1974 AD, Save the Children tie up to promote education

KATHMANDU, Sept 23: Save the Children under its artiste ambassador program has chosen 1974 AD as its Youth Ambassador for a year. The program is meant to raise funds for primary education in areas in need and also to explore possible funding opportunities. The band, with the help of the organization, targets to raise Rs 5 million to support education and other youth programs to be run through local non-governmental organizations in different parts of the country. [break]



1974 AD will now act as mentors to diversified group of youths and work jointly with Save the Children to promote child rights and protect and ensure lasting improvement in primary education.



The band has made a name for it for its music ranging from jazz to folk and rock to ragas. It now has an opportunity to be recognized as social worker even though it has been contributing to the social sector for the last 15 years and raised funds for social causes through concerts and albums. But, to the band members, their lone contribution didn’t seem fruitful. Says Nirakar Yakthumba, a band member, “We have always been involved in social causes and we, as a band were very limited. We thus thought that being involved with a renowned organization is imperative to actually do something to make a difference.”



The band has participated in several field trips and together with Save the Children it aims to foster primary education. Save the Children will give 1974 AD an opportunity to represent the organization by the way of public speaking at events including concerts and people to people interactions to raise awareness and advocate child rights.



Previously, the band had raised Rs 300,000 for Save the Children in May.



With their music, the band has been able to earn a huge fan following both at home and abroad. Now, the band will also help to connect youths in Nepal and abroad. “Education is the long term solution to every problem and we are thus focusing on raising funds to uplift youths through education,” adds Yakthumba.



Gunnar Anderson, Country Director of Save the Children, focuses says 62 percent of Nepal’s population is below 24 years of age and 42 percent below 18 years and they are in dire need of help and attention.



Save the Children and the band had previously visited Kapilvastu for a field study. They found that education situation in the district was too poor. They thus felt it imperative to build a passion to engage children in learning and growing.



The engagement has thus been an eye-opener for the group when they spent time with unfortunate, yet vibrant children. The band will now work to foster and build competence and commitment amongst youths for peace and education.

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