections, diarrhea associated dehydration and vaccine preventable diseases such as measles.

Malnutrition is associated with 54 percent of these deaths. It is particularly worrisome to note that the level of child malnutrition in Nepal is the same today as it was twenty five years ago. Also, when considering child mortality, major disparities exist between districts and regions. The under-five mortality rate in many of the mountain districts of the Far West is double the national average. With the available technical knowledge about child health and nutrition, it should be possible to a develop public effective interventions which would accelerate child survival and save thousands of young lives.

How are Nepalese children benefited by UNICEF's programs ?

UNICEF supports a range of programs in the fields of health, nutrition, basic education, sanitation, community development , child protection, communication and safe motherhood. Countless children benefit in some way or another from these programs. For instance, major assistance is provided to develop immunization services as a means of protecting the nation's children against the six vaccine preventable diseases. In partnership with HMG, WHO and other organizations, UNICEF is assisting the national drive to eradicate polio from Nepal.

Through the regular health services and involvement of Female Community Health Volunteers, rural children receive better case management when suffering from diarrhea or acute respiratory infections. Millions of under-five children benefit from the regular distribution of vitamin A supplements which reduce blindness, as well as mortality. Iodine deficiency disorders which were once highly prevalent in Nepal have been almost been eliminated as a result of an effective national program of salt iodization. Through the rural water supply project, children in villages through Nepal have benefited from the availability of clean water for drinking and personal hygiene.

How do you see the participation of people in UNICEF- assisted programs?.

As a human rights-based organization, UNICEF places major importance on people's participation in program planning, monitoring and implementation. The recently enacted Local Self-Governance Act provides a framework for enhanced participation in the local development. Effective participation is reflected in our decentralized district program which supports communities to assess, analyze and take action in solving problems affecting children. To bring about a transformation in local development, it is essential to facilitate the genuine involvement of local communities in the management of their own development. Children and young people also have a role to play in such efforts and their concerns and ideas should be listened to and considered in the preparation of program activities.

Do you have any programs to send children to school ?

Investment in quality basic education is a sound investment for the future development of the country. Along with other development partners, UNICEF assists HMG in the up-grading the formal primary school system. UNICEF's focus is on improving the school environment and on improved teacher training. However, we also support an informal Out-of School program which encourages children, particularly girls, who have never gone to school or who have dropped out of school, to re-enter the school system at an appropriate grade.

Do you have any programs specifically focused to help people below the poverty line?

There are many reasons for why children are the most vulnerable section of society but poverty is the main underlying cause of the thousands of preventable child deaths each year. It is the cause of thousands of children going hungry, missing out on schooling or being forced into child labor. Poverty causes lifelong damage to children's mind's and bodies, turning them into adults who perpetuate the cycle of poverty by transmitting it to their children. This is why poverty reduction must begin with the protection and realization of the human rights of children. Investments in children are the best guarantee for achieving equitable and sustainable human development. The majority of children in Nepal live in families below the poverty line. UNICEF programs aim to reach out to these children to improve their health, education and well-being.

What is the position of the girl child in Nepal?

As in other countries in South Asia, the girl child in Nepal faces many problems and discrimination throughout her life. More often than not, girls are marginalised and their needs are not addressed. She tends to be more undernourished, misses out on schooling and works longer in the home than her brothers and is married at a young age. For many young girls, their childhood is stolen away. Educating girls is the best way of ensuring their rights to a better future and to building self-esteem and confidence. Regrettably enrollment of girls still lags behind boys.

The trafficking of young Nepali girls to neighboring countries for commercial sex work is a matter of grave concern. Although this form of human slavery is a complex issue to unravel, the law enforcement authorities and the courts should take bolder steps to punish some of the main people involved in organizing this criminal trade in human beings.

As head of one of the leading UN agencies, what are your challenges ?

Although the situation of children has improved over the last three decades many challenges remain to be addressed. In today's Nepal, children have better access to basic services in the field of education and health but more attention must be given to improving the quality of such services. Moreover, issues relating to child protection are becoming more important to the work of UNICEF, issues such as child bonded labor, children in conflict with the law, children in armed conflicts, sexually exploited children and street children. My major challenge is to ensure that children wherever they are, are able to fully realize their human rights, and as part of that process, make sure that no children are excluded or discriminated against because of class, caste, sex, religion, or location.

‘Mountain Is My Mother God, How Can I Be Afraid Of God?’

— Babu Chhiri Sherpa

BABU CHHIRI SHERPA, the holder of three world records in Everest expeditions, still wants to make other records. Sherpa recently made headlines by climbing the Everest in 16 hours 56 minutes. Babu Chhiri spoke about his experiences to SPOTLIGHT after successfully completing Gorkha Airlines Everest Speed Expedition - 2000. Excerpts :

How do you feel after making the world record?

I am happy that I am able to set the new world record on speed expedition of 16 hours 56 minutes. I have fulfilled my dream to climb the Everest in fastest time.

Do you have any plan to set another record?

Not now. There are still some more records to set but it is not easy to do. Climbing mountain is a very challenging job. The difficulties involved could be understood by only those who have experienced it.

How many world records do you have now?

I have three records in climbing Everest now. First I have climbed the Everest twice in the same season in 1995. Second, I stayed for 21 hours without oxygen cylinder in Everest summit in 1999 and now this record of marathon Everest climb without oxygen within 16 hours 56 minutes in May 21, 2000.

