Context
As we all know that Nepal is one of the poorest nations in the planet plagued by series of problems. There are many reasons that have forced this beautiful country to lag behind. Out of those many, lack of accountability is one of the main reasons that have made this country and its people suffer endlessly. Keeping in mind “Bikalpa-an Alternative”, in partnership with different stakeholders organized a nationwide “Accountability Photo Contest” to sensitize people and pressurize concerned stakeholders to create an accountable society.
Objective of the photo contest was to:
- Put a light on hidden Accountability issues and sensitize people through the medium of lens and pictures.
- Provide participants an opportunity to internalize and creatively demonstrate their understanding about accountability.
- Allow individuals to understand the situation about accountability in Nepalese society through Photo exhibition.
- Educate individuals on some of the issues, such as rule of law, good governance and citizen’s responsibility which helps to create a critical mass to create an accountable society?
- Enhance public understanding on how service providers are (both public and private sectors) dealing with tax payers and consumers daily lives.
Process
After deciding to organize the photo contest, Bikalpa developed a proposal and criteria of the photo contest to reach out the potential partners. We got a very positive response and support from all our partners regarding the event concept. As soon as we finalized our supporters and media partners, we opened the date for photo submission on 10th of November 2016, and closed it on 5th of January 2017. On 6th January 2017, we opened the online voting for public choice photo and closed it on the eve of 19th January. Date for exhibition was scheduled on 21st January (from 11am onward till 5pm) and award distribution was scheduled for the same date from 2:30pm onward.
The competition was open on three categories, first, Best Photo by Camera (Jury Award), second, Best Photo by Mobile, and third, Best Photo by Public Choice through Online Voting. First and Second categories were selected by Juries whereas third category was finalized by Public Choice (Online Voting). From all over Nepal we received 183 photos; out of those we made a pre-selection of 50 photos that was relevant to the topic. Then the photos were sent to Juries, who helped to finalize 19 photos for the exhibition and two best photos by Camera and Mobile Categories. Director of BFM Sandesh Dass Shrestha, President of CAN Morang Nirmal Tamang were as a Jury members, Bikalpa an Alternative team members Basanta Adhikari and Madan Krishna Pradhan were also part of the photo selection. Sushil Kumar Sah from Birjung won the title for Best Photo by Camera, Nitesh Wosti (Student) won the title for Best Photo by Mobile, and Saroj Poudel won the title for Public Choice Award. The mentioned title winner won 25,000, 15,000 and 10,000 respectively.
In total, 32 photos were kept at the exhibition (13 accountability related photos from outsiders, which was not a part of the competition), which was held at Hotel Namaskar. Around 700 people visited the exhibition from different school, college, youth groups, civil societies and general people. We consider the program was a success for us, because it was highlighted by local and national media. Also we got a very positive feedback from our supporters and visitors of the exhibition.
Event Supporters
Action Aid Nepal, World Vision International, Save the Children, Accountability Lab, Merryland College, Malla Enterprises, National Kidney Hospital, Neuro Cardio Multispecialty Hospital, Makalu Television, BFM, Kantipur Sapthahik, OurBiratnagar.net, SriKhabar, Panchakannya Printers, Bhaju Yubraj Foundation, World Link Communications Pvt. Ltd., Network Solutions were as a supporters of the Accountability Photo Competition program.
Tools Used
- Press Release
- Banner/Flyer
- Pamphlets
- Radio PSA
- Video PSA
- Radio Interview (BFM)
- Television Interview (Makalu Television/Dial Makalu Program)
- Massive use of Social Media (Website, Facebook Promotion)
- Online and Print Media News ( Nagarik Daily, Srikhabar, OurBiratnagar, Udgosh Daily)
- Advertisement (Kantipur Saptahik)
- Personal reach-out
- College Awareness
- Online Voting (Facebook)
Outcome:
- The Accountability Photo Competition was able to reach more than 100,000 people
- The news and advertisement was covered at local and national media like Kantipur Saptahik, Nagarik Daily, Makalu Television, SriKhabar and OurBiratnagar.net.
- Interview was made on Makalu Television and BFM
- Around 700 people visited the exhibition directly
- It was a first program conducted successfully on the accountability theme in Biratnagar and most probably in Nepal
- The photo contest created an understanding on accountability issues to the participants and the visitors.
