“Helvetas has a long history in Nepal. We’ve been doing various types of works in sectors such as infrastructure, skill training, agriculture and governance,” Aryal says. Helvetas was established in 1955 in Switzerland and a year after it came to Nepal.[break]
By mid-July 2009, about 5,000 trail bridges have been constructed in Nepal and there is a potential demand of 6,000 additional bridges. Out of the 5,000 trail bridges, over 2,000 have been constructed mainly by Helvetas Nepal which is an organization working in sustainable development.
“We work very closely with the government while constructing these trail bridges. We are not only working in Nepal but also supporting other countries by sending Nepali technicians to those places,” shares Aryal.
Helvetas Nepal has supported countries like Ethiopia and Indonesia in the past three years and soon work will be starting in Laos, Burundi and Rwanda. “Most of our activities target livelihood and income,” he adds.
Helvetas also is involved with governance-related work. “We’re supporting VDCs to develop their periodic plan. Plus, we also give farmers business-related education through our Farmers’ Business School,” shares Aryal.
In the Terai, Helvetas piloted a product-based initiative, promoting banana production in Western Terai. Also, local farmers are now being taught to produce paper from the banana trunks after harvest.
Moving on to his personal career, he says that there’s one particular moment where he’s glad he made the right decision in terms of his career development.
“I was offered to work at a Bhutanese refugee camp by Oxfam. But I was under pressure because I was in college,” Aryal speaks of the dilemma he faced between taking the work opportunity and leaving college. He decided on the former and years later, he’s glad he took the chance.
When it comes to inspiration, he shares that he’s inspired by his father.
“In my lifetime, when I felt I wasn’t doing good or doing the right thing, my father always told me that I needn’t worry and I should learn from my mistakes,” shares Aryal. “He told me that I should continue to do things, expecting good results and one day I would succeed. Now, during the times when I fail at things, I remember those words,” he continues.
“I’m not an intelligent person but I’m certainly diligent,” admits Aryal. He says that it’s important for people to understand their roles and responsibilities, be it at home or at work. “After that, I carry out my roles and responsibilities honestly. I like to be honest, at least with myself,” he adds.
Aryal also places importance on self-satisfaction and says that wherever he’s today, it’s due to him being honest to himself. He also suggests that others do the same for success.
Aryal was featured on “Inspirations: The Essence of Life,” a personality-based television series presented by Media Gallery and Global Exposition and Management Services, in association with Republica. The program is aired on Nepal Television every Wednesday at 10:10pm.
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