YuvaConnects; allying youth for Nature and Culture

YuvaConnects is a 60 hour capacity-building program designed to empower young people (ages 20–25) to address environmental degradation and cultural heritage loss through practical learning and community engagement, scheduled across July – August. The program ensures maximum impact with minimum burnout while providing participants with dedicated support to research, explore, and learn throughout the course. 

Through direct collaboration with local communities, participants will identify environmental and health-related challenges, document indigenous knowledge, and develop small-scale actionable solutions. YuvaConnects aims to cultivate environmentally conscious, culturally grounded, and professionally equipped youth leaders who can contribute meaningfully to sustainable development across Nepal.

नेपालीमा पद्नुहोस

60 hour Learning & Application Experience

The program begins with orientation, environmental issue identification, and solution development, followed by cultural heritage exploration, digital mapping and community documentation. Participants will also engage in sustainable agriculture and local livelihood practices, low-carbon tourism and entrepreneurship, as well as proposal writing and solution design. The experience concludes with a day out, final showcase presentations, and recreational activities. All participants will also receive a stipend for their engagement throughout program.
 
Note: The program will be conducted at various locations across Kathmandu, while the final-day field visit will take place in Kavre.  

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Our Vision

A Nepal where young people proudly serve as stewards of nature and living custodians of cultural heritage, empowering communities to protect their environment, celebrate their traditions, and shape a sustainable and dignified future for generations to come.

1

Our mission

To strengthen the capacity of Nepali youth by providing skills, knowledge, and professional networks that enable them to pursue green careers and contribute to the protection of Nepal’s natural ecosystems and cultural heritage through annual initiatives and capacity-building programs.

2

Our Goal

To turn youth learning into real action by enabling young people to lead and participate in community-based environmental and cultural initiatives, ensuring their skills and knowledge create lasting, positive change at the grassroots level.

3

Green Skills & Jobs

This pillar builds youth skills for the low-carbon economy through hands-on training in carbon footprint calculation and climate-resilient agriculture, linking environmental action with job readiness.

Cultural Heritage

Youth are trained to identify, document, and promote local tangible and intangible heritage, supporting cultural preservation and regenerative tourism.

The 4Cs

This pillar develops critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity to become effective community leaders who drive cooperation and collective action for the common good.

Digital Mapping

This pillar trains participants to use digital tools like Canva and OpenStreetMap to map environmental hotspots and cultural landmarks, supporting data-driven decisions in governance, disaster risk reduction, and resource management.

Writing and Storytelling

This pillar equips youth with grant writing and multimedia storytelling skills to turn ideas into action, mobilize resources, and raise awareness on local issues while influencing policymakers.

Activities

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SESSION 01

Orientation

An orientation session will be conducted to introduce the program goals, structure, timeline, code of conduct, and engagement model. Participants will engage in a “My Place, My Story” activity as part of critical thinking development, where they will share environmental, cultural, and social issues observed in their communities along with their ideas for addressing them.

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SESSION 02

Urban Mobility

Participants will engage in cycling activities, including an introduction to its various forms, technical components, environmental benefits, and its contributions to personal health and sustainability.

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SESSION 03

Environmental Issues Mapping

The participants will engage in critical thinking through a structured problem – tree analysis of key environmental challenges, facilitated by experts. Participants will also gain insights into the global context,including climate change, sustainability issues, and related socio-political dimensions.

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SESSION 04

Cultural and Heritage Walk

During cultural and heritage walks, participants interact with experts and local communities to understand how culture and traditions are being preserved or affected, and how they can be safeguarded for future generations. Participants will also document their observations through photographs, videos, interviews, and short reels as part of communication skill development. This will contribute to the creation of a five-minute documentary or reel highlighting both the challenges and positive aspects of cultural preservation.

♻️
SESSION 05

LCA Calculation

The activity will focus on sustainability, where participants will gain foundational knowledge on low-carbon enterprises and conduct a simulated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a selected product to understand its environmental footprint. Participants will also explore tourism, where participants will explore how local destinations can be promoted sustainably and how new community-based products and initiatives can be developed and applied.

