A New ‘Tech Age Youth’ Project to Launch for Underprivileged Teens in Pokhara

Pokhara — The ‘Tech Age Youth’ project, aimed at teenagers without access to technology, is set to be launched at the Dipshikha Community Library, located in Ward No. 29 of Pokhara Metropolitan City.

An agreement to implement the project was signed on Thursday between READ Nepal (under which the project runs) and Dipshikha Community Library. The agreement was signed in the presence of library chairperson Krishnahari Bhandari and READ Nepal program coordinator Bhagyashree Bista.

According to the agreement, the project will directly benefit up to 55 individuals, including adolescents aged 13 to 22—whether studying or school dropouts—as well as individuals with disabilities. The project specifically targets youths from socially marginalized and technologically underserved communities.

During the event, Ward Chairperson Shriprasad Gurung of Pokhara Ward No. 29 expressed his willingness to provide necessary support from the ward office. Other notable attendees included Nirmala Paudel, executive member of the metropolitan city; Bishnuhari Paudel, president of Lekhnath Journalists' Forum; Shekharnath Sharma, principal of Janaprakash Secondary School; Mohanraj Baral, principal of Gogan Secondary School; and several members and staff of the library management committee.

The event was conducted by library secretary Padam Prasad Adhikari, who mentioned that the total estimated cost for the project is NPR 800,000 (eight lakh rupees). Of this, the project will provide NPR 400,000, while the remaining amount will be managed by the library itself. Chairperson Bhandari added that they expect additional support from local governments and various organizations.

The project is expected to play a vital role in community learning, digital access, and youth empowerment.