Enabling Digitalization in the Musahar Community

Enabling Digitalization in the Musahar Community

Empowering Nepal’s Marginalized Communities Through Technology

Nepal Internet Foundation (NIF), with generous support from the APNIC Foundation, is proud to introduce the initiative “Enabling Digitalisation in the  Musahar Community.” This program is designed to promote digital inclusion, education, and empowerment for one of Nepal’s most marginalized communities in  Bhangaha Municipality, Ward No. 09, Mahottari District, Madhesh Province.
Our goal is simple yet transformative: to ensure that the Musahar community gains access to technology, knowledge and digital tools-opening doors to education, opportunity and socio-economic growth.

Bridging the Digital Divide through Access and Literacy

Digital access is no longer a luxury-it is a gateway to education, information and participation in the modern world. This initiative focuses on:

1. Providing Internet connectivity
2. Supplying digital devices, tools and essential digital technologies
3. Strengthening Technical Training & digital literacy among Students, Teachers and Community youths.

By integrating technology into schools and community spaces, we aim to empower learners to explore new skills, access online resources, communicate effectively, and improve their educational outcomes.

NIF is collaborating closely with local schools, including:

1. Shree Kishori Janata Secondary School
   
2. Shree Shabari Dalit Primary School
   

These partnerships support the introduction of digital learning in classrooms and help build a strong foundation for future generations.

On-the-Ground Engagement through Detailed Requirement Gathering

A dedicated team from the Nepal Internet Foundation traveled from Kathmandu to Bhangaha Municipality, Ward No. 9 to conduct a Detailed Requirement Gathering (DRG) program. The team consisted of:

1. Bikram Shrestha, President
2. Bikash Khatri, Program Director
3. Rabindra Chaudhary, Electrical Head
4. Asmita Lamichhane, Program Assistant
5. Bikash Kadayat, Program Assistant

The purpose of the visit was to understand the community’s digital needs through direct interactions with Local Government, students, teachers, parents, and local leaders. Through discussions, field observations and interactive sessions, the team assessed:

1. The current level of digital access
2. Challenges faced by the Musahar community
3. Opportunities for introducing sustainable digital learning solutions

Collaboration with Local Leaders and Stakeholders

The DRG program saw active involvement from key local stakeholders whose support and insights were invaluable. Participants included:

1. Sanjib Kumar Shah, Mayor, Bhangaha Municipality
2. Ranjit Kumar Yadav, Principal, Shree Kishori Janata Secondary School
3. Anjali Yadav, Principal, Shree Shabari Dalit Primary School
4. Shiv Kumar Mahato, Chairman, Ward No. 5
5. Ranjit Yadav, Community Leader

Alongside these leaders, more than 37 local community members actively joined the discussions, representing parents, youth, teachers, and Musahar community families. Their participation ensured that the program captured diverse local perspectives, real challenges, and practical ideas for a sustainable digital inclusion model.

This collective involvement played a crucial role in building trust, identifying priority areas, and shaping a community-driven digital roadmap for the Musahar community.

Key Insights and Future Pathways

Through open discussions and community engagement, several priority areas for digital transformation were identified:

1. Increasing access to technology and connectivity
2. Creating community-based digital learning hubs
3. Enhancing technical training and digital literacy for Students teachers, youth and adults.
4. Empowering Youths, Women’s and marginalized families through digital training
5. Promoting sustainable and inclusive digital solutions

These insights will guide the planning and implementation of a holistic digital empowerment program for the Musahar community.

A Step Toward a Digitally Inclusive Future

This engagement marks a significant step toward building a digitally inclusive Musahar community one where every child and family can learn, connect, and grow through technology. With continued collaboration among NIF, local schools, community members, and government representatives, we are committed to turning this vision into a sustainable reality.

Together, we aim to empower the Musahar community to rise beyond existing barriers by improving connectivity, enhancing education, and unlocking new opportunities through technology.