<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Blogs | Coding for Social Good Nepal]]></title><description><![CDATA[Coding for Social Good Nepal is a non-profit organization working to promote Computer Science Education in high schools of Nepsl.]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org</link><image><url>https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744995592239/420c37d6-9e65-40a6-8b15-9281cea813bd.png</url><title>Blogs | Coding for Social Good Nepal</title><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org</link></image><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 05:10:52 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://blog.cosognepal.org/rss.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><ttl>60</ttl><item><title><![CDATA[Web Development with WordPress Program Concluded at Kalika Manavgyan Secondary School]]></title><description><![CDATA[Coding for Social Good Nepal successfully concluded the Web Development with WordPress Program under our flagship Code for Charity initiative. The program brought together 20 public school students fr]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/web-dev-with-wordpress-concluded</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/web-dev-with-wordpress-concluded</guid><category><![CDATA[Code for Charity]]></category><category><![CDATA[WordPress]]></category><category><![CDATA[Web Development]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:38:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/60feaf99fa408f0c89bd2b11/b9024607-56ec-4664-9a71-34469bd0f741.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Coding for Social Good Nepal successfully concluded the <strong>Web Development with WordPress Program</strong> under our flagship <a href="https://cosognepal.org/programs/code-for-charity">Code for Charity</a> initiative. The program brought together <strong>20 public school students from Grades 9 to 12</strong> and was conducted through a hybrid learning model combining online instruction with an in-person graduation event.</p>
<img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/60feaf99fa408f0c89bd2b11/18a75327-da35-45a9-be1a-121667329b92.png" alt="Aashish Panthi hosting the graduation ceremony" style="display:block;margin:0 auto" />

<p>This initiative was made possible with the support of our partners. <strong>Paymentology</strong> supported the program financially as part of their <strong>Changing Lives Initiative</strong>. <strong>Fleckor Tech</strong>, a creative and technology firm operating across India, the UK, UAE, USA, and Nepal, provided mentorship and is also reviewing students for potential internship opportunities. The <strong>ICT Club of Kalika Manavgyan Secondary School</strong> played a key role in coordinating students and facilitating the program locally.</p>
<h2>Learning Through Collaboration and Practice</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/60feaf99fa408f0c89bd2b11/44a01a18-4e22-4384-bb85-ea9956367398.jpg" alt="Glimpses of the online medium we used to run the program" style="display:block;margin:0 auto" />

<p>The program ran for two weeks and focused on introducing students to the fundamentals of web development using <strong>WordPress and Elementor</strong>. Students communicated and collaborated primarily through Discord, while official updates and instructions were shared via email. The live learning sessions were conducted through Microsoft Teams.</p>
<p>To ensure students could revisit lessons at any time, all lectures were also <strong>recorded and published on the Coding for Social Good Nepal YouTube channel</strong>. Find the official channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@cosognepal">here</a>.</p>
<p>Throughout the program, students learned important practical skills including:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Understanding how websites function</p>
</li>
<li><p>Building websites using WordPress and Elementor</p>
</li>
<li><p>Managing content using a CMS</p>
</li>
<li><p>Designing user-friendly layouts</p>
</li>
<li><p>Applying basic SEO and website security practices</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Building Real-World Projects</h2>
<p>After completing the learning phase, students were divided into different teams to work on real-world style projects.</p>
<img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/60feaf99fa408f0c89bd2b11/766caac1-684f-4846-92fa-228f3bbb2f8f.jpg" alt="Non profit website" style="display:block;margin:0 auto" />

<p>One team developed a non-profit organization website designed with a clean interface and simple navigation system, making it easy for visitors to explore the organization’s mission and activities. The website features a strong hero section, project showcases highlighting community impact, and options for visitors to volunteer or support the organization.</p>
<img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/60feaf99fa408f0c89bd2b11/0bfd33cc-d2ca-4990-b7c8-a37725147d84.png" alt="Kalika Manavgyan Secondary School's website created by students" style="display:block;margin:0 auto" />

<p>Another team created a school website prototype inspired by Kalika Manavgyan Secondary School. The website focuses on a minimal and organized layout with clear visual elements. It includes a homepage with icon-based highlights, an interactive faculty section, a gallery showcasing school activities, and a contact page with an integrated map and communication details.</p>
<p>Through these projects, students gained experience in designing websites, organizing information clearly, and building functional web platforms.</p>
<h2>Graduation Ceremony and Project Showcase</h2>
<img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/60feaf99fa408f0c89bd2b11/60f0d120-aaf3-4ab1-9969-fba1a12a97ce.png" alt="Web Development with WordPress Certificate Distribution" style="display:block;margin:0 auto" />

<p>The program concluded with a graduation ceremony held at the hall of Kalika Manavgyan Secondary School, where students presented their projects and reflected on their learning experience.</p>
<img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/60feaf99fa408f0c89bd2b11/9dbe9ed4-a200-41ba-acb1-9a037501e359.png" alt="Students presenting their projects" style="display:block;margin:0 auto" />

<p>During the event, students showcased the websites they had built, shared their experiences from the program, and received certificates recognizing their successful completion of the course.</p>
<p>As part of the collaboration with Fleckor Tech, students are currently being reviewed for a potential remote internship opportunity. The final selection is under evaluation and will be announced publicly once the review process is completed.</p>
<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>
<p>Programs like these highlight the importance of practical, project-based learning in computer science education. By combining mentorship, collaborative learning platforms, and real-world projects, students gain both technical skills and confidence in building digital solutions.</p>
<p>Read more about our program here at <a href="https://cosognepal.org/programs/code-for-charity/web-development">https://cosognepal.org/programs/code-for-charity/web-development</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Coding for Social Good Nepal wins Global E-STEM Innovation Grant]]></title><description><![CDATA[Coding for Social Good Nepal is honored to be selected as one of the 2025 Global E-STEM Innovation Grant Awardees, presented by Pratt & Whitney in collaboration with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE).
