SAATH - Who we are?

SAATH E-NEWSLETTER
Bi-Monthly Newsletter
September 2008. Issue 1, Vol 1

In This Issue:

Introduction
Programs of SAATH
Message from SAATH
Upcoming Events


Newsletter Team:
Sabin Babu Maharjan
Tripti Dhungana
Prabhu K. Shrestha

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Wishing you a Prosperous and
Happy Vijaya Dashami
&
Deepawali 2065
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Vision

"Nepalese society being developed into a just society where people from all sectors would have equal access of opportunities and would enjoy their human rights"

INTRODUCTION

SAATH is a group of dynamic youth who have been successful in contributing their genuine and priceless efforts in the field of social work since 2004; with the basic aim of promoting professional social work for ensuring social justice and for striving humanity and tranquility in our society. SAATH addresses barriers, inequalities and injustice that exists in the society and give particular attention to service oriented programs for the general welfare of the society with special regard to vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed and exploited individuals and groups, raising awareness on different social issues for resource mobilization and advocacy in order to protect rights of different groups. By adopting these instrumental strategies the members of SAATH have been contributing their professional knowledge and skills to address different social issues. The team believes that lots of things can be accomplished by working together, with special focus on meaningful involvement of youth. So within the short time period, the organization is successful in organizing the programs like:

• Annual SAATH Events
• World AIDS Day Events
• Media programs on HIV & AIDS
• SAATH with Elderly people
• Bagmati river festival- school program

SAATH has been conceptualizing new ideas, executing ideas into actions with the meaningful involvement and participation especially of the youths and with support from different individuals who holds an important responsibility in the society. It acts as an inspirational force to compel the present generation for their meaningful involvement in Social Work (and believes that lots of thing can be accomplished by working together). The basic vision of SAATH to create a just society cannot be achieved without the concern of the majority of the people. SAATH calls for the genuine involvement of people from different segment of the society especially the youth group, and anticipate on creating a just, humane and a tranquil society for all. SAATH which also means togetherness believes in working hand in hand as it would further widen up the possibility of rapid and effective development and social change.

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SAATH in Media

SAATH had conducted different radio programs on HIV and AIDS. The program was been broadcasted through HBC FM for a year in 2005. The success of this program is the immediate cause for planning the similar kind of media programs for ensuring its continuity and sustainability, so forth in order to make a long term impact. As a result SAATH is planning to do media advocacy on HIV and AIDS through its monthly e-newsletters.


SAATH in Social Justice

The youth members of SAATH respects all the individuals of the society. It is always with the people on marginalized line. SAATH believes on "Equality Comes Only Through the Social Justice". SAATH is conducting programs like "A day with elderly people". The youths members got involved in the recreation activities with the elderly people and bears the responsibility to create the just society.


SAATH in Leadership Development

The core team of SAATH is the youth members. So the organization is fully devoted in the leadership development of the youth members. For that the programs like weekly interaction program on any social issues with the expertise on the field is carried out in the agency. Mainly the issues are being selected as the current hot topic for the discussion.


SAATH in Nature and Culture

SAATH being a social organization it feels the responsibility on the preservation of the nature and culture of the nation. Till now SAATH had organized the grand program like Bagmati festival 2007 in which not only the youths but also large number of school students also participated.

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- Message from SAATH

We are SAATH...

SAATH means "Support" SAATH means "Togetherness"
SAATH believes in the Power of Togetherness, and thus SAATH works together with different individuals, groups and organizations in order to provide necessary support for needy people and the communities to strive for Tranquility and Humanity in our society.
Looking back to the history of SAATH, in June 25, 2004, the minds of 11 youth with educational background of Social work got merged into one and came up with SAATH EVENT on September 25, 2004, which was a huge success. Therefore, September 25, 2004 could be regarded as one of the most significant days, not only in the history of SAATH, but in the history of Professional Social Work in Nepal. It's the day when a group of young people showed their exclusive potentialities amalgamated with professionalism, which made a significant impact in the field of HIV & AIDS and in the field of Social Work in general.

The success of the event became the compelling force for many other individuals including celebrity figures, organizations and corporate sectors to make their commitments to join hand in hand with SAATH for Noble Causes. With youth spirit and innovative ideas, SAATH kept on moving forward with various effective programs for bringing positive changes in the field of Social Work esp. in the issues of HIV & AIDS, Drug use, Rights of Elderly, Child Rights and Environmental issues as well. In 4 years of time, it has made significant impacts in our society and it has inspired many organizations and youth for contributing their right efforts in the field of Social Work. Now, SAATH has proved to be platform for many youth having genuine orientation towards making impacts in the life of others including underprivileged people, and ultimately are making difference in their life. The right effort, commitment and leadership of these dynamic youths have made SAATH always alive and vigorous on its path.

Lachhindra Maharjan
Founder Member
SAATH
Kathmandu, Nepal

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- Upcoming programs...

SAATH EVENT 2008 - Youth-to-Youth Fest for a Noble Cause

SAATH has organized two national level SAATH Events with thematic focus on HIV & AIDS and "Youth in Social Work, Youth for Social Work". SAATH has its plan to organize 3rd SAATH Event in November 15, 2008 with the thematic focus on "Youth in preserving and promoting Nepali Culture ". The event will set up an example that some youth are actively involved in preserving our culture, our identity. This may inspire other youth as well.

Indeed, Nepali Culture is our identity and we are responsible to maintain our identity. One can feel that any other cultures have been highly influenced by Modernization and Americanization. But, when we think about our culture we feel proud, as our traditional cultures can still be observed in our villages as well as in the city areas too. We still have been able to preserve our traditional festivals like Harisiddhi Jatra, Lakhe Jatra, Machhindra Nath Jatra and many more as Ethnic languages, music and dances. Indeed, our Nepali identity is not only limited to Country of Mt.Everest and Country of Buddha . It is our role to create additional identity as country of Socio-cultural heritage.

However, there are high possibilities of deterioration of our culture, social norms and values. So, it's a high time to be genuinely concerned about our culture for ensuring the respect towards our diverse culture and taking steps to preserve and promote our culture. Nevertheless, preserving our culture and identity can be the best strategy to promote Tourism industry in our country. In this context, youth can play very significant roles in promoting our Nepali culture. With this thought, SAATH is therefore on its way to organize SAATH Event 2008 to promote our culture.

The event shall have complete package of various programs that promote traditional Nepali culture: - Nepali dances, songs, musical instruments, language, Ethnic customs and traditions.

The Event will comprise of:

• 40 informative stalls for presenting different Nepali cultures set up by different ethnic groups and cultural groups along with 35 food stalls (typical Nepali food)
• Musical shows and concerts by various musical bands and singers/celebrities.
• Traditional dances by cultural groups, ethnic groups, students and youth groups.
• Documentary shows addressing richness of Nepali culture
• Art exhibition
• Special presentations and seminars by different Cultural Associations

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© SAATH e-newsletter 2008.