THE FIRST INTERNET ACCESS TO PANCHAMUL VALLEY
Communication plays a vital role in the rapid development of a nation. When communication is advanced and efficient, the transmissions of ideas and opinions will be quick and will help to carry out development activities successfully and efficiently. Likewise, communication is essential if the educational institutes are to prepare students to face the challenges of 21st century and prepare Nepali youths to compete against manpower from developed countries.
In 2011, when IT project began in Panchamul valley dreaming of connecting a remote hill village school with internet was no more than just a dream. However, the members of The Himalayan Gurkhas were determined to give it a try. Several coordinating meetings were held between the service providers, the members of the Himalayan Gurkhas and the technical teams prior to recce of potential hill tops sites to erect the necessary infrastructure. To provide internet in the remote hil schools was a major challenge. The technical team with supervision and leadership of Panchamul valley IT and internet project coordinator Major Lilbahadur Gurung continued to search for suitable hilltop locations where electricity was available, and security of internet relay masts and equipment was guaranteed. The task wasn’t easy but some how sites were found and to our relief the project began to take shape.
I, with Yoken (now my husband) were given an opportunity to support technically throughout the project. There were many challenges enroute but we had an opportunity to learn a lot from this project. Of many projects Panchamul valley internet project was one of the most rewarding experiences for us. Our work wouldn’t have been successful without constant supervision and guidance by the members of The Himalayan Gurkhas RC and from Major Lilbahadur GURUNG MBE.
With all infrastructures in place, the school in Panchamul valley was connected to the outside world through internet network in November 2012. The internet breakthrough was celebrated with a video conference between members of the Himalayan Gurkhas and the members of Harrogate Brigantes RC. Many locals including local dignitaries, teachers, students and well wishers were present to witness the event.
The Himalayan Gurkhas should be proud as in Technical teams opinion, is one of the leading Rotary clubs to install internet in a remote area. This is not a project for the faint hearted. The benefit from it is immense to the beneficiary schools and the students in the schools concerned. One great advantage is that the students have the internet and IT facility on their doorstep, and they do not need to travel to the cities for basic computer courses.
As I write these notes, I realize that Panchamul valley has been connected with commercial internet service providers and has internet service commercially. However, the internet service used in the schools are still the ones provided by RC The Himalayan Gurkhas. I and my technical team take pride in being a part of this worthwhile project under the leadership of the members of RC The Himalayan Gurkhas.
- By Ms Maya (Gausuwa) Gurung
