NRNA PUBLIC LIBRARIES PROJECT Naresh Koirala Canada May

NRNA PUBLIC LIBRARIES PROJECT Naresh Koirala, Canada May 28, 2010

BACKGROUND NRNA 2007 adopted Public Library Project as one of its Charity Projects NLF- Charity Organization registered with Canada Revenue Agency in 2006 Voluntary, not for profit Work Audited by Canada Revenue Agency Appointed Nepal Library Foundation (NLF) as its agent to execute the project

MISSION To help enhance educational opportunities in Nepal by providing access to books and computers through a public /school Library To support and strength Public Libraries in Nepal To work towards establishment of a National Library system run by Nepalis for Nepali People

Phalebas Beni/ Reema/Nagi/Tikot (NCC Russia/NLF) Jomsom (NLF) Rias Reading Room( Wanda/NLF) Ktm -10 Schools (POA Foundation) Tikapur (NLF/LWB) Dhawa (Prescot/NLF) Dhulikhel (NLF) Janakpur ( POA Foundation/NLF) SKVPL(NLF)

PROGRESS TO DATE Working in Fifteen Libraries and Learning Centers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Society for Kathmandu Valley Public Libraries ( $ 5, 000) Tikapur Community Library ($ 8, 000) Beni Community Library ($ 5, 000) Ria’s Reading Room, Arun Joyti Primary School, Kaski ($ 6, 000) Ten Schools in Kathmandu, 5 computers each ($12, 000) Nagi Village in Magdi District: electronic learning center ( $2, 500) Tikot Villages in Magdi District: electronic learning center ($ 2, 500) Mabir Pun ji’s Information Hwy Project ( $12, 000) Open Learning Exchange, Kathmandu ($18, 000) New Commitments 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prakash Library, Dhulikhel ($ 3, 500) Shree Prabhat School, Dhawa, Gorkha ($ 2, 000) Moti Library, Phalebas, Parbat ($1, 500) Open Learning Exchange, Kathmandu ($14, 000) Tara School Library ($ 5, 000) Janakpur ( Sarawasti Schoool) ? ? ? Total $ 96, 000 Total Fund Raised to date (approx) $110, 000 * Assumes Canadian $/ US $ exchange Rate 1: 1

Auditing

Interface of the e-Pustakalaya, Nepal’s first Nepali language digital library

AUDIT FINDINGS One time contribution achieves little; it is almost a waste of money Needs: Teachers Training ( use of computers; interactive computer aided training in class rooms, what is available); Servicing of Computers Advocacy for Libraries Use of LINUX Long term Sustainability

Partners Help Nepal Government of Nepal Kathmandu University Nepal Wireless Network Open Learning Exchange Room to Read

Sponsors Funds KARMA Coffee, Canada POA Foundation, Canada Hartley and Marks Publishers Considine & Company, Canada Supporters Individual Donors in Canada and United Kingdom, Russia Contribution from NRNs/ NCC about 35% of the total Contribution from USA: < 0. 5% Contribution from Canada( POA Foundation) : 15% Directors Personal Efforts

Communication NLF Website (nepallibrary. com) Blog in our website for your comments Newsletter See our Audit Report Telephone: Naresh Koirala( 604 980 3826) E-mail: info@nepallibrary. com

Where from here? ? Public Libraries project is a long term project The infrastructure to expand the project nationwide is in place. The Project is unsustainable unless NRNA takes ownership of the Project and mobilizes financial resources from NCCs to support it. ( Be sponsors and supporters). Our current annual budget is $20, 000 plus NRs 2 Lakhs. A succession plan is required

Thank you for your support