EDUCATION/other info on nepal

Primary education runs from grade 1 through 5.
Secondary education consists of lower secondary (grade 6 to 8),
upper secondary (grade 9 to 10) and higher secondary (grade 11 to 12).

Students will receive a School Leaving Certificate after completing grade 10. The streams for higher secondary education are education, science, commerce and humanities after which they receive a Higher Secondary Certificate.

Students have the option of attending Basic Technical Schools after grade 5 to be awarded a Training Level Certificate.
average literacy rate of these groups is 27.7%,

INCOMEThe per capita income in Nepal is only US$250 per annum

The intensity of poverty is highest in the Far and Mid-Western Regions of the country, especially in the hilly areas

http://www.nepal.com/education/
http://www.unesco.org/kathmandu/education/scenario.php
Conditions for Women and Children
Micro-credit programmes
are gaining popularity among women in the camps. These programmes enable women to do economic activities which they can manage themselves. The goods they produce are only sold within the camp so the financial gains of such programmes are not large. But they do enable women to become more self-sufficient to the point that they can meet their household needs, as well as boosting their self esteem and dignity.

Trafficking of girls and women for sexual exploitation in Nepal is a serious problem and has haunted the nation for several decades already. An increasing sex market in India and its illusive underworld network in some urban and rural areas of Nepal have further intensified the problem

Incidence of maternal death is high in Nepal where 1 woman dies every 2 hours. The Nepal Family Health Survey reported that, between January 1997 and January 1998, 132 out of the 640 deaths of all women of reproductive age were due to complications during pregnancy, childbirth or the postpartum period. Maternal deaths accounted for 20.6% of all deaths investigated and were the leading cause of female mortality. 9 out of 10 maternal deaths happened in rural areas and 6 out of 10 happened after delivery. Less than one-third of the women had received antenatal care and only 8% of them had a trained health worker present as they gave birth
.http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/news/opendoc.htm?tbl=NEWS&id=440dbcc54
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12322288&dopt=Abstract

Youth have left their homes or have joined the rebels or have been killed in the civil war between the rebels and the government. Most villages are empty, what ever they have are the old and sick parents unable to make it to the city, and trying to survive the best they can. Kids spend most of their daily life doing house-hold works. Because of the civil war, Nepal's beautiful villages with magnificent mountains and landscape are as empty as ghost town

Most Nepalese live on a $1 day or less!
Nepal is the poorest country in Asia. Country's 10% of the population takes 50% of the wealth, the bottom 40% takes 10%
85% of Nepalese don't have health access
World's 48th poorest country is Nepal

Total Debt of the country * External $2.55 Billion, about $97 per person
Nepalese rural people are poor due to lack of access to resources, low-productivity land, roads to obtain agriculture inputs and to sell agriculture produce

Nepal's many of the social indicators are the lowest in South Asia
Nepal's population will be 48 million by 2030
Did you know that? Rain is very important to Nepal's economy. Country's 80% of people are into agriculture. Often when there is no rain farmers worship the Lord Indra - the mythical Hindu god of rain.

Maoist's bandhs have kept much of Nepal’s countryside paralyzed, causing severe poverty and hardship source
Dollar Amount Per Year http://www.nepalvista.com/realnepal/poverty.htmlHunger http://www.wfp.org/country_brief/indexcountry.asp?country=524

world at 540 per 100,000 live births, adult literacy among the lowest at less than 60 percent, with pronounced gender and regional disparities in school enrolment.

Refugee Issues http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=29462Other Though figures are hard to come by, a recent UN mission on IDPs estimated that between 100,000 to 200,000 Nepalis have been displaced by the 10- year-old insurgency within the country. Several thousands have crossed over into India in search of work and security.

Nearly 12,000 people have died in the conflict, victims of both Maoist and government forces' atrocities. The conflict was cited as reason for King Gyanendra's 'royal coup' on Feb. 1 this year, which he launched in the name of establishing peace and security, as the party-based governments of the past had failed to control the rebellion

Nepal has been at odds with neighbouring Bhutan over the repatriation of thousands of refugees living in camps in Nepal. The refugees - Bhutanese of Nepalese descent - fled violence in their homeland in the early 1990s.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/country_profiles/1166502.stm

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/04/01/nepal.government.ap/index.html

Everest, and spectacular scenery and wildlife, the country has great potential as a tourist destination.
It also boasts a distinctive Hindu and Buddhist culture. But its environmental challenges including deforestation, encroachment on animal habitats and vehicle pollution in the capital, Kathmandu.

Most of the population depend on agriculture, and around 40% of Nepalis are estimated to live in poverty.

Foreign aid is vital to the economy and Nepal is also dependent on trade with neighbouring India.

