DreamCities

For many years, Nepal’s rulers have complained that one can never develop a country with so many mountains. However, they never realised that it is the same mountains that have provided us with the huge potential to generate hydroelectricity. For decades, we looked upon our young population as a liability, while other countries took them away and put them to work building infrastructure and their own economies. 

Instead of taking advantage of the fact that Nepal is situated in between two of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, we have blamed our poverty on something we can do nothing about – that we are landlocked. 

We need to build on what we have, and not try to start from zero level. We do not need to invent a door every time we have to leave the room. The aspirations that we have for Nepal are achievable if we focus on these assets, capabilities, skills, knowledge, and the most important one, make good decisions.

A positive storytelling approach will be the best way to inspire people. So many young people are expatriating to find work. On average, 40% of youth are abroad at any given time. The main stated reason that people give for working abroad is that there are no job opportunities for them in Nepal. The economy of Nepal is heavily dependent on remittances of foreign workers, which represents 29.1% of the gross domestic product. But we need these youth for building Nepal’s infrastructure, social service sector, and economy. We have 753 local units all over Nepal, so we need a lot of human resources to design and build our cities. It will take many years and many hands to design and build cities. 

StoryCycle is taking a unique approach to support the design and building process, and to monitor transparency and accountability through the medium of storytelling. We are developing  a crowdsourcing platform ( Dream Cities )  to collect stories, data and map points from different cities. Then we facilitate/collaborate with different partners to design sustainable and livable smart places and cities.

Dream Cities is our initiative aimed at involving local youth in the design and planning of sustainable communities. Here's how it works:

StoryCamp: We kick off by identifying and training local youth leaders in the art of storytelling. Through this program, they learn to effectively convey their community's stories, highlighting its unique culture and addressing its specific needs. We extend this training to all stakeholders in rural areas, leveraging available resources and technology to ensure broad participation.

MapUp Camp: In this phase, participants are equipped with the skills to map local resources such as businesses and distinctive products. This mapping exercise not only identifies economic opportunities but also guides decision-making processes within the community. We utilize tools like Google Maps and Google Earth for accurate community mapping and planning.

Dream Camp: Here, local communities, youth, and leaders converge to envision the future of their city. Through collaborative workshops, they assess the current state of affairs and establish development goals. They also identify the resources and individuals needed to achieve these objectives, gathering relevant stories to inform the planning process.

Build Camp: This stage focuses on empowering local engineers, developers, and officials to shape the physical infrastructure of the city. Participants learn about design principles and work together to create sustainable and inclusive urban development plans that align with broader municipal objectives. These plans are then presented on the dreamcities.org platform for tracking and follow-up.

Our solution, Dream Cities, is dedicated to serving local communities, with a primary focus on empowering youth as vital contributors to the design and planning of sustainable cities.

Our journey began in 2012 when I embarked on a 99-day trek along the Great Himalayan Trail. Witnessing the potential of local communities to contribute to their own development through technology adaptation sparked the idea for Dream Cities. Later, in 2014, we collaborated with local youth in Khumbu and Google Earth Outreach to map businesses and trails, demonstrating the power of digital tools for community empowerment.

The devastating earthquake in 2015 prompted us to utilize mapping and storytelling techniques to support the rebuilding process in Barpak, where we realized the scalability and impact of our concept. Subsequent initiatives, such as our work in Asha, a small town in 2017, and the launch of DreamCities.org in 2018, have enabled us to expand our reach and create positive impacts in multiple cities.

Dream Cities has engaged local youth, empowering them with storytelling, mapping, and urban planning skills, thereby addressing the lack of meaningful opportunities for their involvement in community development. By providing platforms for community engagement and collaborative decision-making, we address the challenges faced by rural communities, such as limited access to economic opportunities and inadequate infrastructure.

Through capacity-building initiatives for local government officials, Dream Cities aims to enhance their ability to plan and implement sustainable development projects effectively. Additionally, by mapping local resources and identifying economic opportunities, we support entrepreneurs and business owners, contributing to economic growth and job creation in rural areas.

