Health and Computer Literacy
When the poorest people in the community have the same opportunities as the richest, it unleashes everybody’s potential, and societies thrive economically. Economic sustainability relates to healthier children with higher mental capacities and good education for all, allowing more capable and well-educated young adults to enter into the workforce. That’s how families, societies, countries, and continents get out of poverty. This was the vision with which HFN Health and Computer literacy program was developed.
Our organization put digital and basic health literacy on the spotlight to unveil the transformative power of technology and digital literacy in the underserved setting. We started setting up a few computers and desks at the government schools and orphan homes. Later on, we developed basic computer literacy videos preinstalled on new computers that we donate to any new schools. Furthermore, we staffed a computer instructor that would go to each school weekly on rotational basis to train students and teachers. The program has been extended to 24 locations in Chitwan (22 public schools and 2 shelters) and 1 school in Parbat district, Nepal as of June, 2020.
The project encompasses digital literacy, mentoring program and school health literacy program.
Our Mission
To empower children of challenging backgrounds in Nepal by teaching them health and computer skills on-demand that will aid them succeed in their health, education, leadership and career.
Our Vision
To create a community of students whose economic development and sound health is driven by intellectual skills and inspired by education.
Operational Steps
Step 1: Establish a computer room in a secured housing facility with two computers. Arrange computer tutor to educate students on basic computer literacy (related to hardware, software, windows, keyboard components and Microsoft Office). Connect computers to the internet to enhance students’ email and internet skills, once proficient in basic computer skills. Click the blue text below to watch videos.
1. Hardware and software
2. Mouse function
3. Gmail basics
4. Keyboard keys (Caps lock, Shift, Esc, Tab, Alt, Windows, Space bar, F keys, Back space/delete, Enter, Menu, Home, End, Page up/down, Print)
5. Google search
6. Google chrome browser
7. Microsoft word (uses and alternatives, new document, file, home/clipboard/font, overview, home/paragraph/style, insert, page lay out, references, review, view, mailings)
Step 2: Enroll students in PeeR Assisted Educational Enrichment and Mutual Mentoring (PREM) Program upon acquiring of basic internet skills. Students and adults, fluent in English and Nepali, living in English-speaking nations will mentor and provide guidance to Nepali students on communication and networking skills, English language speaking, personal development, problem-solving skills and career choice.
Mentors follow the HFN Mentor Checklist and Structure at each mentoring session. This curriculum is designed to impact four major areas namely:
1. Academic skills (study techniques, educational resources and English learning).
2. Problem-solving (financial, interpersonal and psychological).
3. Personal development (reading, writing, exercise, meditation, gratitude, visualization and affirmation).
4. Career planning.
Step 3: Expert instructors sourced from within and outside the country will periodically deliver educational lectures on relevant topics related to basic health literacy to persistently prune the children’s basic health awareness.
Project Milestones
2016
HFN rolled out Computer Literacy Program in 08/2016 by signing its first memorandum of understanding with Chepang Kendra, Chitwan, Nepal which had sheltered more than 130 students of low-income families.
2017
2018
2019
2020
Our organization put digital and basic health literacy on the spotlight to unveil the transformative power of technology and digital literacy in the underserved setting. We started setting up a few computers and desks at the government schools and orphan homes. Later on, we developed basic computer literacy videos preinstalled on new computers that we donate to any new schools. Furthermore, we staffed a computer instructor that would go to each school weekly on rotational basis to train students and teachers. The program has been extended to 24 locations in Chitwan (22 public schools and 2 shelters) and 1 school in Parbat district, Nepal as of June, 2020.
The project encompasses digital literacy, mentoring program and school health literacy program.
Our Mission
To empower children of challenging backgrounds in Nepal by teaching them health and computer skills on-demand that will aid them succeed in their health, education, leadership and career.
Our Vision
To create a community of students whose economic development and sound health is driven by intellectual skills and inspired by education.
Operational Steps
Step 1: Establish a computer room in a secured housing facility with two computers. Arrange computer tutor to educate students on basic computer literacy (related to hardware, software, windows, keyboard components and Microsoft Office). Connect computers to the internet to enhance students’ email and internet skills, once proficient in basic computer skills. Click the blue text below to watch videos.
1. Hardware and software
2. Mouse function
3. Gmail basics
4. Keyboard keys (Caps lock, Shift, Esc, Tab, Alt, Windows, Space bar, F keys, Back space/delete, Enter, Menu, Home, End, Page up/down, Print)
5. Google search
6. Google chrome browser
7. Microsoft word (uses and alternatives, new document, file, home/clipboard/font, overview, home/paragraph/style, insert, page lay out, references, review, view, mailings)
Step 2: Enroll students in PeeR Assisted Educational Enrichment and Mutual Mentoring (PREM) Program upon acquiring of basic internet skills. Students and adults, fluent in English and Nepali, living in English-speaking nations will mentor and provide guidance to Nepali students on communication and networking skills, English language speaking, personal development, problem-solving skills and career choice.
Mentors follow the HFN Mentor Checklist and Structure at each mentoring session. This curriculum is designed to impact four major areas namely:
1. Academic skills (study techniques, educational resources and English learning).
2. Problem-solving (financial, interpersonal and psychological).
3. Personal development (reading, writing, exercise, meditation, gratitude, visualization and affirmation).
4. Career planning.
Step 3: Expert instructors sourced from within and outside the country will periodically deliver educational lectures on relevant topics related to basic health literacy to persistently prune the children’s basic health awareness.
