The Rotary Foundation One Rotary Center 1560 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201, USA Fax: 847-328-8554, Email : grants@rotary.org Matching Grants Report to the Rotary Foundation INSTRUCTIONS The Primary Partner Rotary Clubs/Districts must submit Progress Reports every six months during Project implementation. The Final Report is due two months after completing the project. PROJECT INFORMATION Matching Grant Number: 16318 Project Location: Dhulikhel, Nepal Progress Report Final Report Reporting Period- From March, 2002 to July, 2003 Host Partner Rotary club: Rotary Club of Dhulikhel District: 3290 International Partner Rotary Club: R.I District 2830 District : 2830, Japan Note: This project is supported by RI District 2830 but not by any particular Rotary Club. COMMUNITY IMPACT 1. DESCRIBE THE PROJECT AND LIST ITS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN DETAIL. WHAT ARE THE LESSONS LEARNED BY THE PARTNERING ROTARY CLUBS/ DISTRICTS ? 1.1 BRIEF BACKGROUND Dhulikhel is a historic and old Newari Township, which has been, since time immemorial, an important settlement along the Nepal-Tibet trade route. Dhulikhel is the smallest municipality of Nepal in terms of population. It is situated 30 KM east of Kathmandu, the captial city of Nepal at an elevation of 1,550 meter above the mean sea level. The present population of Dhulikhel is about 11,000 living in 1,616 households on an area of approximately 1,087 hactre. The major feature of Dhulikhel is its rich medieval cultural heritage, greenery around the core city, less polluted environment and village atmosphere, while enjoying urban amenities. Rotary Club of Dhulikhel has chosen "Greenary Program" as one of the other several main programs/activities. Because, the unique and picturesque township of Dhulikhel has so far survived its natural beauty and greenary against the impacts of growth of population and the unplanned and unmanaged urban development. In this context, preservation and promotion of greenery has become very essential. 106761704 1 Further, though there are greenary and forest around Dhulikhel, one had to make effort to find a tree or flower plants in the core area of Dhulikhel before the intervention of Rotary Club in grenary program. The people of Dhulikhel used to think that if they plant any tree, that will be the property of the Department of Forest of the Government and even the Government could acquire their land because of the trees, which is not true. So, it was very necessary to change the mind of the people of Dhulikhel. With the growth of population in Dhulikhel, encraochment in the existing forest has started, which can only be stopped with the promotion of greenary and motivation of the people. Also, Dhulikhel can be developed as one of the main destination for the tourists, for which the city should be clean and green. This will provide opportunity of getting employment to the local people and ultimately increase the economic status and quality of life of the people of Dhulikhel. Although, in a small scale, it will assist in the endeavor of the government towards poverty alleviation. Thus, learning lessons from the suffering of today's Kathmandu, the capital city and other cities of Nepal, which have lost their aura of antural beauty and greenery due to the lack of timely interention and implementation of a planned and reversible mitigative environmental protective measure and also considering the current trend of urbanisation in Dhulikhel, it has been felt necessary by Rotary Club of Dhulikhel to start a well conceived and meticulosly planned master plan to not only conserve the greenery of the surrounding areas that exists today, but to further enrich it, enchance it and in parallel with the development activities to transform Dhulikhel into a garden city full of flowers and gardens. This will deliver beautification of the place and, in addition, it will reduce pollution and provide healthy environment. Hence, the main objectives of the greenery programme are to - transform Dhulikhel into a natural paradise full of flower, forest and greenery; maintain the natural beauty of Dhulikhel by protecting and conserving natural forests and planting seedlings create awareness among the residents of Dhulikhel about natural resource conservation and to motivate them to promote greenery promote eco-tourism in Dhulikhel by developing the whole place into a natural garden; motivate public, government offices, NGO/INGOs and other institutions to develop garden and greenery in their premises; and provide an easy and nearby access to all components of gardening in a fair prices This program now has become very successful in real sense As an attempt to fulfill the aspirations of the Dhulikhel Rotary Club and to achieve the objectives, many programmes have been launched. 