This year, the G...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/cosognepal-selected-for-estem-innovation-grant-awardee</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/cosognepal-selected-for-estem-innovation-grant-awardee</guid><category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category><category><![CDATA[innovation]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:54:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763540783734/a0a23775-0a98-4de1-8edd-e0c3d9fa4e07.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Coding for Social Good Nepal is honored to be selected as one of the <strong>2025 Global E-STEM Innovation Grant Awardees</strong>, presented by <strong>Pratt &amp; Whitney</strong> in collaboration with the <strong>North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)</strong>.</p>
<p>This year, the Global E-STEM Awards recognized <strong>15 nonprofit organizations across 14 countries</strong> and bestowed grants totalling $250,000 for advancing environmental problem-solving through science, technology, engineering, and math (E-STEM) for students ages 11–22. We are proud to represent Nepal among this global cohort of youth-focused innovators.</p>
<p>Our initiative, the <strong>Cosog Nepal E-STEM Fellowship</strong>, integrates environmental literacy with hands-on technology skills. Through the program, students work in mentored teams to build technology prototypes that address urgent ecological challenges in their communities.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763540908203/bde55bfc-1e11-4716-a243-9cfdb49ab9bb.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Learn more about the Global E-STEM Awards: <a target="_blank" href="http://naaee.org/e-stem-awards">http://naaee.org/e-stem-awards</a></p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Code for Charity at Social Innovation ICT Award]]></title><description><![CDATA[Code for Charity, a program dedicated to empowering Nepali NGOs and schools through free and accessible technology, has been selected as one of the 13 semi-finalists for the Social Innovation ICT Award 2025. The announcement follows a rigorous evalua...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/code-for-charity-at-social-innovation-ict-award</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/code-for-charity-at-social-innovation-ict-award</guid><category><![CDATA[Code for Charity]]></category><category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category><category><![CDATA[innovation]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:21:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763538498398/48c8b1e0-7010-4066-8622-a40187b9264e.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Code for Charity, a program dedicated to empowering Nepali NGOs and schools through free and accessible technology, has been selected as one of the <strong>13 semi-finalists for the Social Innovation ICT Award 2025</strong>. The announcement follows a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the ICT Award organizing committee and esteemed jury members.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763542136182/b9af8c2a-bcab-4e05-8554-05274a12f4f3.jpeg" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>The Social Innovation ICT Award recognizes impactful projects that leverage technology to address social challenges and uplift communities. Code for Charity’s selection marks a significant milestone for the initiative, which has been quietly building digital capacity for nonprofits, students, and local institutions across Nepal.</p>
<hr />
<h2 id="heading-a-showcase-of-innovation-at-the-startup-amp-idea-fest-2025"><strong>A Showcase of Innovation at the Startup &amp; Idea Fest 2025</strong></h2>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763539072315/5e7f5c07-ba7e-4ea4-94b6-f9835b638b2c.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>As part of the selection process, Code for Charity joined more than <strong>100 digital startups and innovators</strong> from all seven provinces at the <strong>Startup &amp; Idea Fest 2025</strong>, held on <strong>13–14 November 2025</strong> at Anupam Foodland, Battisputali.<br />The two-day exhibition, which drew over <strong>15,000 visitors</strong>, featured:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>80+ digital startups and innovations</p>
</li>
<li><p>Semi-finalists from Category A (Startup ICT Award, Product ICT Award, Rising Star Innovation ICT Award, Social Innovation ICT Award)</p>
</li>
<li><p>Exhibitors from across Nepal’s growing tech ecosystem</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Code for Charity showcased its work supporting NGOs and schools through community-driven tech development and mentoring young developers to build meaningful, real-world solutions for underserved communities. Visitors, jury members, entrepreneurs, and government representatives were able to engage directly with the team, learn about their mission, and cast public votes through the event’s on-site voting system.</p>
<hr />
<h2 id="heading-pitching-at-the-grand-jury-session"><strong>Pitching at the Grand Jury Session</strong></h2>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763539255619/b414a39a-6ef3-4329-9d1d-062324943fa2.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Watch the 2 minute clip from 5-minute pitch at <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/EZ2awT0l2MA?list=PL2-zdcylWLT4PgL5hrK_6pPx_HzrDZ6q9&amp;t=642">https://youtu.be/EZ2awT0l2MA?list=PL2-zdcylWLT4PgL5hrK_6pPx_HzrDZ6q9&amp;t=642</a></p>
<p>Following the exhibition, the semi-finalists participated in the <strong>Grand Jury Session</strong> on <strong>15 November 2025</strong>, where teams delivered formal presentations and participated in Speed Dating rounds with judges.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763539791347/f364b278-1847-4a72-b89b-9eb760fd3ddf.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Following the presentation, the president Aashish Panthi and Executive Member Nitisha Lawot engaged in a speed dating round, where they had to visit each jury member for 3 minutes and answer the questions the jury asked.</p>
<p>These interactions will determine the <strong>Top 5 finalists</strong> for the Social Innovation ICT Award 2025. Results will be announced by <strong>19 December 2025</strong>.</p>
<hr />
<h2 id="heading-toward-the-grand-finale"><strong>Toward the Grand Finale</strong></h2>
<p>The <strong>Grand Finale of the ICT Award 2025</strong> will take place on <strong>19 December 2025</strong>, where the winners across all major categories will be announced.</p>
<p>For Code for Charity, being recognized at this national platform is both an achievement and a motivation to expand its mission—bridging the digital divide by empowering nonprofits, students, and communities through accessible technology and youth leadership.</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Code for Charity Project: National Adolescent Girls' Network Nepal]]></title><description><![CDATA[As part of the Code for Charity Program, Coding for Social Good Nepal has completed and launched the National Adolescent Girls’ Network Nepal website.
