Basic to Advanced Level Computer Courses for Bhutanese Refugee Camps

On 20 August 2022, amidst cultural programs, a computer institute was inaugurated in Bhutanese refugee camps in Beldangi, Jhapa, Nepal. The institute provides free computer courses from basic to diploma level to youths of Bhutanese refugee camps and that of the local community. The program aims to empower youths transitioning to labour markets.

Punya Foundation USA sponsored to renovate the Bhutanese Refugee Children Forum’s hall. The hall-space received a face-lift to serve as a multi-purpose hall. Modern equipments and devises are installed in the hall. Mr Sudip Adhikari, President of Punya Foundation USA reported, 10 computers with medium to high configurations are installed for the training program.

The Bhutanese Refugee Association of the Disabled (BRAD), one of the active CBOs in the refugee camps, supported with 12 wooden chairs. When Punya Foundation USA is sponsoring the project, the FANS CLUB Punya Foundation implements it.

Ms Devi Maya Gurung (president of BRAD) welcomed Mr Ram Kumar Thapa (the Mayor of Damak Municipality) as the chief guest and Mr Yub Raj Sangpang Rai (Punya Foundation’s camp based Manager and President of FANS Club, BRC) as the program chair. Mr Mohan Kumar Niraula (President of Punya Foundation Nepal) and Mr Yagya Niraula (former RCU) were the special guests. The representatives of camp-based community organisations, Armed Police Force, I/NGOs, and local government were welcomed as guest. Social workers, volunteers, students and people from the local community and refugee camps attended the program.

Mr Ram Thapa appreciated that the local community will also benefit from the computer project, Mr Mohan Niraula stressed on a need of collaboration between consumer, implementing partner and sponsor. Mr Tika Khatiwada (Secretary, Punya Foundation Nepal) re-enforced that the refugee community need to be proud to take the ownership of the computer project. Various speakers applauded Punya Foundation’s support in the refugee camps and appreciated FANS CLUB’s ongoing involvement in the welfare of underprivileged Bhutanese refugees. Mr Yub Raj Rai thanked guests, volunteers, and donors.

As per Mr Rai, fifteen individuals from the local community and 86 from the refugee camps, who applied for the admission, are accepted for the basic and advanced computer courses. The enrolment process is going on. Observing the inauguration day, lessons for the first batch have already begun. Mr Mon Poudyal (Program Director, Punya Foundation USA) oversees the camp-based projects.