Our team at Dream Cities is uniquely positioned to deliver our solution because we have deep connections and proximity to the communities we serve. Our team lead and members have roots in rural Nepal and understand the challenges and aspirations of the local population firsthand. We are not just outsiders coming in with preconceived notions; rather, we are part of these communities, sharing their joys and struggles.

Our team consists of individuals who have grown up in rural areas, attended local schools, and have intimate knowledge of the local culture, language, and customs. This close connection allows us to build trust and rapport with community members, making it easier to engage them in our initiatives and understand their needs and aspirations.

Moreover, the design and implementation of our solution are guided by extensive input from the communities themselves. We believe in participatory approaches and actively involve community members in every step of the process, from identifying priorities to planning and decision-making. Through community meetings, focus groups, and consultations, we ensure that our solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the people we serve.

Additionally, we prioritize capacity-building and empowerment within the communities, training local youth and leaders to take ownership of the development process. By fostering local leadership and initiative, we ensure that our solutions are sustainable and driven by the communities themselves.

Our solution, Dream Cities, is currently in the Growth Stage. We have already developed and implemented various components of the solution, including conducting StoryCamps, MapUp Camps, Dream Camps, and Build Camps in multiple locations. These initiatives have been successfully piloted and have demonstrated positive impact in empowering local communities, engaging youth, and fostering sustainable urban development.

Furthermore, we have established partnerships with organizations such as the US Embassy of Nepal, Google Earth Outreach, British Council, and local municipalities to support our initiatives and expand our reach. Our solution has evolved over time based on feedback and lessons learned from previous implementations, allowing us to refine our approach and maximize effectiveness.

While we continue to scale and refine our solution, we are committed to further growth and expansion to reach more communities and create lasting impact.

Developing a social business plan with Solve can help us overcome the financial barriers our target cities face in adopting technological solutions. By collaborating with Solve, we aim to create a sustainable model that leverages social entrepreneurship to address the unique needs of underserved communities.

Additionally, we recognize the importance of scalability and efficiency in our approach. With Solve's support, we intend to develop a comprehensive working manual and lean design process that can be easily replicated and implemented across multiple cities simultaneously. This streamlined approach will enable us to maximize our impact and reach a larger number of communities in need.

By combining social business principles with a scalable and efficient design process, we believe we can create lasting change and empower communities to build sustainable, inclusive cities for the future. Through collaboration with Solve, we are confident that we can develop a robust strategy to overcome financial constraints and accelerate the adoption of our solution in cities around the world.

Dream Cities is an innovative solution that empowers local communities, particularly focusing on engaging youth in the design and planning of sustainable cities. Through initiatives like StoryCamp, MapUp Camp, Dream Camp, and Build Camp, we equip youth with storytelling, mapping, and urban planning skills. Our approach is holistic, addressing social, economic, and environmental aspects of community development. Leveraging technology and promoting collaboration, Dream Cities aims to inspire innovation, foster partnerships, and reshape traditional paradigms in city planning. Ultimately, our goal is to create vibrant, resilient communities where everyone can thrive.

Our solution, Dream Cities, expects to have a significant impact on the problem by empowering local communities, particularly youth, in the design and planning of sustainable cities.

Activities:

• We conduct training workshops (StoryCamp, MapUp Camp, Dream Camp, Build Camp) to equip youth with storytelling, mapping, and urban planning skills.
• Engage local communities in collaborative workshops to envision the future of their cities.
• Facilitate capacity-building exercises for local government officials and entrepreneurs.

Immediate Outputs:

• Trained youth leaders with enhanced skills in storytelling, mapping, and urban planning.
• Community engagement workshops that result in shared visions and development goals.
• Increased capacity and knowledge among local government officials and entrepreneurs.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Empowered youth actively contribute to the planning and development of their communities.
• Communities implement sustainable urban development plans aligned with local needs and resources.
• Improved economic opportunities, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability in target cities.
• Enhanced resilience and well-being of residents in vibrant, inclusive cities.

Through these activities and outputs, Dream Cities aims to foster meaningful change by empowering communities to shape their own futures, leading to sustainable, resilient, and thriving cities.