Introduction
Code for Charity is a flagship program of Coding for Social Good Nepal that provides p...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/code-for-charity-project-nagnnepal</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/code-for-charity-project-nagnnepal</guid><category><![CDATA[Code for Charity]]></category><category><![CDATA[vite]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:15:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1758023122760/0adefb8f-4e2e-45de-a029-cd7fba3072e6.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As part of the Code for Charity Program, Coding for Social Good Nepal has completed and launched the National Adolescent Girls’ Network Nepal website.</p>
<h1 id="heading-introduction">Introduction</h1>
<p>Code for Charity is a flagship program of Coding for Social Good Nepal that provides pro-bono coding services to national and international non-profits. Our team of skilled developers and designers works closely with NGOs to develop websites, applications, and other digital solutions that help them achieve their goals. Learn more about it <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/programs/code-for-charity">here</a>.</p>
<h2 id="heading-about-national-adolescent-girls-network-nepal">About National Adolescent Girls’ Network Nepal</h2>
<p>The National Adolescent Girls Network Nepal (NAGN) is a leading national platform committed to empowering adolescent girls, advocating for their rights, and promoting gender equality. NAGN envisions a Nepal where every adolescent girl is informed, confident, and capable of driving social change.</p>
<h1 id="heading-process">Process</h1>
<p>The project started in August 2025, as we received a website development request from the president of the National Adolescent Girls’ Network Nepal. After understanding the requirements, we documented and discussed them within our team. After the successful completion of the project in September 2025, we set up the domain and hosting for the project. By the first week of September, the website went live.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1756739570335/d68681bf-518f-40f0-bc37-1736c776ce0b.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<h1 id="heading-testimonial">Testimonial</h1>
<p>Hear about the experience of working with us from Ms. Anuska Neupane, the President of the National Adolescent Girls’ Network Nepal, herself.</p>
<div class="embed-wrapper"><div class="embed-loading"><div class="loadingRow"></div><div class="loadingRow"></div></div><a class="embed-card" href="https://youtu.be/iUo-Yj_TzCA">https://youtu.be/iUo-Yj_TzCA</a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>If you’ve a problem playing the video, visit this link: <a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/shorts/iUo-Yj_TzCA">https://youtu.be/iUo-Yj_TzCA</a></p>
<h1 id="heading-outcome">Outcome</h1>
<p>The website is now live. You can visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nagnnepal.org">www.nangnepal.org</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1758023057197/fa2c6b57-11cc-4931-8afb-6e2a10590763.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Additionally, we’ve provided a small training on how to edit text, images, posts, and links; how to add new posts, and update the content of the website; and other essential information.</p>
<h2 id="heading-way-to-get-involved">Way to get involved</h2>
<p>Like our previous project, the source code of this project is open. If you want to contribute anything or improve the existing features of the project, you’re welcome to do so. If you don’t have any new feature ideas, then you can find the existing issues under the Issues tab and work on them.</p>
<p>The GitHub repository link is: <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/cosognepal/National-Adolescent-Network-Nepal/tree/nagnnepal">https://github.com/cosognepal/National-Adolescent-Network-Nepal/tree/nagnnepal</a></p>
<h1 id="heading-conclusion">Conclusion</h1>
<p>After months of collaboration and working on the project, we’ve delivered the website to Ms. Anuska Neupane. It was one of our most wonderful collaborations, and we hope to work with them in the future also.</p>
<p>If you want a website for your nonprofit, please contact us via our <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/contact">contact form</a>, social media handles, or email. The details are provided below:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Email: contact@cosognepal.org</p>
</li>
<li><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/Cosognepal/">Cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
<li><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/cosognepal/">cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
<li><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="http://linkedin.com/company/cosognepal/">cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Code for Charity Project: National Adolescent Boys Network Nepal]]></title><description><![CDATA[As part of the Code for Charity Program, Coding for Social Good Nepal has completed and launched the National Adolescent Boys Network Nepal website.
Introduction
Code for Charity is a flagship program of Coding for Social Good Nepal that provides pro...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/code-for-charity-project-national-adolescent-boys-network-nepal</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/code-for-charity-project-national-adolescent-boys-network-nepal</guid><category><![CDATA[Code for Charity]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 18:15:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1747232750648/0fd9cc25-bad7-4ddd-b85f-ccaaa0af4d85.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As part of the Code for Charity Program, Coding for Social Good Nepal has completed and launched the National Adolescent Boys Network Nepal website.</p>
<h1 id="heading-introduction">Introduction</h1>
<p>Code for Charity is a flagship program of Coding for Social Good Nepal that provides pro-bono coding services to national and international non-profits. Our team of skilled developers and designers works closely with NGOs to develop websites, applications, and other digital solutions that help them achieve their goals. Learn more about it <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/programs/code-for-charity">here</a>.</p>
<h2 id="heading-about-national-adolescent-boys-network-nepal">About National Adolescent Boys Network Nepal</h2>
<p>The <strong>National Adolescent Boys Network Nepal (NABN)</strong> was founded on 14th Shrawan, 2078 (2021) with the primary objective of ensuring the comprehensive rights of children and adolescents, advocating for gender equality, ending gender-based violence, and empowering the active participation of adolescents in these efforts. The network was established with the clear vision that youth involvement is essential for achieving meaningful change in society.</p>
<h2 id="heading-about-technify-organization">About Technify Organization</h2>
<p><strong>Technify</strong> is a student organization that unites <a target="_blank" href="https://duke.edu/">Duke University</a> tech talents through the nexus between tech, design, and social good. The mission of Technify is to build a community of college students at Duke and beyond that strives to bridge the digital divide in Southeast Asia and drive social impact through technology.</p>
<h1 id="heading-process">Process</h1>
<p>The project started in September 2024, as we received a website development request from the president of the National Adolescent Boys Network Nepal. After understanding the requirements, we documented and discussed them with the Technify team. After the successful completion of the project in April 2025, we set up the domain and hosting for the project. By May, the website went live.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1748156919734/a500e0d6-46fd-4467-b177-8166ad7afe04.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<h1 id="heading-testimonial">Testimonial</h1>
<p>Hear about the experience of working with us from Mr. Ghanashyam Bishwakarma, the President of National Adolescent Boys’ Network Nepal, himself.</p>
