>(Link to Concert Page):

Person-To-Institution Connection

Concert – Fundraising Event and HIV/AIDS and Drugs Awareness Campaign for BIJAM (Student Awareness Forum) Drug Drop-In Centers in Birgunj, Nepal.

With the assistance of Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Martha Mummey, BIJAM opened the first bus-park drop-in center in Nepal. BIJAM is staffed by a group of committed, volunteer college-age students and provides peer-education and outreach to prostitutes, drug-addicts and drug-users, truck-drivers, rickshaw-drivers, and students. The success of their operations is widespread, and respected - their bus-park drop-in center served as the model for other project throughout Nepal. (Reports and info attached - BIJAM link to files).

<paste photo: DIC>

Robin Tamang of "Robin-a-looza", one of the more popular rock bands in Nepal, has agreed to play an HIV/AIDS and drugs awareness concert for free for BIJAM, with the proceeds going to support the drop-in center’s yearly operations. His previous concert in Birgunj attracted nearly 8,000 youth, each willing to pay a little more than 100 rupees.

With an initial investment of support needed to move the band and equipment from Kathmandu to Birgunj, provide food and lodging, pay for a crew to set up and break down the concert, and return to Kathmandu, a fairly significant return can be expected.

The entirety of profits will be transferred directly to BIJAM for drop-in center operations, and reports provided. An initial support of 50,000 rupees ($685.00) for minimal logistic expenses as the band is playing for free, a potential return of approximately 800,000 rupees ($10,960.00) can be expected if similar numbers of attendees as the previous concert achieved indicates.

This will make a significant impact on the operations and effectiveness of the four drop-in centers in Birgunj. (Robin link) (Birgunj link).

This event is intended to become a yearly tradition in Birgunj, and after the first year, will be completely locally-supported.