By Maryam Adamu

1. What was your experience like with the GES? Did you have a project in mind when you came in?

I found GES as a platform to meet youth social entrepreneurs around the world and to build a stronger network with various like-minded organizations and individuals. It was also an idea lab where people with varieties of experiences and background come together and discuss freely. Furthermore, the online connection made GES community more beautiful. When I was in GES as an international delegate in 2006, I had a project in mind regarding the awareness program on HIV and AIDS. I was looking for a project where young people get change to solve their problems by themselves by enabling them as a development catalyst.

2. Did you utilize any of the tools you learned at GES after the initial conference? How so?

I have utilized the knowledge and skills learnt during the GES at my best. The GES conference was a full of engagement. Therefore I got ideas from other delegates and organizations involved in the GES conference. Moreover I was inspired by the GES organizing team and the environment at Northwestern. I found that people were so connected with the internet and used it for their own business. Unlike at Northwestern, Kathmandu, Nepal seems backward in using internet for sustainable development. During the conference I realized internet enabled service can be the new tool for social development. Then I started finding possibilities of running internet enabled services to non-profits in Kathmandu, Nepal. Approximately three years after the first GES (IYVS), I founded an organization entitled Xplore International along with my colleagues to work on same field. We are now working on the same domain and looking for social development using new media (social media) tools or internet enabled services.

3. Tell me about the concept behind Xplore International?

Xplore International is a non profit organization based in Kathmandu, Nepal. It works as a hub of information. Basically, we collect information of development organizations in Nepal and abroad, and then disseminate it to a wider audience through a web portal and e-group. Professional opportunities, trainings, publications, programs, conferences, etc are the typical information. The Xplore International can be considered social media in Nepal which is entirely dedicated to the non profit sector. Meanwhile, it advocates for the importance of social media for development.

4. Did you have any major setbacks in the process?

The internet itself is the challenge in Nepal. Approximately 5% of total population in Nepal have access to internet service. The broadband internet services are still new in Nepal and most of the user group are in urban areas. Xplore International is working on social media, which is a newer issue; again, most of the people are not aware of social media and its potential. Meanwhile the virtual works has less tangible outcomes. Social media has not been fully accepted as a development issue so far. Since this is a new domain, people are benefitting highly, but there is less or almost zero support from other institutions for the cause and organization. Another big challenge within Xplore International is we have various plans but not funds to implement it properly; we also approached various organizations but as always decision makers in development organizations either do not know about the issue or social media is not a priority area.

5. In your opinion, how do you measure the success of a project like Xplore International?

The increasing numbers of subscribers and web hits is the main tangible success of the project like Xplore International. We now have 5855 subscribers and minimum of 1400 web hits per day. The people benefit highly from our free information services. There are many success stories behind our information services; people got jobs, professional trainings and opportunities, international awards, scholarships, etc. There is also an opportunity to find the connections from our services as we post information of hundreds of organizations.

6. What are your ultimate goals for Xplore? Also, what are your ultimate goals for yourself, as far as social and global engagement?

The ultimate goal of Xplore International is to be established as a self sustained non profit organization and independent social media channel for Nepal. We seek to work on other cross-cutting issues and our focus in internet and internet enabled services. We also want to work for those who are not connected to the internet.

At present my personal goal is to develop organization as an independent body, then handover to my team of coworkers. I personally want to be a vibrant development professional at the international level so that I can work for people around the world. I do not want to be limited to one geographical region; I would rather to create an environment where I can create multiple engagement opportunities for more people.

7. Describe the situation in Nepal as far as social engagement? Do feel like a part of a community that aptly addresses social issues?

The social engagement in Nepal is going well. People have many opportunities to work for their community and there is a favourable environment too. Since Nepal is a developing country there are many social problems that have to be addressed. There are thousands of non-profits and businesses working to boost up the situation but the relatively new issue such as new media and virtual works are under the shadows.

8. In your opinion, what are the most pressing social issues in your area and worldwide?

Poverty, lack of physical infrastructure, health and sanitation, unemployment, unmanaged urbanization, lack of basic needs such as electricity, pollutions, other health issues, etc are the most pressing social issues in my area. In terms of global scenario effects of global warming, underdevelopment of global south, digital poverty, difference between north and south can be considered as appealing social issues.

9. GES constantly grapples with the idea of Americans going abroad and trying to “fix” problems. If one doesn’t fully understand a culture and the problems within it, some believe service trips can often do more harm than good. What’s your take on Americans going abroad for service trips or even starting NGOs abroad?

The idea is very good because it shows the global cooperation. However, the service trips of Americans could be little modified. The knowledge of community essence matters a lot in any development activity. There should be an environment where native youths could work in concert with the American service trip team so that native youths can be a mentor in various aspects such as cultural and religious matters. Furthermore, it’s easier if local youths also engaged in development activity rather than only Americans doing things themselves.

10. Anything else that was not addressed that you would like to speak about:

I`m glad that GES is doing great! I would be happy to be connected with GES community in any possible way.