<div class="embed-wrapper"><div class="embed-loading"><div class="loadingRow"></div><div class="loadingRow"></div></div><a class="embed-card" href="https://youtu.be/qJdMG6zLY3U">https://youtu.be/qJdMG6zLY3U</a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>If you’ve problem playing the video, visit this link: <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/qJdMG6zLY3U">https://youtu.be/qJdMG6zLY3U</a></p>
<h1 id="heading-outcome">Outcome</h1>
<p>The website is now live. You can visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nabnnepal.org">www.nanbnepal.org</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1748336368612/e50200eb-f6b3-4afc-baf5-37cf98e29fbf.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Additionally, we’ve provided a small training on how to edit text, images, posts, and links; how to add new posts, and update the content of the website; and other essential information.</p>
<h2 id="heading-way-to-get-involved">Way to get involved</h2>
<p>Unlike our other projects, the source code of this project is open. If you want to contribute anything or improve the existing features of the project, you’re welcome to do so. If you don’t have any new feature ideas, then you can find the existing issues under the Issues tab and work on them.</p>
<p>The GitHub repository link is: <a target="_blank" href="https://github.com/cosognepal/NABN_frontend/">https://github.com/cosognepal/NABN_frontend/</a></p>
<h1 id="heading-conclusion">Conclusion</h1>
<p>After months of collaboration and working on the project, we’ve delivered the website to Mr. Ghanashyam Bishwakarma. It was one of our most wonderful collaborations, and we hope to work with them in the future also.</p>
<p>If you want a website for your nonprofit, please contact us via our <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/contact">contact form</a>, social media handles, and email. The details are provided below:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Email: contact@cosognepal.org</p>
</li>
<li><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/Cosognepal/">Cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
<li><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/cosognepal/">cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
<li><p>LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="http://linkedin.com/company/cosognepal/">cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Code for Charity Project: Sustainable Actions Afrika]]></title><description><![CDATA[As part of the Code for Charity Program, Coding for Social Good Nepal has completed and launched the website of Sustainable Actions Afrika.
Introduction
Code for Charity is a flagship program of Coding for Social Good Nepal that provides pro-bono cod...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/sustainable-actions-afrika</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/sustainable-actions-afrika</guid><category><![CDATA[Code for Charity]]></category><category><![CDATA[Community Service]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2025 17:16:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744996340534/6164e3f5-19fa-4455-b46c-7a0eddc0b899.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As part of the Code for Charity Program, Coding for Social Good Nepal has completed and launched the website of Sustainable Actions Afrika.</p>
<h1 id="heading-introduction">Introduction</h1>
<p>Code for Charity is a flagship program of Coding for Social Good Nepal that provides pro-bono coding services to national and international non-profits. Our team of skilled developers and designers work closely with NGOs to develop websites, applications, and other digital solutions that help them achieve their goals. Learn more about it <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/programs/code-for-charity">here</a>.</p>
<h2 id="heading-about-sustainable-actions-afrika">About Sustainable Actions Afrika</h2>
<p><strong>Sustainable Actions Afrika</strong> is a non-profit, apolitical, non-denominational, and non-governmental organization committed to promoting sustainable development in Africa. Our focus areas include Education for Sustainable Development, the Food-Energy-Water Nexus, and the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), as well as promoting local and community-based sustainable actions. We’re dedicated to educating, engaging, and empowering communities in Africa to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.</p>
<h1 id="heading-process">Process</h1>
<p>Around mid-2024, we received a website development request from Sustainable Actions Afrika. After understanding the requirements, we setup the domain and hosting in September. Then, we started working on the project after some volunteers trainings. We decided to use Wordpress as a CMS because the organization wanted to post new updates and wanted to edit the existing content on the website. The wordpress seemed to be just the tool to get started.</p>
<p>Throughout the project, we had multiple meetings between two organizations. The meetings were hosted by the Program Lead Mr. Aashish Panthi (president of Coding for Social Good Nepal) regularly to share the programs, get feedbacks, and regularly improve the site.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744997457078/81fbf52e-d337-4916-913a-e1329ab81dd1.png" alt="Meeting between the president of Cosog nepal and Sustainable actions afrika" class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<h1 id="heading-outcome">Outcome</h1>
<p>The website is now live. You can visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sustainableactionsafrika.org">www.sustainableactionsafrika.org</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1744996862637/130faddb-1d6e-492e-8b85-54bebe8d9b16.png" alt="Sustainable Actions Afrika landing page" class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Additionally, we’ve provided a small training on how to edit text, images, posts, and links; how to add new posts, and update the content of the website; and change the theme of the website according to their preference. We also set up the business email of the organization using the <a target="_blank" href="https://nonprofit.microsoft.com/">microsoft for nonprofits</a>.</p>
<h2 id="heading-testimonial">Testimonial</h2>
<p>Hear about the experience of working with us from Mr. Peter Nfon, the CEO of Sustainable Actions Afrika, himself.</p>
<div class="embed-wrapper"><div class="embed-loading"><div class="loadingRow"></div><div class="loadingRow"></div></div><a class="embed-card" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dry5hBqGH9o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dry5hBqGH9o</a></div>
<p> </p>
<blockquote>
<p>If you’ve problem playing the video, visit this link: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dry5hBqGH9o">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dry5hBqGH9o</a></p>
</blockquote>
<h1 id="heading-conclusion">Conclusion</h1>
<p>After months of collaboration, training volunteers, and working on the project, we’ve delivered the website to Mr. Peter Nfon. It was one of our most wonderful collaborations, and we’ll always remember the cultural exchange, meeting scheduling in a different timezone and calendar, and invaluable learnings.</p>
<p>If you want a website for your nonprofit, please reach out to us via our <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/contact">contact form</a>, social media handles, and email. The details are provided below:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Email: contact@cosognepal.org</p>
</li>
<li><p>Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/Cosognepal/">Cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
<li><p>Instagram: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/cosognepal/">cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
<li><p>Linkedin: <a target="_blank" href="http://linkedin.com/company/cosognepal/">cosognepal</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bibek Bhandari becomes the prestigious Diana Award 2024 recipient]]></title><description><![CDATA[About the Diana Award
The Diana Award is a charity that recognizes young people who are making positive change in their communities. The award was established in 1999 by the British government in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.