1.2 THE PROPOSED PROJECT There are several public land and existing ponds in Dhulikhel, which are totally out of care of the Municipality, because of the lack or resources. As the Municipality is comparatively new and very small, its availability resources are some time even not sufficient to run its day to day affairs. In this context, the communities of Dhulikhel, specially the old people have approached Rotary Club to develop park in Haku Pukhu (Pond), Iti Pukhu and in other abandoned barrian public land, which was also realized by the Club and has initiated to arrange fund. 106761704 2 As stated above, the proposed Project will: Create Awareness about preserving natural environment of the Dhulikhel and surrounding area specially the Thuloban (big forest) adjacent to Dhulikhel and promote further greenary and gardening and beautify the city Promote tourism Provide employment opportunities to local disadvantaged people Improve Quality of Life of the people by increasing economic status Improve general health of the public etc. Also, there are no any parks or resting places in Dhulikhel, specially for the old people. So, the development of the proposed parks will help, to solve, though not completely, this problem in one hand including preservation of existing ponds. On the other hand, it will help for environmental improvement and prevent the encroachment in these areas with the construction of other physical facilities like building. 1.3 PROJECT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN DETAL With this Matching Grant Number 16318, altogether 6 numbers of parks/gardens as listed below have been constructed - Hakam Pukhu (Pond) Park (0.1 hactre) Iti Pukhu Park (0.25 hactre) Arniko Park (0.1 hactre) Park Infront of Arniko Hotel (0.1 hactre) Park around Dhulikhel Buspark and Public Toilet Areas (0.1 hacture) Park near Tundikhel (0.1 hacture) Hakam Pukhu and Iti Pukhu Parks were constructed as per the original proposal. Most of the Matching Grant Fund was spent in these parks. The original proposed park at Ward No. 7 of Dhulikhel Municipality was cancelled because of the people not showing their interest in participating in the program as well as they later became reluctant to provide the land. So, other four small parks were constructed with the support from Dhulikhel Municipality, Arniko Highway Project, National Youth Service Fund, Sikhalpur Social Service Society, District Forest Office, and other clubs/societies and individuals. The accomplishments are as follows: (a) Walls, railings, walkways etc. with the support of Arniko Highway Project (Government Project) (b) Statue, platforms, pillars etc. with the support from National Youth Service Fund (c) Cleaning of ponds and its surrounding areas and renovation of stone spout etc. by Shikhalapur Social Service Society (d) Contribution of some plants by District Forest Office (e) Some Labour contribution for plantation by Dhulikhel Municipality (f) Design Development of parks with fencing, purchase, transportation and plantation of varieties of ornamental plants including construction of walkways by Rotary Club using Matching Grant Fund as well as from contribution by the Club and individual Rotarians. Altogether, approximately 0.75 hactre of waste land and ponds scattered over in six locations of Dhulikhel Municipality within a distance of about one (1) km was developed into a beautiful modern park with perenial flowers and plants. It is noteworthy that either the hotels/resorts or the 106761704 3 societies/clubs of Dhulikhel including Dhulikhel Municipality have taken the responsibilities of maintaining these parks with overall monitoring by the Rotary Club of Dhulikhel. (The Photographs of some of the Parks constructed under this Matching Grant Project are attached) 1.4 LESSONS LEARNED BY ROTARY CLUBS/DISTRICTS Very remarkable lessions have been learned by this Matching Grant Project and they are all in positive directions. First of all, this Project has become first of its kind to be implemented in Nepal and one of very very few in the District 3290 as a whole. The Project accomplishment has been appreciated by many District officials and by all the Rotary Clubs of Nepal. In fact, the District Governer Amitabh Mukharjee, almost all the Assistant District Governers, other district officials from Kolkata and Nepal including many Rotarians from all over Nepal participated in the plantation