Open Data: A journey of discovery in Nepal
A short documentary about a journalist, Gyanu Sharma, seeking data to help him create a better future for his son.
Govind Shrestha, Research and Advocacy Officer, Nepal – WaterAid
“We use the information to ensure government, NGOs and other stakeholders are working in areas with low WASH coverage rather than concentrating on districts that already have high coverage”
Joseph Cheayan, Programme Associate, Liberia – Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD)
“Our budget analysis work enabled us to find out that money provided by the European Union for the health sector wasn’t being disbursed by the Ministry of Finance.”
John Kinuthia, Research Analyst, Kenya – International Budget Partnership (IBP)
“There doesn’t seem to be a process for systematically putting public data out there. I have to go and find what I need.”
Kubai Edward Ikiugu, Research Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Kenya – Marie Stopes Kenya (MSK)
“Evidence is essential in helping us improve how we deliver our services. The data is used to help ensure that our services are targeted and shaped to meet the communities who have the greatest need or who are the most marginalised”
Madhu Marasini, Joint-Secretary, Nepal – International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division, Ministry of Finance (IECCD)
“The Aid Management Platform has supported obtaining data in a myriad of ways that help us gain a diverse perspective on the Nepalese aid scenario.”
Prakash Neupane, Technology Ambassador, Nepal – Open Knowledge Foundation Network
“Budget data is something that matters very much to people because any adjustment in it has a direct impact on individual household incomes and living standards.”
Read about Prakash Neupane’s work on a project to open up government budget and spending data.
Sarala Maharja, Project Coordinator, Nepal – Campaign for Human Rights and Social Transformation (CAHURAST)
“Local people are the ones most vulnerable to injustice and inequality, so strengthening their capacity to use information and speak against misconduct is an important way to set up grounds for social change.”
Wolde Wesa, Programme Officer, Kenya – Kenyan National Taxpayers Association (NTA)
“It is about giving parents and their children a feedback mechanism to have their voices heard and it is a means to hold the head teacher, teachers and School Management Committee to account.”