CIUD, Bottlers Nepal launch BABA project in Kathmandu community schools

KATHMANDU: Centre for Integrated Urban Development (CIUD) and Bottlers Nepal Ltd officially launched the BABA (Balbalika and Batabaran, which translates to Children and Environment) programme in the presence of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) at two community schools in the inner core city areas of Kathmandu.

The programme was inaugurated through an inception workshop attended by representatives from KMC, the City Planning Commission, and the participating schools. The BABA project, envisioned by KMC for its government schools (now directly under KMC), aims to provide additional knowledge beyond textbooks and empower students in environmental issues and responsibilities. These include waste management, recycling, reuse, upcycling, waste-to-art, and other related activities. 

The school-based programme focuses on creating awareness about environmental issues and providing hands-on education in eco-friendly practices such as waste segregation, recycling, reusing, and upcycling. Topics covered include WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), urban water management, and solid waste management.

During the workshop, Nabin Bikash Maharjan, Executive Director of CIUD, shared the history of the BABA programme and highlighted its objectives. 

Project Coordinator Samikshya Bhattarai explained programme details, including methodology, activities, and expected outcomes. The BABA programme is complementary in targeted schools, including Himalaya Secondary School in KMC Ward No. 22 and Shree Mahendra Saraswati Sewa Basic School in Ward No. 12.

Shailendra Jha from the City Planning Commission (Education) noted, "Originally, the BABA programme was envisioned and implemented by the Community Mobilisation Unit (CMU) of KMC's Environment Management Department. We are pleased to see this partnership between CIUD and Bottlers Nepal Ltd revitalising the BABA programme and supporting KMC's Book Free Friday initiative. The BABA programme will undoubtedly contribute to creating green and resilient schools."

About Coca-Cola Beverages in Nepal:

Coca-Cola Beverages Nepal refreshes consumers across the country with its core product offerings: Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Kinley. The company collaborates with WaterAid Nepal, CIUD, Smartpaani, and Splash on innovative integrated water management solutions for water conservation, replenishment, and community livelihood improvement, making Coca-Cola a water-positive company.