programs in several occasions. Among others, following are the main lessions learned: - - Communities interest and awareness can be achieved by changing their habit for developing gardens/parks by their own efforts, preservation of heritage nature and beautification of the area of their livings can be developed through such programs Many Rotary Clubs have thought o replicate this programs in their areas Conseousness not only to the residents, but also to the societies/club, business people, hotel/resorts, government agencies etc. can be brought in participatory approach Even the government agencies have started to develope gardens in their premises Permanent employment and income generation to needful people can be achieved through such projects etc. 2. HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS BENEFITTED FROM THE PROJECT 500 (Most of them being senior citizens, housewives and unemployed youths) 3. HOW HAS THE PROJECT PROVIDED COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH SPCIFIC SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO HELP THEMSELVES ? As stated above, the Project has not only provided specific skills or knowledge in garden and park development, it has attracted Dhulikhel communities and increased their interest substantially in keeping flowers in their house including keeping their houses clean and garden development as well as in social/community services. 4. IF A COOPERATING ORGANIZATION WAS INVOLVED, WHAT WAS ITS ROLE ? The roles of the cooperating agencies as mentioned above were to support financially in terms of cash and labours. Followings are their contributions: Dhulikhel Municipality provided labors worth of Nepalese Rupees (NRs) - 4,500 Arniko Highway Project made expenditures of Approx. NRs 609,183 for constructing walls and railings including some walkways inside the garden National Youth Service Fund contributed NRs 30,000 for the construction of platform and pillars for Arniko statue 106761704 4 - Shikhalpur Social Service Societies contributed NRs 41,000 for cleaning and renovation of old stone spout District Forest Office provided Plants worth of NRs 10,000 Rtn. Keshav Kunwar (PP)) provided plants and all transportation including some labour cost worth of about NRs 100,000 RC Dhulikhel contributed about NRs 79,000 from the income of advertisements published in the Souvenir - 2002 Total cost contributed by cooperative organizations: 873,683.00 ROTARIAN INVOLVEMENT 5. HOW MANY ROTARIANS FROM THE HOST PARTNER CLUB PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT ? 7 6. HOW MANY ROTARIANS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PARTNER CLUB PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT ? 3 7. HOW DID ROTARIANS FROM THE HOST PARTNER CLUB PARTICIPATE IN THE PROJECT? PLEASE PROVIDE AT LEAST TWO SPECIFIC EXAMPLES. (a) by getting involved physically in real works and in raising awareness (plantation etc.) (b) by contributing cash and by making available the plants and their transportation 8. HOW DID ROTARIANS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PARTNER CLUB PARTICIPATE IN THE PROJECT ? PLEASE PROVIDE AT LEAST TWO SPECIFIC EXAMPLES. (a) by providing moral support all the time (b) by providing additional money to develop gardens in other school premises (c) follow-up of the progress of the project including by making site visit FINANCIAL STATEMENT PROGRESS REPORTS PROVIDE AN ITEMIZED STATEMENT DETAILING HOW ALL GRANT FUNDS HAVE BEEN EXPENDED TO DATE FINAL REPORT FOR ALL MINOR MATCHING GRANT AWARDS (BY SIGNING THIS REPORT I CONFIRM THAT ALL GRNT FUNDS WERE PENT ON ELIGIBLE EXPENES, AS DETAILED ON) 106761704 5 Items Purchased / Project Expenses Cost in Nepalese Rupees (NRs)) 550,000.00 609,186.00 195,000.00 358,769.00 50,390.00 68,024.00 23,838.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 1,890,207.00 (a) Construction of Fencing and Ground Development Works (b) Construction of Walls and Railings including Walkways (c) Construction of Big Flower Pots and Park Development (d) Purchage of Plants (e) Transportation Cost (f) Labour Cost (g) Garden Light (h) Garden Gates (i) Supervisor Cost Total Funds expended in local currency Exchange rate utilized (US$ 1 = NRs 76.80) Total funds expended in US$ 24,612.00 Cost expensed from partner organizations 873,683.00 Cost received from The Rotary Foundation 1,016,524.00 Total cost 1,890,207.00 FINAL REPORT FOR ALL MAJOR MATCHING GRANT AWARDS: (PROVIDE AN ITEMZIED STATEMENT DETAILING HOW ALL GRANT FUNDS WERE EXPENDED) - Not applicable Items Purchased / Project Expenses Cost ( in local currency) Total Funds expended in local currency Exchange rate utilized (US$ 1 = ) Total funds expended in US$ IF THERE IS A VARIANCE OF MORE THAN 5%, PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION. (Please see Section 1.3 above) IF THERE ARE REMAINING FUNDS LESS THAN US$200, PLEASE SPEND IT ON ELIGIBLE ITEMS THAT WILL ENHANCE THE PROJECT'S EFFECTIVENESS. IF THERE ARE REMAINING FUNDS GREATER THAN US$ 200, THESE FUNDS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE ROTARY FOUNDATION. