Literacy and Livelihoods for 445 Women in Nepal

Yakthung Academy Nepal (YA-Nepal), a new partner NGO of Language Development Centre Nepal (LDC-Nepal) is agreed to work together to promote, preserve and develop Limbu language and culture through language, education and development activities. We were made commitment to prepare Limbu communities to use their heritage language and culture in basic education (formal and non-formal).

 YA-Nepal is regularly interacting with local communities, Limbu writers and journalists through meetings, workshops, trainings and community-based literacy activities to promote and develop Limbu language and standardise its writing system using both Sirijanga and Devanagari script. YA-Nepal organised following different events in last three months with 80 (Male: 60, Female: 20) participants in coordination with local government.

 Workshop on Limbu Language and Script issue: Local communities and Limbu writers are started to talk about scripts issues and its benefits. Malisa Yakthumba was presented paper Sirijanga Script and its uses to promote Limbu language and Lachhami Serma Papo presented his paper benefits of Devanagari script in basic education (Formal). It was effective interaction between Limbu speakers and writers why both scripts are important to preserve and promote Limbu language in future.

 Poem Competition in Limbu Language: YA-Nepal was organised Limbu language poem competition remembering late Limbu writer Puspa Thamsuhang for his contribution to develop and promote Limbu language in Nepal.

 Celebrated 312^th Birth Anniversary of Teangsi Sirijanga: YA-Nepal organised a Limbu literature workshop to celebrate 312^th birth anniversary of Teangsi Sirijanga. Teangsi Sirijanga was sacrificed his life for Limbu language.

 We believe that to promote a Limbu language as an instruction language in basic education and develop as an official language these kinds of activities are necessary to aware local communities to use their heritage language and culture in basic education and daily conversation in the communities. Language and education (Multilingual Education-MLE) program will be effectively implemented through regular advocacy.

 Achievements:

• Limbu communities are more aware and active to promote their language and culture as well their linguistic human rights.
• Developing positive attitudes among the Limbu speakers to use Limbu language at home with their children
• Numbers of Limbu literatures are drafted and getting ready to publish as a reference reading materials for MLE activities.

 We were able to forward the message and convince the Limbu communities that, "The use of mother tongue in education is one of the best ways to save our languages, identity and provide a firm foundation for quality education." (P. Kadel, 2016) We have to continue our activities in coordination with different stakeholders and great helping hands.

 Challenge: We are facing difficulties to continue and expand our activities lack of financial resources but we are hopeful for good news and struggling to continue our activities with our limited resources.

 We are grateful for your support. Thank you.

 Pushker Kadel, LDC-Nepal Director