CGNN News

Children for Green New Nepal is one of 26 organizations that participated on the Earth Day and Environment Day-Nepal Committee 2008. To kick off the campaign, CGNN prepared a large mandala in Kathmandu's main Durbar Square on Earth Day, seen by thousands of people. To mark World Environment Day, CGNN organized a student rally from Basantapur to Rastraye Sava Griha with over 350 students from different schools and 40 CGNN volunteers participating. CGNN then made another large environmental mandala in Durbar Square.

CGNN celebrated its first anniversary on May 4 by hosting a press meet and appreciation program attended by more than 70 people. Certificates of appreciation were given to journalists Prabalta Rijal and Ramkala Khadka, Steve Mereu of GALA, and radio presenter Dawa Thendup Sherpa. A one year activity report was given by CGNN volunteer Krista Baidhya. Environment journalist Mr. Bhairab Risal and Steve Mereu spoke about the importance of CGNN’s work, and a presentation on climate change was given by Moon Shrestha of World Wildlife Fund Nepal. The celebration concluded with the cutting and eating of a huge and delicious anniversary cake.

Children for Green New Nepal (CGNN) is a nonprofit organization started in May 2007 for the purpose of raising environmental awareness among children. It was founded by Bijay Prajapati and Ashton Saylor, an American volunteer. Bijay Prajapati serves as the organization’s Coordinator. Many national and international volunteers participate in CGNN’s activities, giving their energy and time to do something good for the world.

Since the launching of the project, CGNN has visited more than thirty different schools and orphanages where volunteers have given presentations on environmental issues. CGNN has planted hundreds of trees, most of them placed in the ground by children’s hands. The organization applied over 700 volunteer labor-hours toward picking up trash in public places, cleaning and beautifying the city. CGNN has put on four street dramas for fundraising and for spreading an environmental message directly to the public. CGNN organized a school activity that resulted in the creation of 50 pieces of art with environmental themes created by children. The art was then displayed in Basantapur during one of CGNN’s environmental street performances. At Siphal Child Protection Home, over a dozen children and volunteers painted a wall mural celebrating nature. On Earth Day 2007, in collaboration with Prisoners’ Assistance Nepal and Junkiri School, CGNN sponsored a day of activities, including a presentation and tree plantings, at the PA Nepal children’s home in Sankhu. Other highlights of CGNN’s first year include the participation of children and CGNN volunteers in several public events, including the 2007 Children’s March, the Climate Parade, Water Day, World Environment Day, and a workshop on climate change.

CGNN would like to thank many organizations and individuals, most especially: Nepal Children’s Organization, without whom none of this would have been possible; World Wildlife Foundation, which provided the bulk of the funding which supported CGNN’s activities; Kathmandu Academy, which provided space for us to meet; and all the student volunteers who were untiring in preparing and delivering presentations and other activities.

Children for Green New Nepal needs your support to continue its work. If you like what CGNN does, please consider volunteering or donating to the project. Thank you!