Qualifying Statement

Nagarik Aawaz is a social organization working for just and equitable peace in an inclusive and transparent manner.

Vision

Progress through sustainable and just peace

Mission

NA will enable communities for peace, justice, harmony and progress

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Peace Vigil

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Dasain Lunch

Dashain Lunch 2006

With deep gratitude we report that the 2006 Dasain Bhoj (lunch) was served to 707 persons from the displaced community reached through our network of displaced youths and the Victims of Maoists Association (ASMAN) and (according to the plates that could be counted). Although through ASMAN and our volunteers our estimate was 500 persons only. So far this year we were able to collect approximately Rs 46,901 yet, some of our donors like Maggie Shah, Father JoeThaler, and Arju Deuba came personally to give us their gifts of money on site. We bow to the care they specially demonstrated and all the other gifts of money that we received. Our total cost for this event was Rs. 106450. Our staff, volunteers, the caterer and his team did a wonderful job! The weather was on our side and those we managed to ask said the "food is very tasty"!

Based on our initial expectation, we had only planned on 100 warm shawls for distribution to the women and 250 caps (which we thought we would never use)! There was some disappointment there for many had to return without gifts - still a warm stomach and our apologies and valid reasoning compensated to a great extent!

As we sat in a debriefing circle bone weary but happy, here below is what our collective experience & learning has been:

the displaced people are not able to return - cant pay for travel, and all required to begin anew in their villages/district
many are more edgy, the whiff of alcohol wafted across now and then, and some were prone to being reactive and negative, and
the lunch is still important for them to be able to come together for a meal and socialize.

For NA we need to do this differently. We will need more human resource at least 30 people who are hired to help out with organizing and management of the lunch (to get people on line, serve elders, comfort people (spend time to chat), and see to ongoing cleanliness). We will also have to be willing to pay the caterer more so that they too can ensure better service. We also decided that if we have the courage and the privilege of doing this lunch next year our gifts should be for every adult who comes and it will be at least 1 kg of good rice.

Finally we want to say we are so honoured to have your support. Thank - you

Dashain Lunch 2005

Here is our statement of account and a few pictures to give you an impression of our dasain lunch 2005!

800 displaced community members/families accepted our invitation. the menu was kauli-aloo, golveda ko achar, kukhurako masu, dal-bhat and papad. many almost all had a second helping many took 3 helpings. I saw a few taking even 5 or 6 helpings! the men all went away with a new topi, and women with a warm shawl and the children with a few sweets. the weather was good and everyone seemed to have a special time.

For the NA team it was challenging. all worked well and hard and were exhausted by the end of the event , but exhilirated and deeply grateful at athe same time!

thankyou so much for your support - we are grateful!