How do you feel about your achievements?

I am simply a rural boy who grew up in the shadows of Himalayas and in the sheds of Chauri (yak). I did not get opportunity to read or write. Now I want to open a school building in my birth place in Chellemu of Takshindu VDC in Solukhumbu.

What do you want to say to the countrymen?

I feel that Nepalese should try their best to glorify the name of the motherland in the world. I would also like to thank Gorkha Airlines for fully supporting my expedition.

What was the weather when you were in the top of the mountain?

The weather was very rough when I started my journey on Jestha 7 (May 20) at 5 pm from the base camp and due to this reason I had to wait for some time at camp 2. After that, I had to face heavy snow during the whole night which slowed up my climb.

When did you reach the summit?

I reached the summit the next day at 9.56 am. Had the weather been favorable, I could have reached the summit within my estimated time of 16 hours.

Why did two contradictory times about your climb came?

It was because of the mistake of communication operator. I had reported them the correct time when I reached at the top of the Himalaya. The timing of my speed climb was erroneously reported to Kathmandu due to faulty and bad telephone connection. When I came to know about it the next day, I immediately requested mountaineering section and my sponsor Gorkha Airlines to correct the time of my ascent.

What do you want to do now?

I have spent my whole life in climbing mountains. I could not afford to read and write. I have a dream to establish a school at my birth place. I would like to seek audience with the King to share my dream and narrate the experiences of my speed ascent.

You have climbed Everest for ten times already. Aren't you scared of the dangers?

The mountain is my mother god. How can I be afraid with the god which gives me life.

‘There Are Possibilities To Expand The Volume Of Bilateral Trade’— Powthep Vanachinda

Thai Ambassador to Nepal POWTHEP VANACHINDA recently arrived in the country. Thailand was the first country to start jet plane service in Nepal to open up its tourism market. Thailand also has special religious link with Nepal. As a country where Lord Buddha was born, Nepal can tap a lot of Thai Buddhists as tourists to Lumbini. Vanachinda spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various issues of bilateral relations between Thailand and Nepal and possibilities of its expansion. Excerpts:

What is the state of relations between Nepal and Thailand?

Nepal and Thailand have two major similarities. First we have monarchy and secondly we have been never colonized by western powers. We had some kind of give and take agreements but both countries retained their independent identity. These two similarities makes us very proud. Beside, the people of both countries have certain affinities like they are both of gentle nature. We are always very friendly to our guests. This is the reason the number of visiting tourists in both the countries are increasing. Along with the scenery and nature, the behavior of the people is also very important to lure large number of tourists to the country. The Nepalese people are very humble so every one likes this country. Kathmandu is a very nice place to stay as weather there is very cool compared to other parts of the country. During the summer season, it is very pleasant.

What is the volume of trade relations between the two countries?

I think the trade itself is not very high. We have many quality goods that can be exported to Nepal like clothes, computer chips and leather products. I have seen some Thai canned foods and clothes in departmental stores in Nepal. I am very glad to see Thai products in Nepal. There are many possibilities to expand the volume of trade between two countries. I will try my best to improve the trade between the two countries. I have some very good friends in the Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, they are happy to trade with Nepal. I also met several businessmen in Nepal and they are also eager to start business with Thailand. Some of our businessmen have already invested in few industries in Nepal. Both countries have been making efforts to improve all the facets of bilateral relations.

How do you see the Thai Airlines service to Nepal?

I am very glad that Thailand is contributing to the tourism promotion in Nepal through the daily flights by Thai Airways. We feel that we have contributed to the tourism promotion of the country as tourism is Nepal's biggest industry like in Thailand. It is Thai International which started it. We introduce flights only if there is commercial viability. If number of passengers is low, there is no question of expanding the service. As the number of tourists coming to Nepal increased, Thai Airways, too, increased the frequency of flights to Nepal. The airways is almost full while flying Kathmandu-Bangkok route. Nepal is becoming one of the well known tourist destinations in the world at the moment. Although we have air agreement with different countries, we do not fly unless it is economically viable.

What is the possibility to expand the cooperation in the agriculture sector?

We have already identified this sector as a viable one. One of the Thai experts on prawn fish is coming to Nepal to teach Nepalese farmers the technique of prawn farming. Likewise, one of the Nepalese experts is now in Thailand to teach fishery process to the people there. We have a growing fishery industry there.

Thai noodles like Wai Wai is very popular in Nepal and some of the joint-ventures have also been working. How do you look at it?

Some products of Thailand like Yum Yum and Wai Wai have been favorite in Nepal. Some time back Singha beer also showed the interest to come here. I don't know the latest position about it. We have always tried to find the way to invest here and suggested some joint ventures in Nepal and Thailand. Now business groups from your country are also starting to make contact. Some of our business groups are also investing in the tourism sector.

Does your government have any plan to cooperate in the development of Lumbini area?

We are Buddhist country so we will lend support to the initiatives of development activities in Lumbini, a sacred place for us. As a Buddhist country, we consider Lumbini as a very sacred place. The Thai government will consider supporting Lumbini development activities. We will start our cooperation by building a temple. First of all, we have to complete the Thai temples. So many Buddhist groups are also coming here from our country. Nepal can be a good place for Thai people as this is one of the sacred countries of the world.

How do you see the on-going development activities in Lumbini?

Lumbini is no more a remote area. I cannot compare with previous years because I have recently arrived in this country. However, I have noticed changes in and around the area.