Rural Development Palpa, (RDP)

Mission

Mass media in Nepal has been confined to urban elites and political readers since its beginning. Therefore, RDP's mission is to strengthen democracy and enhance development by empowering people living in rural and remote areas to be better decision makers, full of self-respect and self-confidence through the use of information and knowledge.

Programs

"Gaunle Deurali" has trained an array of locals (over 25% of whom have been women) to become the newspaper's Barefoot Journalists who are the main sources of poeple's news and views. Barefoot Journalists are development workers, teachers, students, farmers, health workers, etc. who are dedicated to give voice to the underprivileged rural people. The Barefoot Journalism Training has helped develop a sense of self-confidence among the rural reporters and brought more readership to the paper.

Personnel Overview

Vinaya Kasajoo - Rural Development Palpa
Vinaya was born and raised in the small city of Tansen, located some one hundred and eighty miles west of Kathmandu. In 1985, during Nepal's Panchayat System, Vinaya was imprisoned for publishing articles that supported a schoolteachers' movement; in 1987, he was placed in police custody for publishing traditional songs in his weekly newspaper.

Personnel Statistics

Vinaya Kasajoo,
President/Director
Founded in 1987
Employees: 5
Volunteers: 25