About Bivek’s Work...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/bibek-bhandari-receives-diana-award-2024</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/bibek-bhandari-receives-diana-award-2024</guid><category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category><category><![CDATA[Community Service]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 24 Nov 2024 18:15:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1756629447304/d7e3633a-f3ec-4aca-b8c9-a270fd7fc6a0.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 id="heading-about-the-diana-award">About the Diana Award</h2>
<p>The Diana Award is a charity that recognizes young people who are making positive change in their communities. The award was established in 1999 by the British government in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.</p>
<h2 id="heading-about-biveks-work">About Bivek’s Work</h2>
<p>Bibek’s journey from facing financial challenges to founding ‘COSOG Nepal’ is a story of resilience and transformative leadership. Motivated by his struggles to access STEM resources, he established over 25 computer science clubs across Nepal, impacting 3,000+ students. Bibek’s initiatives include coding competitions, career counselling workshops, and the publication of "Python Primer," a programming ebook downloaded by more than 600 students. His ‘Code for Charity’ programme extends support to nonprofits, multiplying his impact globally. Bibek’s leadership and collaborative efforts have created a culture of learning and inclusion, inspiring young minds to pursue STEM careers and leverage technology for social good.</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi becomes the Glocal Teen Hero Nepal Finalist 2024]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mr. Aashish Panthi, the vice president of Coding for Social Good Nepal, is recognized as a finalist of the prestigious Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2024.

About Glocal Teen Hero
Glocal Teen Hero Award recognizes 20 young changemakers under the age of 20. F...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/aashish-panthi-becomes-the-glocal-teen-hero-nepal-finalist-2024</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/aashish-panthi-becomes-the-glocal-teen-hero-nepal-finalist-2024</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cosog Nepal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:15:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1737037181469/70547876-1971-4b2d-8390-9d86abdcf151.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mr. Aashish Panthi, the vice president of Coding for Social Good Nepal, is recognized as a finalist of the prestigious Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2024.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1737037714212/fada7f3e-9c0b-4823-8b4d-3a097d3b9a6c.jpeg" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<h2 id="heading-about-glocal-teen-hero">About Glocal Teen Hero</h2>
<p>Glocal Teen Hero Award recognizes 20 young changemakers under the age of 20. Further, it selects the top 6 changemakers as finalists and the finalists engage in a week-long self-competency workshop to find the ultimate fantastic teen.</p>
<p>The purpose of this program is to motivate and encourage teenagers to step out of their comfort zone, be creative, and nurture entrepreneurial and innovative thinking. It acts as a great platform for them to network with delegates from various industries in Nepal. It is the opportunity of a lifetime, not only for the winner, but all the applicants, finalists, and other teenagers to develop themselves through networking, collaboration, and pooling of opportunities.</p>
<h2 id="heading-aashishs-work">Aashish’s Work</h2>
<p>Hear the works of Mr. Aashish from himself:</p>
<div class="embed-wrapper"><div class="embed-loading"><div class="loadingRow"></div><div class="loadingRow"></div></div><a class="embed-card" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo8SxgI1UpE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo8SxgI1UpE</a></div>
<p> </p>
<p>Mr. Panthi has led several workshops and outreach events being the vice president of Cosog Nepal. He is also spearheading the Code for Charity initiative of our organization where we provide pro-bono services to national and international non-profits working for social good. Read more about his work <a target="_blank" href="https://glocalteenhero.com/mr-aashish-panthi-a19-year-old-social-activist-and-advocate/">here</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ultimate High Schooler's Guide to Programming!]]></title><description><![CDATA[In today's digital age, coding skills are more essential than ever. Embarking on the journey of learning programming as a high schooler is an exhilarating adventure. It's like stepping into a world where you can create, innovate, and bring your ideas...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/ultimate-high-schoolers-guide-to-programming</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/ultimate-high-schoolers-guide-to-programming</guid><category><![CDATA[cosognepal]]></category><category><![CDATA[Computer Science]]></category><category><![CDATA[#codingNewbies]]></category><category><![CDATA[Roadmap]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Aashish Panthi]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:53:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1716351120534/804a4015-34be-4762-b614-8b4dffce39d4.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In today's digital age, coding skills are more essential than ever. Embarking on the journey of learning programming as a high schooler is an exhilarating adventure. It's like stepping into a world where you can <strong>create</strong>, <strong>innovate</strong>, and <strong>bring your ideas to life</strong>.</p>
<p>The good news is that there are plenty of free resources available to high school students in Nepal who want to dive into the world of programming. In this guide, we'll not only show you the ropes but also ignite the spark that will make coding your passion.</p>
<h2 id="heading-choosing-your-first-programming-language"><strong>Choosing Your First Programming Language:</strong></h2>
<p><img src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/3oipPTHYlTpCw8oBBy/giphy.gif" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Picture this – programming languages are like superhero suits; each unique, serving different purposes. Which one will you choose to be your <strong>coding alter ego?</strong></p>
<h3 id="heading-python-the-swiss-army-knife"><strong>Python:</strong> The Swiss Army Knife ️️</h3>
<ul>
<li><p>Widely used for its simplicity and versatility.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Dive into web development, data science, or even AI.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Free resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>CS50's Introduction to Computer Science:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Automate the Boring Stuff with Python:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://edu.anarcho-copy.org/Programming%20Languages/Python/Automate%20the%20Boring%20Stuff%20with%20Python.pdf</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-javascript-the-web-wizard"><strong>JavaScript:</strong> The Web Wizard ️</h3>
<ul>
<li><p>The language of the web, essential for creating interactive websites and web applications.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Free resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>FreeCodeCamp's Learn to Code with JavaScript:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/learn-javascript-full-course/</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>JavaScript for Kids:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://nostarch.com/releases/JavaScript%20for%20Kids.html</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-scratch-the-creative-canvas"><strong>Scratch:</strong> The Creative Canvas</h3>