Project Milestones
2016
HFN rolled out Computer Literacy Program in 08/2016 by signing its first memorandum of understanding with Chepang Kendra, Chitwan, Nepal which had sheltered more than 130 students of low-income families.
2017
- The program developed video tutorials on basics of digital literacy.
- PREM program was started with US-based students mentoring local students monthly via Skype. Mentors reinforce their knowledge of Nepali language and culture while developing leadership and problem-solving skills. They also learn to volunteer and develop an attitude of gratitude from an early age by comparing their education and economic status to their peers’ in developing countries. Similarly, mentees acquire support, supervision and ultimate guidance in a non-judgmental atmosphere so they can develop enough confidence to communicate effectively and sharpen their networking skills. Furthermore, they will explore various educational opportunities, learn the English language and develop strategies to reduce negative emotions, to engender good behavior and address conflict.
2018
- After completion of a successful fundraising campaign, the program was expanded to 22 centers in Chitwan and a permanent computer instructor was hired.
- PowerPoint slides and videos were created on 20 common health morbidities afflicting Nepal, with aim to enhance health literacy of secondary level school students on topics listed below. Click on the link (blue text below) to see videos.
2019
- Computer instructor started rotating through all 22 locations in Chitwan on a weekly basis to train student basic computer skills. A weekly team meeting among all the staff was initiated to update team members as well as donors via meeting minutes.
- Health Literacy sessions were conducted in Chitwan and Dang schools.
- Virtual mentorship of Sai Kendra orphan girls on topics ranging from news to career advice by US-based students have become a routine.
2020
- COVID pandemic led to closure of all schools and halted our program for a time being. We found a new normal of educating students virtually via Zoom. Coding lessons have been integrated to digital literacy curriculum.
- Health Literacy topics are posted on regular basis on Facebook Page.
1. School sanitation and hygiene
2. Oral and dental hygiene
3. Menstrual hygiene
4. Road traffic injuries
5. Accessing emergency medical and security services
6. Seeking and analyzing online health information
7. Anxiety, depression, emotional and mental well-being
8. Health and productivity: diet, exercise, sleep, meditation and gratitude
9. Food handling and safety
10. Age appropriate cancer screening: pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy
11. Immunizations: flu shot, pneumonia shot, tetanus shot
12. Hypertension
13. Diabetes Mellitus
14. Upper (Rhinitis) and lower respiratory tract disease (Asthma/COPD/Pneumonia)
15. Cardiovascular disease: Coronary and cerebrovascular disease
16. Childhood Malnutrition
17. Birth control and safe sex
18. Diarrheal diseases
19. Neonatal sepsis
20. Substance abuse (alcohol, nicotine, illegal drugs)
US-based Project Coordinators/Consultants
Mr. Anup Sharma
Ashok Devkota, MD
Ms. Dixya Lamichhane
Manoj Bhattarai, MD
Ms. Roshani Bharati
Tara Sigdel, PhD
Mr. Pradeep Khanal
Chooda Mani Khanal, PhD
Tika Lamsal, PhD
Sushmita Khadka, MD
Shristi Lamichhane, MD
Sansrita Nepal, MD
Samridhi Khatri, MD
Nepal-based Project Coordinators
Mr. Madan Raj Bhatt (Country Director)
Mr. Bikash Silwal
Mr. Nabin Shrestha (Computer Instructor)
Mr. Niranjan Acharya (Computer Vendor)
Mr. Gorakh Thapa (Health Literacy Instructor)
Ms. Sulochana Ghimire (Health Literacy Instructor)
Our Publications
1. https://kathmandupost.com/opinion/2018/12/04/a-long-way-to-go-20181204074141
2. https://www.nepallivetoday.com/2021/05/19/bridging-the-digital-divide-in-public-schools/
Testimonials from volunteers
Sushmita Khadka, MD
Internal Medicine Resident, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Pennsylvania
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Coming straight from a background of government work and struggling with fierce exams of Medical Licensing for United States, I was lost somewhere in between. Health Foundation Nepal made me feel connected to my roots. I was involved in 'Health Literacy project' where we made videos on common public health conditions appropriate for school children which is being utilized to educate students in Chitwan district of Nepal. Beyond social work this platform also gives you opportunity to meet accomplished people who are united with common goal of helping each other. Working with wonderful team who goes above and beyond to support you is a wonderful experience to remember for lifetime. It has filled me with positivity to stay connected and participate in more projects from Health Foundation Nepal in upcoming future.
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Samridhi Khatri, MD
Internal Medicine Resident, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Illinois
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Working for HFN has been one of the most uplifting experience of my life. I have been working as an Instructor/Mentor for the health literacy project. My role mainly comprises of educating high school students about various health related topics to enhance health literacy through a digital medium. This opportunity at HFN has been amazing and it has really helped me grow as a person both personally and professionally. It has made me realize that our responsibility as learned humans lie not only in the field of our professional spheres only but there is a social and moral obligation for each one of us towards our community and the underprivileged. HFN has been that medium which has let me make my share of the contribution towards those that need to be served and I will be forever grateful for this experience.
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List of Beneficiaries and Donors
