In fact, Baral, 26, a local of Bajhpatan in Pokhara-13, always wanted to be a youth activist. But he soon realized politics would lead him nowhere. Hence, he parted ways. “Had I continued with student politics, I would have secured myself an influential position," he said, adding, "But, I chose to fight for the cause of youths instead."
Baral established Youth Forum (YF) in 2003 with an objective to promote entrepreneurship among youths. He worked with the forum for three years. This was when he happened to meet a 14-year old Maoist combatant while on his way to Kalika village to attend a program on youth entrepreneurship. The Maoist combatant and Baral held a long conversation. He was moved by the arguments of the eighth-grader Maoist fighter, who had left school to join the Maoist insurgency as he found the knowledge gained in schools to be superficial.
"After a long conversation with the boy, I realized that our society had failed to guide a large number of such teenagers who had joined the armed insurgency," Baral said, adding, "The conversation was an eye-opener."
Baral then joined Ashoka Forum for Young Social Entrepreneurs (AFYSE) in 2006. While working with AFYSE, he bagged an award carrying a purse of Rs 10,000. While Baral worked with the Ashoka Foundation, he worked out a plan to promote youth entrepreneurship. In 2006, he established Alternative. Currently, this organization is working on four sectors -- youth entrepreneurship, rural development, environment and education. "About 400,000 youths are added in Nepal´s labor market each year. But they don´t find employment in the country and are compelled to look for opportunities abroad. The government should ensure employment for the youths," he said, adding that Alternative has started ´After College´ programs to encourage students to stay back home.
The Alternative has established Center for Entrepreneurship Development for Rural Youths at Maharudra Secondary School at Sildjure in the district. The organization aims at establishing similar centers in all 43 VDCs of Kaski district. This is a part of "Entrepreneurship in Every Village Campaign" initiated by the organization.
The organization distributes communication devices, books, furniture and other useful goods in villages through the centers. Besides, Alternative has also been introducing modern concepts in agricultural activities to the farmers.
The US-based Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) awarded Baral for his contribution in poverty eradication. Baral is the first Nepali citizen to bag the award, which carries US$ 2,000. He was selected from about 800 youths from 60 countries. The foundation awards youths from across the world working in the sector of poverty eradication, education, health, human rights, peace and climate change. He is one of the 13 youths to bag the award on poverty eradication. He will leave for the US to receive the award in 2010.
Related story
32-yrs age limit in student organizations clears way for new le...