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE RETURN OF FUNDS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE MATCHING GRANTS STAFF. (Not applicable) FINAL REPORT FOR MAJOR MATCHING GRANT AWARDS OF US$25,0001-US$ 150,000 106761704 6 (Please attach an Independent Financial Review) - Not applicable FINAL REPORT FOR MAJOR MATCHING GRANT AWARDS OF US$ 50,0001 - US$ 150.00 (A MONITOR REPORT WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE THE GRANT IS CLOSED) - Not applicable By signing this report, I confirm to the best of my knowledge that Matching Grand Funds of US$ 13,236.00 (club/district contribution(s), The Rotary Foundation match, and any interest earned), were spent according to Trustee-approved guidelines and that all of the information contained herein is true and accurate. Additionally, original receipts for all expenses incurred will be kept on file for at least three years in case they are needed for auditing purposes. Certifying Signature July 29, 2003 Date Rtn. Subash Kaji Shrestha, President, Rotary Club of Dhulikhel Please print name, Rotary title and club As part of our efforts to improve our grant program, we'd appreciate your feedback on the following questions: A. PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY - SELECT ALL THAT APPLY The project will continue to function without Foundation Funds Equipment purchased with grant fund is being maintained with local materials and expertise. (Not applicable) If training was a component of the project, trainnes are using their knowledge and skills. This Project has provided community members with skills, knowledge, or institutions that will allow them to help themselves. The community has initiated additional projects related to the same or similar problems The project has not been sustainable (has become sustainable) B. ROTARY IMPACT - SELECT ALL THAT APPLY Our club or district's international Rotary connections are stronger as a result of this Project. Club membership has increased as a result of this Project. Visibility of Rotary in our community has increased. Our club's awareness of the needs in our community has increased Volunteer activity in our club or district has expanded. Our club or district is more active in pursuing foundation grants and Rotary programs Awareness of the needs in our community has increased among Rotarians in other countries Participation in this Matching Grant has not changed our club or district in any significant way. (has changed lot) 106761704 7 C. SUGGESTIONS GIVEN YOUR EXPERIENCE, DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE THE MATCHING GRANTS PROGRAM ? This Marching Grant Project has become highly successful. It has attracted lots of Community people, local clubs/societies etc. and they have substantially participated in the Project. The Project has changed their thinking outlook and raised their interest in community service. It is suggested that new types of Projects be included in the Matching Grants Program instead of using matching grant funds in types of activities or Projects, which already exists or being done by other agencies in a particular area. The Greenary Project (Matching Grant Number 16318) and the Public Toilet Projects (Matching Grand Number 19793) were new Projects in Dhulikhel and it has really served the communities and has left a big positive impact in Dhulikhel. If your project clearly demonstrates Rotarian involvement and is worthy of publication, please complete an RI Newstip Form, available on the RI website at www.rotary.org. (We could not find the RI Newstip Form in the website. Could you please send this Form, because this Project is worthy of Publication) DOES YOUR REPORT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ? Time period of reporting Community impact Confirmation that individuals have moved into shelters for LCS grants Rotarian involvement Itemized report of expenses for all progress Certifying signature Independent Financial Review for grant awards of US$ 25,001 or more Copies of receipts or paid invoices for CLE projects Return of surplus funds over US$ 200 Project sustainability Rotary impact 106761704 8