On September 28, 2024, Bikalpa an Alternative, with the support of Atlas Network, organized an orientation program for the “YPE Fellowship Members” at the Bikalpa office. This event was part of the year-long “Youths in Policy and Entrepreneurship (YPE) 2024” Fellowship Program, which is designed to empower young individuals within the Koshi province by equipping them with knowledge and opportunities to participate in discussions about public policy, governance, and entrepreneurship. The orientation marked the official start of the fellowship for the new cohort, providing the Fellows with a platform to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The YPE Fellowship Program, established to foster leadership and engagement among youth, offers a unique opportunity for fellows to interact with policymakers, experts from various sectors, and media personnel. Through this, they can actively participate in discourse surrounding key policy and developmental issues, thereby contributing to their personal growth and leadership development.

The second training camp for the Koshi Province YPE Fellowship 2023/24 cohort took place earlier, from August 15 to 17, 2024, at Hotel Shree Krishna in Biratnagar. This training camp was a significant milestone in the program, where fellows engaged in various activities aimed at building their knowledge and skills. Following this camp, the selected fellows were invited to the orientation program at Bikalpa’s office, where the journey of their fellowship officially began.

During the orientation program Mr. Basanta, led the orientation program with a warm welcome to all the fellowship Members. He presented the objectives and benefits of the program, emphasizing how the YPE Fellowship could be a transformative experience for the participants. Drawing from his own experiences with volunteerism and activism during his early years, Mr. Adhikari shared how his engagement in social initiatives helped him cultivate leadership skills and develop a sense of responsibility toward his community. He encouraged the fellows to embrace social responsibility, invest in self-development, and seize this opportunity to enhance their leadership abilities. His words were not only motivational but also a reminder of the critical role that young individuals can play in shaping their communities and addressing societal challenges.

One of the key elements of the orientation program was the division of participants into five groups, each tasked with brainstorming and planning activities for the upcoming year. This hands-on approach aimed to encourage teamwork and strategic thinking among the fellows while preparing them for the leadership roles they would soon assume. The five groups and their respective focus areas were:

1. Group 1 – School Awareness / Competition: This group will focus on raising awareness among school students on various issues, including public policy, governance, and entrepreneurship. They will organize competitions and interactive sessions in schools to engage and educate young minds about these important topics.
2. Group 2 – Advocacy Campaign: This group will lead campaigns advocating for key policy changes or initiatives that could benefit the local community. They will identify pressing issues within the Koshi province and work towards bringing about positive change through advocacy.
3. Group 3 – Liberty Discussion: Focused on fostering discussions around the theme of liberty, this group will organize forums and discussion sessions where fellows and other stakeholders can engage in meaningful dialogue on issues related to freedom, governance, and individual rights.
4. Group 4 – Media Group (Content Creation): Responsible for creating content to spread awareness about the program’s activities and the importance of policy and entrepreneurship, this group will utilize various media platforms to reach a wider audience. Their work will help amplify the voices of the fellows and the issues they are addressing.
5. Group 5 – Blood Facilitation Group: This group will focus on organizing blood donation drives and facilitating blood donations in collaboration with local hospitals and health organizations. Their work will not only address an important health need but also promote a sense of community service and volunteerism.

Following the formation of these groups, the fellows began the process of designing potential activities and identifying relevant stakeholders who could support their initiatives. This phase of planning is crucial as it sets the foundation for the year-long activities that will be carried out as part of the fellowship. Each group has a specific focus, but collectively, their efforts aim to address various social, political, and economic issues within the Koshi province.

Looking ahead, the fellows will undergo additional training to further prepare them for their leadership roles. These training sessions will equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively execute their plans and take on the challenges they may face. The full-fledged activities of the fellowship are scheduled to begin in October, marking the next significant phase in this transformative journey.

The orientation program not only introduced the fellows to the structure and goals of the YPE Fellowship but also inspired them to take proactive steps toward making a difference. By bringing together young individuals with a shared passion for policy and entrepreneurship, the YPE Fellowship Program provides a platform for them to learn, grow, and become the future leaders of their communities. As the program progresses, these fellows will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Koshi province by addressing key policy issues and fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship and civic engagement.