What is being done in Nepal?

http://www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/countr/nepal/

http://www.fao.org/sd/WPdirect/WPre0110.htm
http://www.redp.org.np/

Nepal's population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. More than 90% of the population lives in rural areas • The literacy rate for women is 25.0%. This is less than half the rate for men (54.5%)

• 90.5% of women are engaged in agriculture as against 74.9% of men• Women have extensive work loads with dual responsibility for farm and household production • Women's work is getting harder and more time consuming due to ecological degradation

• Women play an active role in livestock production and forest resource use• Women contribute considerably to household income through farm and non-farm activities • Women are active as informal traders

The REDP was initiated on 16th August 1996 as a joint programme between Government of Nepal (GoN) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World BankIt complements the rural electrification objective of the Tenth Five Year Plan by promoting micro hydro schemes, solar and wind energy and biogas schemes.

adopts holistic approach by linking rural electrification with rural economic activities and ultimately impact positively on livelihood of the rural people. Decentralized and participatory planning, decision making, implementation, monitoring and evaluation activities are basic pillars for the success of the program

In Nepal the literacy rate for the population of 10 years and above is 39.6%. However, the literacy for women is only 25.0% which is less than half the literacy rate for men (54.5%). Among women a generation difference is evident in educational attainment. The literacy rate among females aged 10-14 years (49.3%) is nearly 14 times higher than that among women aged 55 years and over (3.6%).

· collect gender-disaggregated agro-ecological production-system- based activity information through participatory approaches for local planning;

· conduct a gender-sensitive agricultural human resource census;
· formulate gender-sensitive policies and plans based on gender-roles related to household livelihood strategies and rural poverty and household food security concerns;
· promote gender-disaggreggated technology, training and input need assessment as a basis for agriculture and rural development policy development;
· formulate policies and plans to provide women with access to and control over land, technology and other inputs, particularly credit;
· formulate policies to provide support to enhance women's access to common property resources, to reduce workloads in fuel and fodder collection and livestock management, and to set up aquaculture activities.
· train field staff in gender-sensitive and participatory planning and programme implementation;
· make provision to support forest resource management, farm production and household resource management focusing on women as farmers, instead of merely viewing them as wives of male farmers;
· strengthen gender-equitable extension systems;
· identify and respond to women's needs for agricultural inputs and household technology in close collaboration with researchers, implementing agencies and grassroots workers;
· support women in their livestock and marketing activities by providing local market information, improved transportation and storage facilities, improved processing and packaging techniques, and enhanced credit facilities;
· launch adult literacy and credit programmer with particular focus on women; and
· support development of rural women's networks to strengthen women's programmes in remote mountain regions.

CNNnews article about government's
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/04/01/nepal.government.ap/index.html

Politicalhistory, climate, overpopulation, colonialism, economic issues, debt, market economy

This is my friend Tsering Sherpa from Nepal. She just got back from there. Sherpas are known to be guides to the mountain summits. Her dad works to organize groups for the hike up the mountains. American tourist and other nationalities come to Nepal to climb the famous mountain. She is in front of a temple, the second one is of nature and the third one of her and cow in the street.

From these pictures I understand that Nepal is a pretty place to visit. There is different religion dominate there Hinduism and Buddhism and cows could roam the street more often than here.

I added the flag of Nepal and the map of Nepal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal#Government_and_politics

The political history of Nepal:

Nepal was an absolute monarchy until there was reform. A parliamentary monarchy was emplaced. The king served as the head of state and the Prime Minster as head of the government.

Nepal has bicameral system: House of Representatives (205) and a National Council (60).
You must be 18 to vote.
The king makes up the Council of Ministers.

There is an unstable government. No government survived more than two years. In April of 2006 the King gives up power and the dissolved house was restored. An interim constitution was formed with Maoist members and there was an increase of numbers of representatives.

Economy:
The nation has a hard time to built its infrastructure because of the hills. There are not many telephones and internet connection is low.
Because of unstable government and civil war Nepal has been struggling to get out of poverty.
Financial aid from India, Japan, and UK, US, EU, China, Switzerland and other Scandinavian countries help Nepal.
The disbution of wealth is very uneven.
Farming cropslike sugarcane, rice, corn and wheat is most farmers grow. There is a high tourism rate because Nepal is seen as exotic because of its Himalayas Mountains and nature.

The work force goes to India to find jobs. Nepal also gets money by having Gurkha soldiers who fight for the Indian and British armies.
GDP of 2005 is Under 39$ billion
Nepal’s export: carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods and grain
Import: gold, machinery, equipment, petroleum products and fertilizer.

Partners for imports: India, United Arab Emirates, China, Saudi Arabia.
Partners for export: US, India and Germany

The colonialism of Nepal:

Nepal fought in the Anglo-Nepalese War which defended their current boarders from the British East India Company. The Treaty of Sugauli gave Nepal their own right for self control and the succession of Himachal Pradesh. There has been factionalism in the royal families, the rivalry made the country unstable. During the World wars the leader Ranas helped with the British and by 1923 UK and Nepal formally signed for their independence.

intro to NEPAL!~

Work sited: https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/np.html

This is map of Nepal
Location: Southern Asia, between China and India
Capital: Kathmandu

https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/np.html



Population: 28,287,147
Language: Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12.1%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu (Dagaura/Rana) 5.8%, Tamang 5.1%, Newar 3.6%, Magar 3.3%, Awadhi 2.4%, other 10%, unspecified 2.5%
Political structure: parliamentary democracy
Religion: Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7 %, Muslim 4.2% and other is .9%
(Only official Hindu state in the world)

