The third Central and South Asian Regional Challenge held in March 2011, brought together the five winning national teams from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Khazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. They were asked to propose a business idea that would benefit their local communities. Each sent in a video of their project, which was then voted upon by the judges and the general public.
The standard of entries was extremely high and the judges were unable to choose just one winner so awarded the prize to both the Pakistan and Nepal teams - Vocational Training Institute, Lahore and a team of student nurses from Nepalgunj in Nepal.
The inspiration behind the Pakistan team’s winning project was the lack of a proper and affordable diagnostic facility for hepatitis in the country. The team’s response was to develop a plan to set up a small diagnostic centre in Green Town, one of Lahore’s most densely populated and low-income areas with an approximate population of 600,000.
Team leader, Asia Kausar said: ‘The competition was tough as hundreds of schools from across Pakistan were participating, but we were confident to make it to the top 20 at least, because the problem we were catering to was genuine and our solution was practical. But winning the national competition was surely a surprise!’
The team received their requested Rs. 100,000 to begin the project, which they were confident of paying back to the British Council within just a year.
The Nepalese team developed a revenue-creating road safety project. They are now working with the police, driving schools and life assurance companies on a campaign that includes street drama, road signage, presentations and publications.
Each member of the winning teams received a laptop.
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