Photoshare Newsletter - October 2007

Saroj Nepal is a dedicated amateur photographer and health communication professional who has had an interest in photography since childhood. Saroj grew up in a small farming village in the middle of Nepal. He bought his first camera while still in school using saved “pocket money” from his parents. Saroj used the camera to take photos of different social and cultural events in Nepal. At age 15, after seeing the magazine "America,” Saroj became inspired to take more interesting and extraordinary photos. In that magazine he saw high quality photos of natural scenes from the United States of America and decided that he would also try to take similar high quality photos in Nepal. Since then Saroj has taken many photos in both his personal and professional life. Although Mr. Nepal is not a professional photographer, he loves to take photos and keeps his camera with him at all times.

As a health communication professional, Saroj Nepal has had extensive experience in managing and coordinating Behavior Change Communication (BCC) activities, such as trainings and workshops for NGOs, as well as planning and monitoring for non-formal education and radio listener groups. He worked as a Program Officer for a Family Planning project in different districts of Nepal in close coordination with District Health Offices and the Reproductive Health Coordination Committee. He has also provided technical assistance for translation and adoption of a radio health program drama serial, along with support materials appropriate to the language and culture of the community. He has more than 17 years of experience in implementing and managing reproductive health programs and social mobilization activities in different districts of Nepal, including assisting in development of the Social Mobilization manual for HIV/AIDS. He is experienced at working with diverse communities and has developed skills as an effective communicator at an organizational and grassroots level. Mr. Nepal served in several organizations prior to these assignments, including Johns Hopkins University /Center for Communication Programs, CEDPA/Nepal, and the Nepal Red Cross Society. Mr. Nepal has also participated in job-related national and international training activities, including workshops in Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and the United States.

Asked about Photoshare, Mr. Nepal says, "In my opinion, Photoshare is a very good forum for people who are interested in development and photography. People can use Photoshare to share their experiences while creating opportunities for others.”

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