VAR Panchayat

NEDF Writes a Compelling Script

by VARINDIA 2012-07-23

Syed S. Kazi
Chief Executive & Lead Partner
North East Development Foundation

With the intention of bringing benefits of ICT to North East India, the North East Development Foundation (NEDF) was established in the year 2006. It is a non-profit development-focussed consulting and participating organization contributing to aspects of sustainable development like livelihoods, natural resource management (NRM) and rural technology. The foundation is focussed on educational development, entrepreneurial skill development, vocational training, formation of SHGs, microfinance, gender and empowerment. It is also focussed on ICT applications for community development in the North East in every possible way. Since 2006, NEDF has implemented key socio-economic projects.

Mission

NEDF aims at making continuous efforts towards sustainable and targeted development for balanced development in North East India. It makes timely and qualitative interventions in various development activities despite the limited resources at the disposal of communities. It seeks partnerships from institutions, organizations, governments in preparing development strategies for the region and takes part in its implementation.

Vision

NEDF's vision is to see that its constant efforts in development interventions in the region in areas like education, "technology for development" (T4D), and the like enrich the lives of youth, women, groups and communities in North East India. NEDF aims to ensure that local communities carry on their livelihood on a sustainable and qualitative basis through assistance and able guidance from external sources.

Election Process

"Our board members are elected on an annual basis. Every two years, one-third are elected as new members. The current strength of NEDF is 12 including higher, mid and low level staff, excluding volunteers and interns," says Syed S. Kazi, Chief Executive & Lead Partner, North East Development Foundation.

Focus for 2012

During 2012, NEDF will be launching the Third eNorth East Award Summit -2012 in October. It will also be launching pilots of the eNGO programme in Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. The Foundation is partnering with NEHHDC for the eMSME programme in August-September 2012. "We want to cover 200 schools for the Gyanpedia (eSchool Programme) in IT training, content management, content creation," confirms Syed.

Finally…

The North East of India which is still largely unexplored and has huge potential for development, need the right driver to propel. NEDF is striving to bring in sustainable solutions for development and governance challenges through appropriate mechanisms in skill development, capacity building, research, community programmes and citizen and policy consultations.