<ul>
<li><p>Perfect for beginners, it uses a visual drag-and-drop interface to teach fundamental concepts.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Free resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Scratch Programming Courses:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://scratch.mit.edu/</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Scratch Programming Tutorial for Kids:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://www.tutorialspoint.com/coding-for-kids-and-beginners-learn-scratch-programming/index.asp</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-java-the-powerhouse"><strong>Java:</strong> The Powerhouse</h3>
<ul>
<li><p>A robust, object-oriented language used in enterprise applications and mobile development.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Free resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>MIT OpenCourseware: Introduction to Java Programming:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-092-introduction-to-programming-in-java-january-iap-2010/</a></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>The Self-Taught Programmer:</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.edx.org/learn/computer-science/harvard-university-cs50-s-introduction-to-computer-science">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80anfJyE4nA</a></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="heading-learning-resources"><strong>Learning Resources:</strong></h2>
<p>Now that you've chosen your language, it's time to gather your learning arsenal. Let's explore some <strong>resources tailored for high schoolers</strong>:</p>
<h3 id="heading-online-courses"><strong>Online Courses:</strong></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1702210334831/2dfe2d91-c320-4214-85cf-6b2780899f9e.png" alt="edx, coursera, harvard, stanford, cosognepal" class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer a mix of free and paid courses.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Harvard's CS50:</strong> An introductory computer science course available for free online.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Stanford Online:</strong> Offers a variety of free online courses on computer science and programming.</p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>UC Berkeley CS10:</strong> An introductory computer science course available for free online.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-interactive-tutorials"><strong>Interactive Tutorials:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Get hands-on with platforms like Codecademy and W3Schools.</strong></p>
<p>  <img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1702210552768/4c0802b3-8fc6-4901-b06d-b8446146f998.png" alt="w3 schools and codecademy with cosognepal" class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Codecademy offers interactive tutorials for learning various programming languages.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>W3Schools provides tutorials and references for a variety of programming languages and web technologies.</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-books"><strong>Books:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Dive into classics like "Head First Programming" and "Automate the Boring Stuff with Python" for in-depth knowledge.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1702210599917/d1ae0df0-54d5-47f4-b4bb-8e5b9c22bc40.jpeg" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-coding-challenges"><strong>Coding Challenges:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Challenge yourself on platforms like HackerRank and LeetCode to strengthen your skills.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.hackerrank.com/"><strong>HackerRank</strong></a> <strong>offers a variety of coding challenges to help you practice and improve your skills.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><a target="_blank" href="https://leetcode.com/"><strong>LeetCode</strong></a> <strong>provides coding challenges and interview preparation resources for aspiring programmers.</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="heading-building-your-first-project"><strong>Building Your First Project:</strong></h2>
<p><img src="https://media1.giphy.com/media/3oKIPnAiaMCws8nOsE/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47m7h0gvc1t7t32hnvpeaqfarhwh33nnpw3g3j7m1w&amp;ep=v1_gifs_search&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Time to put your newfound skills into action! Choose a project that sparks your interest:</p>
<h3 id="heading-simple-games"><strong>Simple Games:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><p>Create a classic like tic-tac-toe, rock-paper-scissor or challenge yourself with a text-based adventure.</p>
</li>
<li><p>To build a rock, paper, and scissor game in javascript, we recommend you to watch this video which goes in-depth</p>
<p>  %[https://youtu.be/Qqx_wzMmFeA?t=9739] </p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-interactive-websites"><strong>Interactive Websites:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><p>Build a basic website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.</p>
</li>
<li><p>You can take any website as an inspiration. For example, if you use Facebook day and night, you can build a Facebook clone, an Amazon cone or an Instagram clone, you just name it.</p>
</li>
<li><p>If you know <a target="_blank" href="https://www.simplilearn.com/tutorials/programming-tutorial/what-is-backend-development">the backend</a>, build a system where you can post, you can edit the post, can comment; just like a real-world project. But if you don't have any knowledge of the backend, you can simply build <a target="_blank" href="https://www.simplilearn.com/how-to-become-a-front-end-developer-article">the frontend</a> part of the website.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="heading-mobile-apps"><strong>Mobile Apps:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><p>Dive into the world of mobile development using tools like App Inventor or Flutter.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Your first mobile application can be something very simple. An example of a simple enough mobile app is a timer.</p>
</li>
<li><p>It isn't important what your first project was or is, it is important that you've started your first step, you have build something that you can present.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="heading-joining-the-community"><strong>Joining the Community:</strong></h2>
<p><img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/iyr0PYcguZynYUDate/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47qizn5afm0o6aud81ksrgudebfi6e9pkysi7lzrw3&amp;ep=v1_gifs_search&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Now that you've embarked on your coding journey, it's time to connect with fellow learners. Joining a community can provide support, motivation, and a space to share your experiences. Here are some avenues to explore:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><strong>Local Coding Clubs:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p>Connect with coding clubs in your school or local community. Organizations like CoSoG Nepal host coding clubs where you can engage with like-minded peers.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Attend meetups, workshops, and events organized by these clubs. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn, collaborate, and expand your network.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Online Forums:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p>Join online communities such as Reddit's r/learnprogramming. These forums are treasure troves of knowledge, where you can seek advice, share your progress, and learn from others' experiences.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Participate in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to the community. You'll find a diverse group of learners sharing their insights.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Mentorship Programs:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p>Seek out mentorship programs within coding communities. Having a mentor can provide personalized guidance, encouragement, and valuable insights.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Platforms like CoSoG Nepal often facilitate mentorship programs. Don't hesitate to express your interest and take advantage of mentorship opportunities.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<p>For reference, you can look up to Aashish Panthi's developer community. <a target="_blank" href="https://blog.aashish-panthi.com.np/my-best-community-experience">https://blog.aashish-panthi.com.np/my-best-community-experience</a></p>