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SESSION 06

Digital Mapping

Digital tools such as Canva and OpenStreetMap will be introduced to participants as a part of creativity and digital learning, where they gain practical skills in visual design and mapping for environmental and community-based applications.

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SESSION 07

Indigenous Knowledge & Story Sharing

Participants will engage with indigenous knowledge scholars and storytellers to understand how indigenous practices have shaped and in some cases been affected by present day changes in culture, tradition, disaster management, and wildlife conservation, along with the broader implications for indigenous communities.

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SESSION 08

Proposal Writing

The program series also includes proposal writing, where participants will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration. Through guided exercises, they will learn how to prepare effective proposals for future programs, projects, and community initiatives.

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SESSION 09

Field Visit

On the final day of the program, a field visit will be conducted to Hasera, a farm and local enterprise, where participants will explore sustainable agricultural practices introduced by HASERA Farm and understand how future farming systems can be designed. The visit will also include an overview of the Karesa app and its role in digitizing Nepal’s agricultural market. This session will be an experiential learning tour. The program will then continue with interactive activities, networking sessions, camping, and discussions on future pathways and opportunities for long-term involvement with the organization. This concluding session will be conducted as a one-night residential program at an organic resort.

Previous Youth Program

Youth Cohort on Green Solution

StoryCycle hosted Youth Cohort on Green Solution, a 12-week 30-hour program in the city of Euless, Texas. A capacity-building program designed to engage young people in developing innovative, nature-based solutions to climate and environmental challenges. The cohort successfully helped sharpen participants’ knowledge and skills in the areas of climate change and sustainability and supported them in transforming their ideas into actionable new and innovative ideas for sustainable enterprise. The program emphasized in strengthening participants skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and environmental awareness, contributing to locally relevant and scalable green solutions.


Read More

In Our Hand

In Our Hands was a youth entrepreneurship programme that aimed to build capacity and provide resources, platforms, and connections to help develop a creative green economy in Nepal to advance its long-term climate goals. It comprised a series of workshops that included mentoring sessions, a pitching and networking event, a grant, and a final showcase of opportunities. Experts in contemporary crafts and design, circular economy, heritage conservation and environmental sustainability from the UK and Nepal worked together to design workshops for building the capacity of Nepali Entrepreneurs. The program provided a valuable platform for showcasing how youth through innovation, advocacy, and action respond to the climate emergency.


Read More

 

Yuva Connects Fellows

Aaditya Bidari

Aaditya Bidari is a graduate student passionate about learning and building connections through youth engagement.

Animesh Basnet

Animesh Basnet has developed a strong interest in climate action, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development through fieldwork in environmental monitoring and community-based projects. He enjoys learning from communities and contributing to initiatives that create a positive environmental and social impact.

Apeal Babu Rokaya

Apeal Babu Rokaya is an IT student with a strong interest in youth engagement, community development, and social change. He enjoys learning from diverse perspectives, working collaboratively, and contributing to initiatives that create positive impacts in society.

Bandana Bhusal

Bandana Bhusal is a youth leader passionate about social service, youth empowerment, and community awareness. She serves as Vice President of YRCNCC, facilitates the Little Doctors program, and leads Swachha Mahinabari, promoting menstrual hygiene and reusable cloth pads.

Dibya Karki

Dibya Karki is an individual whose career passion lies around 'driving the nation for the better'. She aspires to come across new opportunities, knowledge, and ideas so that resources that she generates could contribute back to the community.

Dibya Sharma

Dibya Sharma is a socially engaged young person interested in environmental sustainability, culture, and community development. She enjoys learning through field experiences, discussions, and practical work, with an interest in how local knowledge, youth action, and innovation can address real-world challenges in Nepal.

Harish Singh Bist

Harish Singh Bist is an Environmental Science graduate. His experiences in several environmental projects involving field data collection, environmental surveys, report writing, and community awareness activities has helped him develop teamwork, communication, and research skills while strengthening his interest in environmental conservation, sustainability, and working to create positive change.

Himani Kafle

Himani Kafle born in Lumbini has always been concerned about the impact of environmental issues on the temples and heritage sites. She wants to be part of efforts to mitigate these problems. She has a strong interest in solving environmental issues, recycling, and reusing practices and is committed to protecting the environment.