Impact Goals:

1. Empower youth in target cities to actively participate in urban planning and development processes.
2. Facilitate the creation of sustainable and inclusive urban development plans aligned with local needs and resources.
3. Improve economic opportunities, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability in target cities.
4. Enhance resilience and well-being of residents in vibrant, inclusive cities.

Progress Measurement:

1. Number of youth trained in storytelling, mapping, and urban planning techniques.
2. Percentage of urban development plans implemented that incorporate community input and address local needs.
3. Increase in local businesses and job opportunities following the implementation of urban development plans.
4. Reduction in environmental degradation indicators such as air and water pollution levels.
5. Community satisfaction surveys assessing perceptions of safety, accessibility, and quality of life in target cities.

By tracking these indicators and monitoring progress over time, we can evaluate the effectiveness of our solution in achieving its impact goals and make necessary adjustments to maximize positive outcomes for target communities.

Our solution, Dream Cities, leverages a combination of modern technology and community-driven approaches to address urban development challenges. The core technologies powering our solution include:

1. Digital Platforms: We utilize digital platforms such as websites, mobile applications, and social media to engage communities, collect data, and disseminate information. These platforms serve as hubs for sharing stories, mapping resources, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders.

2. Mapping Tools: Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools, including Google Maps and Google Earth, are integral to our solution. These tools enable us to visualize and map local resources, infrastructure, and community assets, providing valuable insights for urban planning and development.

3. Storytelling Techniques: We employ digital storytelling techniques to amplify community voices and highlight local narratives. Through multimedia content creation, including videos, blogs, and podcasts, we capture the essence of each community's identity and aspirations.

4. People-Centered Design: Our approach emphasizes people-centered design principles, which prioritize the needs and experiences of community members. By integrating user feedback and participatory design methods, we ensure that urban development plans are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to local contexts.

5. Capacity-Building Initiatives: We provide training and capacity-building opportunities to local youth, government officials, and community leaders. Through workshops, seminars, and skill-building sessions, we empower stakeholders to actively participate in the planning and implementation of urban development projects.

Board Member

Deepika Gyawali - Chairperson and Financial Director 

Samita Kapali - Director Human Resource

Pashupatinath Koirala - Director Climate Change

Dilli Rai -  Director, Linguistic

Deepak Shrestha - Director Heritage

Operational Team:-

Nischal Pokhrel -Operation Head

Deepika Gyawali - Finance Head

Technical Team 

Mira Lamichane - Environmentalist & Researcher 

Neela Dangol - Researcher

Archana Dhakal - Sustainable Development Researcher

Badal Gyawali - Production Designer

Pashupatinath Koirala - Climate and Forest

Sunil Acharya - Climate change expert

Sanjib Chaudhary - Branding expert

Saurav Dhakal - Storyteller and Sustainability Campaigner

Mahesh Shrestha - Creative Designer

10 years 

Our team is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of our work. Here's how we ensure that our team is diverse, minimizes barriers to opportunity for staff, and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members:

Our Leadership Team:

• Deepika Gyawali serves as our Chairperson and Financial Director, bringing extensive experience in financial management and strategic leadership.
• Samita Kapali is our Director of Human Resources, overseeing talent management and ensuring a supportive work environment for all team members.
• Pashupatinath Koirala serves as our Director of Climate Change, guiding our initiatives to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
• Dilli Rai is our Director of Linguistic, contributing insights into language diversity and cultural considerations.
• Deepak Shrestha serves as our Director of Heritage, leveraging his expertise in heritage preservation and cultural heritage management.

Operational Team:

• Nischal Pokhrel leads our operational efforts as the Operation Head, coordinating project implementation and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Deepika Gyawali also serves as our Finance Head, managing financial resources and budget allocation to support our initiatives.

Technical Team:

• Our technical team comprises individuals with diverse expertise, including environmental research, sustainable development, production design, branding, storytelling, and climate change.
• Members of our technical team work collaboratively to address complex challenges and develop innovative solutions.