<h2 id="heading-staying-motivated"><strong>Staying Motivated:</strong></h2>
<p><img src="https://media0.giphy.com/media/H7qo9ZDXvpaDjndtk8/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47ezzyr53r29nb9gxkds0mxnypzmndpl93f5180xeg&amp;ep=v1_gifs_search&amp;rid=giphy.gif&amp;ct=g" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Have faith dude.</p>
<p>Maintaining motivation throughout your coding journey is key to success. Here are some strategies to keep the fire burning:</p>
<ol>
<li><p><strong>Set SMART Goals:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. Whether it's completing a project, mastering a new concept, or participating in a coding competition, setting goals will keep you focused.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Celebrate Your Progress:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Track your coding milestones and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Completing a challenging project, solving a complex problem, or even writing clean code are victories worth acknowledging.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Find a Study Buddy:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p>Learning is more enjoyable when shared. Partnering with a friend who's also passionate about coding can make the journey fun and collaborative.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Work on projects together, discuss coding challenges, and motivate each other to stay on track.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><p>When facing challenges, reach out for support. Whether it's a coding issue or a moment of doubt, your coding community and online forums are there to assist.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Engage with mentors, fellow learners, and the broader community to overcome obstacles. Remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.</p>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
<p>As you progress on your coding adventure, remember that learning is a continuous process. Embrace the highs and lows, stay connected with your coding community, and keep the passion alive.</p>
<p>Lastly, we would like to include a master resource to learn computer science on your own which will provide you with the knowledge that a person with formal undegraduate might get. Happy coding!</p>
<div class="embed-wrapper"><div class="embed-loading"><div class="loadingRow"></div><div class="loadingRow"></div></div><a class="embed-card" href="https://github.com/ossu/computer-science">https://github.com/ossu/computer-science</a></div>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Journey of Coding for Social Good Nepal]]></title><description><![CDATA[When Bibek Bhandari returned to his old high school as a STEM instructor in 2022, the outside world felt very far away than the classroom. When artificial intelligence was in global headlines, inside the school, though, computers were few, the intern...]]></description><link>https://blog.cosognepal.org/the-journey-of-cosog-nepal</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://blog.cosognepal.org/the-journey-of-cosog-nepal</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cosog Nepal]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2023 05:33:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763707155224/6c862e98-4e84-4b85-9c45-3569c541c83e.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When Bibek Bhandari returned to his old high school as a STEM instructor in 2022, the outside world felt very far away than the classroom. When artificial intelligence was in global headlines, inside the school, though, computers were few, the internet was patchy, and most students had never engaged in group learning and team projects. The gap bothered him.</p>
<p>“I could see how quickly technology was moving globally,” Bhandari recalls. “But here, even when some tools were available, they were reaching very few students. The culture around tech just wasn’t there.”</p>
<p>That frustration would eventually lead him to start Coding for Social Good Nepal (Cosog Nepal), a non-profit that now works with schools, NGOs, and international partners to bring computer science education and STEM initiatives to students across the country, with Aashish Panthi. While Bhandari is the organisation’s founder and former president, the current president, Aashish Panthi, joined early in the journey, with the mission to replicate the impact he created through the ICT club in his high school. </p>
<p>While Bibek was moving towards a management track by pursuing CA (Chartered Accountancy), he kept noticing the lack of clubs in lower grades, and kept thinking about how much a strong computer science club can change a student’s path.</p>
<p>“One day I just sat down with my laptop and started designing a logo,” he says.</p>
<p>There was no design team, no official launch plan. He chose a name: Coding for Social Good Nepal and drew out a logo he now describes as “a bit strange”. The moment still stands out. “It was simple,” he says, “but it was emotional for me. I knew this was the first real step.”</p>
<p>Bibek met Aashish through social media. He was actively following tech pages, reading comment sections, and watching for people who seemed serious about learning and sharing. That is how he came across a young tech enthusiast from Butwal, Aashish Panthi, who is now the president of the organization.</p>
<p>Their first contact was a brief exchange on Instagram. They decided to meet in person. When they finally sat down to talk, the conversation stretched. “We realised very quickly that we wanted the same thing,” Aashish says. “To use our interest in technology for social work, to build a community, and to use the coding skills for a social cause that actually helps society.” The clarity from that meeting made the next steps easier. At the beginning of 2023, they decided to formalise the organization.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763647713231/0f87080a-9806-4d88-bb8b-fe10cb27c5f4.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>Their first official event took place at Green Village English Boarding Secondary School, Kirtipur. For both of them, that day in the classroom remains vivid. “The feeling was surreal,” Aashish says. “The principal told us it was the first time they had seen this kind of initiative. The students were excited, curious, and fully present.”</p>
<p>In the session, the team shared the concepts in digital and internet literacy, their own projects, provided handbooks, and also spoke about something more basic: the idea of a CS club. They asked students to imagine starting a computer science club inside their school, with the support of their teachers and administration. The concept was new to many of them. The response from Green Village gave the team confidence. After that, they began reaching out to more schools.</p>
