Provide Helpdesks for Nepal Earthquake Survivors

“Those who have finished building their houses are entitled to Rs 100,000. However, rumours are that only those houses that have installed bio-gas and solar systems will get this total grant. Otherwise, they will get only Rs 75,000. ”

This is just one of the many questions circulating amongst earthquake victims still rebuilding, and one featured in our monthly Citizen Helpdesk Bulletin. Next month, a group of concerned citizens will gather in the village of Sidhalek in Dhading District to discuss questions like these and other challenges faced without reliable access to information. Their new club is the product of one of our recent focus group meetings held by Community Frontline Associate (CFA) Shankar.

And this isn’t the only club of its kind. Across the four districts within which Citizen Helpdesk works, communities have begun forming clubs to address lingering issues of earthquake reconstruction and foreign labor migration. Our model closes feedback loops by using CFAs to bring accurate information and relevant stakeholders directly to the communities in need, as well as relaying their concerns and issues to those who can address them. Currently, our CFAs are handling 43 active cases of households with specific, pressing needs. They’ve already resolved 5 of these cases by bringing in partner organizations. Now, with villages mobilizing their own citizens to keep track of these concerns the feedback loop can be closed even more effectively.

To improve upon the quality of information that earthquake-affected communities received, our CFAs consistently distribute monthly Citizen Helpdesk Bulletins featuring real questions from affected citizens. In addition to the bulletins, the last two months have seen us distributing surveys to gauge the ways people are affected and in what numbers. Some of this information may find its way into our bulletin while some will be distributed in a new radio show currently in the works. As we address the ongoing issues of earthquake reconstruction and recurrent issues of foreign labor migration Citizen Helpdesk, our communities and stakeholders are finding new channels of communication that leave us hopeful for the future. With continued support from our amazing donors we truly can build back Nepal better. Next Wednesday, July 12th we have a special opportunity to receive a 150% match to any new recurring donations (or 100% match to one-time donations) to our campaign - please help us spread the word!