Arun Valley Concern Center would like to support tourism efforts throughout the Sankhuwashbha district of Nepal and draw more tourists into the region. In order to help us establish a clear direction forward, we need a good project definition.

What do we want to offer in terms of support to existing tourism agencies?

What support can we offer to the local community to allow them to benefit from the tourists that come through the area?

For our project to move forward, we need to first define what resources and barriers exist in order to appropriately plan a way forward.

Tejanath has been working on an initial SWOT analysis for the project and will post it here as a place to start. Please review the proposed project and background information in our village and help us list items to complete the SWOT analysis.

Earlier this year, the digital camera that was used to visually document exciting news and progress being made at Arrow-Web Hospital was stolen when Bramuel was ambushed by a group of robbers on his way home from a conference. Since that time, he has not been able to replace it.

Sweet potatoes are commonly grown in Kabondo and are a staple food. The community wanted to learn more about alternative uses for sweet potato, improved or alternative growing methods, and any other information related to varieties, value-added options and so forth.

Please assist the community by gathering information specifically on Sweet Potatoes and:

1. Nutritional value
2. Growing methods and alternatives appropriate in Kabondo
3. Possible alternative uses (such as starch) for income generation
4. Any other relevant information

Many people who travel to Nepal to volunteer also go trekking. For this task, we would like to research and again develop a database of volunteer organizations who place volunteers in Nepal many times to help in the schools. This research will be used to reach out and establish relationships with organizations who may be interested in learning more about the Sankhuwasabha district and all it has to offer those who come to visit.

A large part of our project will revolve around marketing all that the Sankhuwasabha district has to offer. For this task, we are looking for volunteers to help us research and develop a database of trekking agencies located in Kathmandu and also around the world.

There are many marketing opportunities available on an international level. Make a list of marketing contacts or opportunities here so that we can contact them at a later stage.

Note: The women's products are currently being featured on www.bawalatumaini.com

It seems some neighbours are facing problems sending goods to Yoshinkhel. Do you have any experience in this? Or ideas how to overcome these problems?

Sabina mentioned the safest way is if someone is coming to Yoshinkhel in person to give it to them to bring along. How do we look for people going to Nepal?

Or maybe airlines might take donations along?

Transportation problems might also have to be overcome in case a customer wants to send back a product!

All ideas are welcome!

Simone offered to open an Ebay store through which the women of Yoshinkhel could sell their woollen products on the international market.

Another international market place identified by our neighbours where we could market our products is www.alibaba.com.

Do you have any experience in this? What needs to be taken into account?

Share your ideas and experiences!