<p>Over time, Cosog Nepal’s model settled into a pattern. The team would visit a school, run an event that mixed demonstrations with discussion, and then stay in touch via WhatsApp group and Discord server. With that approach, the organisation has now reached around 35 schools across the country.</p>
<p><img src="https://cosognepal.org/_next/image?url=%2F_next%2Fstatic%2Fmedia%2Fphoto1.ef0db2ca.jpeg&amp;w=1920&amp;q=75" alt="Sharing Opportunities in Computer Science at Shree Mahendra Secondary School" /></p>
<p>“Students started contacting us after the events,” Bhandari says. “They would ask for help when they got stuck, whether it was starting a club, working on a project, or just a technical question. We didn’t want to be the group that visits once and disappears.” Instead, Cosog Nepal tries to act as an ongoing support system for student-led tech communities. Team members answer questions online, give feedback on early projects, and help schools plan their own events.</p>
<p>Alongside school visits, the organization regularly shares information about hackathons, tech events, and learning opportunities, connecting students and industry professionals.</p>
<p>During an internal meeting, the team realised that many of the students they met were nearing the end of high school. Some wanted to pursue computer science after grade 12. Many were unsure about what that path actually looked like. To address that gap, Cosog Nepal organised a special event focused on computer science after high school. The <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/events/techafterten">CS in +2</a> program brought together four speakers from different corners of the field: a current student and Apple SWE intern, a professor, the leader of a non-profit working for women in STEM, and a CTO of a Nepali company and tech YouTuber.</p>
<p><img src="https://cosognepal.org/_next/image?url=%2F_next%2Fstatic%2Fmedia%2FCS_in_school2.128b95f7.jpg&amp;w=1920&amp;q=75" alt /></p>
<p>The event turned into a full career counseling session. More than 200 students attended the online program and over 1,000 students watched the recorded videos across <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAVd-d0697s&amp;list=PLKE1X1xZFAFfvK1tq5GH5fiy4HGXCT_De">YouTube</a>, Instagram, and Facebook page.</p>
<p>“Seeing that many students in one place, genuinely curious and a bit worried about their future in tech, it was overwhelming in a good way,” Aashish says.</p>
<p>As the organization grew, a new question emerged: once students had learned some skills, where would they apply them? The answer became <a target="_blank" href="https://cosognepal.org/programs/code-for-charity">Code for Charity</a>, a flagship program that connects student volunteers with real projects from NGOs and INGOs. It had a goal to provide students hands-on experience on real-world projects while helping social organizations strengthen their digital presence.</p>
<p>Through Code for Charity, Aashish and the team have worked with more than five organisations so far. Their first international project came through Sustainable Actions Afrika. The founder, Peter, reached out to Aashish looking for support. He was very happy to receive the help and he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dry5hBqGH9o">reflected on his experience</a>.</p>
<p>In Nepal, the organization has worked with the National Adolescence Boys Network Nepal, while partnering with the Technigy Club at Duke University. After the successful delivery of the project, the National Adolescence Girls Network Nepal reached out with a request to build a website for them. Turned out, they were impressed by the website of the National Adolescent Boys’ Network Nepal during their Annual General Meeting. The quality and the work of Code for Charity gained the new demands through <em>word of mouth</em>.</p>
<p>“To replicate the real-world project development, we followed Software Development Life Cycle method and worked on iterations and different steps. We didn’t want the students to feel like it’s a school assignment,” Aashish says. Aashish has worked as a Software developer at a Switzerland based company and used his real-world experience and skills to guide the students.</p>
<p>The Code for Charity projects are unpaid, but the team wanted to make sure student volunteers did not stop at volunteering and get a chance to work at real tech companies. For that, the organization partnered with Corner Tech from Butwal Nepal and Fleckor Tech from Hyderabad India to offer internships and/or job opportunities. The president Aashish Panthi signed the Memorandum of Understanding and wtudents who complete their Code for Charity work can apply for these positions.</p>
<p>In parallel, Coding for Social Good Nepal was working on ways to use computer science education that could be help in another urgent area: the environment. Accordingly, they designed Cosog Nepal E-STEM Fellowship, a four-month program that pairs high school students with mentors to learn programming and environment and guides them to work on real environmental problems using their learningd.</p>
<p>For this fellowship, the organization was selected as a Global E-STEM Award winner by the North American Association for Environmental Education, which was supported by Pratt &amp; Whitney. The innovation grant, worth 10,000 USD, will be used to strengthen the program’s structure, reach, and outcome.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1763647961830/b0e51071-36af-4445-ad35-deb8e5486e77.png" alt class="image--center mx-auto" /></p>
<p>The organization’s approach has draw attention. The flagship program, Code for Charity was recently named a semi-finalist for the ICT Award 2025 in Social Innovation category.  </p>
<p>Bibek himself has also received individual recognition. In 2023, he won the Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition and received the Citizen Entrepreneurship Award in Berlin from Stiftung Entrepreneurship. In 2024, he became a recipient of the Diana Award.  </p>
<p>The president Aashish was titled Glocal’s 20 under 20 and later selected as a finalist for Glocal Teen Hero Nepal 2024, a national award recognizing his exceptional leadership in transforming computer science education for students across Nepal and using his coding skills for social good, while still in his teens.</p>
<p>“We see these honour as recognition of what our whole community has built,” both say. “None of this is just our story.”</p>
<p>The community now includes not only high school students, but also recent college students who return as volunteers. They share their own journeys with younger participants, offering a version of mentorship that feels close and attainable.</p>
<p>“I wasn’t able to follow my passion for technology immediately after my own graduation,” Bibek says. “That experience stayed with me. I didn’t want other students to feel that same limitation.” Looking back as the founder and former president of Cosog Nepal, he sums up the journey simply. “We started as strangers who liked technology and wanted to do some good,” he says. “Slowly, we became a community. Seeing how many students’ lives we’ve touched, that’s what makes me proud.”</p>
<p>Aashish acknowledges that this whole initiative shouldn’t be necessary if the nation had invested in proper research and development and the proper implement of computer science education across Nepal. “While the new interim government has mandated to have at least one Computer Science teacher in every school, our fight is much larger. We want the resources in schools to be properly used by students. We’ll continue to help them through our different programs, articles, handbooks, and social media”, Aashish added.</p>
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