Goals for Diversity and Inclusion:

• We are committed to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our team and broader community.
• Our goals include actively seeking diverse perspectives in decision-making processes, providing equal opportunities for career advancement, and fostering a culture of respect and belonging for all team members.

Actions Taken:

• We have implemented measures such as inclusive hiring practices, diversity training and workshops, and resources for staff from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Additionally, we have created channels for feedback and dialogue on diversity-related issues to ensure that all team members have a voice in shaping our organizational culture.

Overall, our team's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens our ability to address complex challenges and create meaningful impact in urban development. By fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued, we can drive positive change and innovation.

Our business model revolves around providing value to the communities we serve while ensuring sustainability through revenue generation. Here's an overview of our business model:

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

1. Local Communities: Our primary beneficiaries are residents of rural areas, particularly youth, entrepreneurs, local government officials, and other stakeholders involved in community development.
2. Government and Non-profit Organizations: We collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations working in areas such as urban development, environmental conservation, and community empowerment.

Products and Services:

1. StoryCamp: We offer training programs and workshops to local youth leaders on effective storytelling techniques, empowering them to share their community's stories and cultural heritage.
2. MapUp Camp: Through mapping workshops, we assist communities in identifying and mapping local resources, businesses, and opportunities for economic growth.
3. Dream Camp: We facilitate collaborative workshops where communities envision the future of their cities, set development goals, and identify resources for implementation.
4. Build Camp: Our capacity-building programs empower local engineers, developers, and government officials to plan and execute sustainable urban development projects.

Delivery:

• We deliver our products and services through in-person workshops, training sessions, and collaborative events conducted in partnership with local stakeholders.
• Additionally, we utilize digital platforms and tools to disseminate information, share stories, and engage with a broader audience.
• Our approach is participatory, community-driven, and customized to the specific needs and context of each locality, ensuring relevance and impact.

Value Proposition:

• Local communities benefit from increased capacity, skills development, and empowerment to actively participate in the development and planning of their cities.
• Government and non-profit organizations gain access to innovative solutions, community engagement tools, and capacity-building opportunities to drive sustainable urban development initiatives.
• Our products and services address key challenges faced by communities, such as limited access to economic opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation, while promoting collaboration, resilience, and inclusive growth.

Our plan for financial sustainability revolves around a combination of revenue streams to cover our expected expenses. Here's how we plan to bring in money to fund our work:

1. Grants and Donations: We actively seek grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, governmental agencies, and private donors who are aligned with our mission of sustainable urban development and community empowerment. These funds support our operational expenses, program delivery, and capacity-building initiatives.

2. Fee-for-Service: We offer fee-based services such as training workshops, consulting, and capacity-building programs to local governments, NGOs, and other organizations involved in community development. These services generate revenue while also providing value to our clients in terms of capacity-building and knowledge transfer.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations: We collaborate with government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and corporate partners on joint initiatives, research projects, and program implementation. These partnerships may involve shared funding, in-kind support, or revenue-sharing arrangements, contributing to our financial sustainability.

4. Product Sales: We develop and sell products such as training materials, toolkits, and digital resources related to community engagement, urban planning, and sustainable development. Revenue from product sales helps offset our operational costs and supports ongoing program delivery.

5. Investment and Social Enterprise: We explore opportunities for investment funding and social enterprise initiatives that align with our mission and values. This may involve establishing revenue-generating ventures or seeking impact investment to scale our operations and expand our impact.

Evidence of Success:

• To date, we have successfully secured grants from organizations such as the US Embassy of Nepal, Google Earth Outreach, and the British Council to support our initiatives on community mapping, storytelling workshops, and sustainable urban development projects.
• We have generated revenue through fee-for-service engagements with local governments, NGOs, and academic institutions, conducting training workshops, consulting projects, and capacity-building programs. ( UN habitat , World Bank Nepal, Resource Himalayas, Postdam Institute  ) 
• Our partnerships with governmental agencies, NGOs, and corporate sponsors have provided in-kind support, resources, and funding for our programs and initiatives. ( Department of Environment, Different Cities )