The youth network at Madi was started through model youth parliamentary program where the selected youths from all wards participated. With the engagement of youth in plantation, awareness campaign on climate change, earth day celebration, capacity building training, exchange visit, seminar; youth learned that it is crucial to understand environmental and climate challenges. Training has widened the knowledge on environment and climate change issues. Youth participation in advocating environmental rights to the government and youth action towards environment conservation in the communities are growing.
As the youth network is moving forward, the youths got the opportunity to start up environment friendly business. Madi municipality lies in the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, so the youth members generate the idea on alternatives to single use plastic bag and involved in the production of cloth bag as an environment friendly business. They found cloth bags are durable, cost effective and reusable and hence started business on that. They have started to sell a small number of products to the local community, organizations and municipality as well as exploring the new market too. Local Government has supported them by providing a space for operating the business. The main challenge for the business is found to be marketing and regular purchaser. Nevertheless, Youth Network of Madi keep going until our vision is accomplished as we believe that perseverance is crucial to sustainability.
From Project: From LOCAL to GLOBAL: Nepal written by Amber Thapa