Yuwa Sangha Hamro Sahayatra (Your Good Walk with Oxfam) is one of strategic intervention and innovative project of Oxfam in Nepal and Oxfam Korea to empower youths in Nepal through their profound engagement in music, art and dance. The project is funded by YG entertainment, globally reputed entertainment industry from Korea. Oxfam implemented the project in partnership with Yuwalaya.
The project goal was to build confident and empowered youth through cultural music, art, and dance. The specific objectives of the project were:
- Creating opportunities for young boys and girls to learn and engage in indigenous music, art, and dances
- Increasing digital literacy among youths, and
- Promoting indigenous music, art, and dances of Nepal through competition and concerts.
Through indigenous music and dance classes, 488 youth aged 18-30 years (i.e. 259 females and 229 males, Dalit 229, Brahmin/chhetri 170 and Janajati 89) actively participated in learning traditional art forms, reviving their cultural heritage. Exposure visits to neighboring provinces broadened their understanding of cultural entrepreneurship, inspiring many to explore income-generating opportunities in traditional music and dance. The project also facilitated linkages with music schools and provided fellowships to 12 deserving students, enabling them to advance their skills. A key achievement of the project was the significant confidence boost observed among youth. Many participants, previously hesitant to express themselves, gained the courage to perform in front of large audiences. The participation of around 250 youth from all 4 working municipals during the YG Youth musical concert, highlighted their newfound self-assurance and confidence and capacity for leadership. Digital literacy training further empowered 44 youth with basic computer skills and 17 with advanced digital skills, leading to job placements and content creation on social media platforms.