Social Norms
Social norms action with informed and engaged societies
Social Norms
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at lainiciativadecomunicacion.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Published 24 years ago
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Himalayan Light Foundation (HLF) - Nepal

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The Himalayan Light Foundation (HLF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Nepal. HLF's main objective is to improve the quality of the life of the remote population of the Himalayan region via the introduction and use of environmentally friendly energy technologies. HLF works in collaboration with a large spectrum of grassroots, national and international NGOs to achieve its goals.
Communication Strategies

HLF is currently coordinating and developing several programmes. The first Solar Sisters programme took place in March 1999, and they are now recruiting volunteers to participate in upcoming programmes. A feasibility study is underway for thei Home Employment and Lighting Program (HELP). They are currently (2001) seeking funds to support a village thanka painting school which could potentially provide employment to local people.

HLF disseminates demonstration solar systems across rural Nepal in order to create awareness of the potentials and constraints of solar photovoltaic (PV) technolgy. HLF has disseminated approximately 20 systems in 20 districts since 1997. The systems were provided to communities at a 50% discount through donor agencies. HLF facilitates the establishment of village committees responsible for system maintenance. Systems are installed in places which benefit communities and help local development - such as: Locations for literacy and informal education programmes; Health clinics; Skill training centres and weaving workshops; and, Libraries.
Development Issues

Environmental awareness
Key Points

HLF's Objectives
  • Design and implement programmes that strategically combine energy with important social concerns such as education, income generation, employment and social empowerment.
  • Encourage participation in renewable energy research and development activities by foreign and local Nepali research institutions and researchers, renewable energy practitioners, volunteers and the private sector.
  • Perform renewable energy resource assessments and other technical studies that renewable energy projects
  • Provide competent and unbiased social and technical evaluation of rural renewable energy projects.
  • Carry out policy studies that support the development of sustainable renewable energy industries in Nepal.
  • Conduct workshops and seminars in topics related to renewable energy dissemination for the public, the private sector, and government officials.
  • Run training programmes in villages in order to develop local technical and managerial capacity in renewable energy.
  • Establish renewable energy extension centers in rural areas that facilitate dissemination and long term support for RETs, while providing education and employment for local villagers.
Source
HLF website.