Leader: Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA
Government: Parliament and cabinet, judicial, legislative and executive branch is appointed by the monarchy. Nepal will have elections. Interim Parliament was formed on 15 January 2007 following the promulgation of an interim constitution
Allies:
Independence: 1768 unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah
Internal: refugees (country of origin): 106,248 (Bhutan), 20,153 (Tibet/China) IDPs: 100,000-200,000 (ongoing conflict between government forces and Maoist rebels; displacement spread across the country)
Adversaries: Communist Party of Nepal - Maoist Pushpa Kamal DAHAL, a.k.a. PRACHANDA, chairman

External: Maoist insurgents and illegal cross-border activities; approximately 103,000 Bhutanese Lhotshampas (Hindus) have been confined in refugee camps in southeastern Nepal since 1990
illicit producer of cannabis and hashish for the domestic and international drug markets; transit point for opiates from Southeast Asia to the West

Environment: mountains highest peak Mount Everest. Tarai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north

I watched four films about American brands, such brands like Nike and Gap. No Logo. The woman is talking about multiple national corporations and global shift with free trade in other world’s globalization. There is Globalization, where all the same brands are everywhere in the world. It is not about changing politics not national but global. Why are the conditions of back lash? Shell, McDonalds and other corporations what liberated to the youth to speak out. True product idea or life style, Brands are being creatively produce for us the consumer to desire this unless products. Choice the freedom of making one’s decision but these corporations is providing young people to buy their products.
The quality of work is an issue. The labor problem is not addressed. She talks about the history of the mass products disruption. There is lack of connection of the local providers and now products being made over seas. The personal relationship of selling and buying products is not there anymore. Waltz Disney, small town American dream. The Nike core idea is the nature of sports. It was lost “American dream” commodity and used community devalued. Virgin Records selling an idea and running to get as much money as possible. The individually of people is what Virgin Records is selling to the young masses. The most recognized people promoting these brands.

the media has a huge part of this globalization. Its about money and money and power.

Klare says...

Klare states that Bush’s 1# concern was procure more energy, especially oil. First is the degree of dependence of this society on cheap and abundant petroleum, oil is crucial and talks about the history of the dependence of oil. The development of the Saudi connection started with Roosevelt and the royal family a “hush hush” meeting and with no records. An unwritten agreement with the United States for Saudi's oil in exchange for protection
Klare’s conclusion is that the 9-11 was not the result for the invasion of Iraq in 2002 but it has been leading up to that since the first gulf war. The senior Bush’s sectary of defense planning head what could happen. But through the containment policies the following president kept and the close ties with the Saudi Royal Family. The invasion was going to happen anyways. The previous administration tried to put sanctions and smoke out Saddam from Iraq from his own people but in the long run the United States was hurting the people more than Saddam. Oil is a big factor for the invasion and alignment with Saudi. This is a step that the United States to ensure themselves with supply of oil in both countries.
Klare sounds very much like my high school Latin teacher. My teacher Mr. McGrath said the same thing about the oil and that 9-11 was not the reason why the invasion of Iraq happened. He also said that oil was a huge reason why Middle East is such an important area for the United States because of our decency on oil. Klare is very knowedgeable of the history of foreign policy and its relations for the invasion of the Middle East.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond was disturbing but also was very good movie, the only thing that was annoying was the “love” story that was thrown in there. I did not believe it for once second. Common on. Hollywood version but most probably most intriguing story line yet. I think a typical American would not think about where the diamond came form. It seems like that the diamond trade in developing states.
Child Soldiers are very sad, the destruction of a child innocence taken away. The horror that a child must go through to kill another human is unimaginable. What torture that child must go through. That is the saddest part of the movie for me. Guns, violence no wonder that a child who goes through that experience will be scared for life. I hope that there are many kind of people like that one guy who helped to rescue the children.
The everyday violence and the worried parents have to go through from the rebels in civil war countries. And even this move was so recent dates not even ten years ago. This movie was eye opener to me because of the diamond trade. The heartless people can be with resources that are on high demand by rich countries that has the power to ask for so much for such a small stone. The hard work that these forced labor men what to go through for nothing. The fuel of weapons and the need to kill their own brothers in the same country is crushing. The village attack at the beginning of the movie was really sad. The realistic view of the ending that it would not most likely not happened that way. To find your family alive and back together like that. The million refuges that are forced in the cam and can not get released are damaging.
The natural resource like diamond is helping people guying guns and forcing people in slavery. It sounds like something that would happen two hundred years ago but still happening today. The United Nations Food Program was showed in the film but it was not enough. It was hard to get to these remote places where these refugees were at. I can not imagine the workers that can not feel helpful. The media converge was accurate. The women’s character was on the money when she talked about American not caring about Africans dying. I would recommend this film for introduction to my developing world class too.