At United Mission to Nepal we are focused on helping local partner organisations to be more effective. The Chandra Jyoti Integrated Rural Development Service has its office above a shop in a dusty bazaar on the main road through Dhading. To reach the office requires walking up a set of metal steps (sort of primative version of fire escape stairs) and through a tea shop. The tea shop was an unexpected bonus; whenever we wanted a drink we just opened the door and ordered it! Chandra Jyoti is interested in children who don't go to school. So, with the help of our education advisors, they've been researching the issue. They've interviewed children who dropped out, they've spoken to their friends and family, they've asked schools what they think, they've interviewed local government representatives and even politicians. Now, not surprisingly, they're wondering how to make sense of it all. That's when my team gets involved. Our visit to Chandra Jyoti was to discuss how the data could be used to identify important facts. The discussion took place sitting on the floor with paper everywhere, as has become customary in the development sector outside the capital. We had a good day looking at how piles of completed questionnaires could be combined and entered into a computer. Yes, even dusty roadside bazaars have computers now. After the data is entered I'll do some calculations, we can all look at it and meet again to discuss what it all means and what to do. It’s a good, worthwhile project and also an example of how the partnership approach we're now using can be effective. Chandra Jyoti is working on an issue they've identified as being important locally and we're helping them do it well and learn for the future. Not only that, but I get out of the office! Martin, Long-term worker in Nepal
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