All this and more are being done under Friends of Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site (FOKVH) work camp which is one out of the 53 projects at 51 World Heritage sites in 32 countries around the world, selected to be a part of the ‘World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) 2013– Patrimonito Voluntary Action, Inspiring Change’. The campaign is coordinated by the UNESCO World Heritage Center in cooperation with the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS).
With partners from Baha Space for Innovation Pvt Ltd, Himalayan Craft Décor, Shree Karunamaya Misa Pucha and Chetansheel Youth Alliance and support from Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Lalitpur Sub Metropolitan City, around 20 youths participated in the work camp from August 19 to 30. While the group comprised largely of the local youths, there also were participants from Mexico and Bahrain, helping the campaign.
The work camp is over, but the campaign is not. FOKVWHS will still be continuing its work in preserving local heritage.
“Within this year, we have the target to establish Machhendra Bahal as a heritage park, a place where people can get away from the crowded Patan Durbar Square area and relax,” says Niroj Maharjan of We Inspire Nepal.
While the project has supporting partners, financial support is also being raised through blood pressure and weight measuring camps. “We charge Rs 5 for blood pressure and weight measures, and collect around Rs 300 to 400 everyday,” shares Maharjan.
FOKVWHS also plans to gather and mobilize other young people to work for their campaign.
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