Corruption Hurts Youth: Let's Talk & Act Together

Sub-title: Creating Safe Spaces for Youth to Talk About Corruption

Project Overview:
This project aims to create safe and participatory spaces where young people and community leaders can openly discuss corruption and how to resist it. Console Mission set a budget of $2,500 to organize talks in colleges and schools. These discussions help participants understand the many forms of corruption—not just bribery involving money, but also how corruption affects everyday life and opportunities.

Progress So Far:

• Console Mission organized a school-level interaction with Mr. Yadav Bahadur Mahat, Headmaster of Shree Gyanodaya Aadarbhut School. Teachers were engaged to lead sessions with their staff.
• Resources on “The Cost of Corruption” were found and translated into Nepali to make them accessible. These materials are being used to empower teachers before reaching students.
• The project emphasizes that children observe their environment and form opinions early. By introducing integrity-focused discussions in schools, we help them develop strong values.

Challenges and Notes:

• Transportation costs are high because vehicles and fuel are imported. Local transport is cheaper, but planning events still requires careful budgeting.
• Organizing training sessions involves costs for travel, communication, venue, materials, and accommodation for participants.

Looking Ahead:

• Finalize materials and resources for interactions with teachers and headmasters across 18 wards.
• Plan an interaction at the Nepal Administrative Staff College (NASC) in Jawalakhel, a national-level institution for government training. (Console Mission had organised 3-day psychosocial counseling training in 2022 for female community health volunteers at NASC).
• Produce a paper based on these interactions to submit to the government and ministers. The paper will highlight “The Cost of Corruption” and recommend future school-based programs.

Long-Term Impact:
By planting seeds of integrity in young minds, the project helps students, teachers, and community members become ethical leaders. Over time, these ripple effects will strengthen civic engagement, rebuild trust, and promote accountability across Nepal.

Resources:

• Shree Gyanodaya Aadarbhut School Facebook
• Tearfund Report: The Cost of Corruption
• Elijah Counselling & Training Centre
• GIACC: The Cost of Corruption

Links:

• Blogs
• Corruption costs all