Januka Thapa Magar

Januka Thapa Magar is a recent B.A graduate, passionate about environmental conservation and sustainable development. She hopes to contribute to projects that promote environmental awareness, support local communities, and create a more sustainable future.

Prabesh Upadhaya

Prabesh Updhaya is a youth passionate about environmental conservation and believes in preserving nature in its pure natural form, free from concrete and waste. He is equally interested in culture, especially the histories and stories that every community has. He hopes to contribute to initiatives that promote both environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

Punam Tamang

Punam Tamang is an individual interested in how local actions contribute to global sustainability goals, and strives to bridge ideas, people, and purpose through meaningful engagement. She values reflective storytelling and often documents lived experiences through writing.

Ranjeeta Mahat

Ranjeeta Mahat is a passionate youth leader and environmental advocate, currently serving as the Chairperson of Mahat Gaun Sallaghari Community Forest User Group and has led initiatives focused on environmental conservation, youth empowerment, education, and community development. She believes young people can be powerful agents of social change.

Rimsa Khatiwada

Rimsa Khatiwada is a undergraduate student passionate about youth engagement, sustainability, and gender inclusivity. In addition to her role coordinating YuvaConnects, she actively engages as a YuvaConnects fellow.

Rubi Sitaula

Rubi Sitaula is a medical student passionate about public health, culture, and social development. Being involved in projects related to TB) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), has enhanced her understanding of community health challenges and the importance of awareness and advocacy. She’s actively engaged with Women Rise Nepal, contributing to women's empowerment initiatives.

Sachin Kumar Singh

Sachin Kumar Singh is a youth environmentalist with around eight years of experience in the development sector. He is passionate about reducing climate vulnerability, conserving biodiversity, and helping build self-sustaining green communities that create lasting impact for future generations.

Sakar Babu Khatiwada

Sakar Babu Khatiwada from a young age was involved in community clubs, local events, and programs working for the benefit of society and the village. He actively participated in municipal programs and civic activities. He now studies in Bhaktapur and continues to engage with community and cultural spaces around him.

Saugat Karki

Saugat karki is a simple, proactive and curious person who is passionate about climate action and climate resilience.

Shashika Khadka

Shashika Khadka is a youth interested in youth empowerment, storytelling, environmental awareness, and cultural preservation.She believes that sharing stories helps build understanding, strengthen communities, and inspire positive change.

Subha Rai

Subha Rai is a highly motivated individual with a genuine love for people and ideas. She believes in 'practice what you preach' . She is passionate about modern technologies and indigenous knowledge, and views both as complementary tools for sustainable change.She thrives in collaborative environments and hopes to bring curiosity, energy, and commitment to events.

Sudiksha Bhattarai

Sudiksha Bhattarai is a microbiology student with strong interest in research, environmental issues, youth engagement & leadership. She has been involved in student leadership, public health advocacy, human rights work through several youth organizations and serves as the Founder & Vice President of the Nepalese Society of Student Researchers.

Coaches

Ojashwi Ojha

Technical Expert

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Rimsa Khatiwada

Program coordinator

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Sharmila Shyangtan Tamang

Indigenous knowledge Scholar and Story teller

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Mira Lamichhane

Sustainability Expert

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Saurav Dhakal

Team Leader

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Abhishesh Nepal

Outreach Leader

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Deepak Shrestha

Storytelling and Cultural Leader

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Sunil Acharya

Environmental Expert

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Sanjeev Chaudhary

Heritage Expert

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Nischal Oli

Heritage Expert

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Devendra Basnyat

Cycling Expert

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Govinda Ghimire

Agriculture Expert

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Jason Shah

Tourism Expert

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Mahesh Shrestha

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Nischal Pokharel

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Deepika Gyawali

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Supported By

"StoryCycle harnesses the power of storytelling and digital mapping to drive social impact, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means your generous donations are tax-deductible.”

Useful Links
Address Details
+977-1-4112128
Shakti Binayak Marg, Garigaun, Kathmandu, Nepal
1001 W Euless Blvd #319, Euless, TX 76040, USA

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