Honour for University graduate

A graduate of the University of Wolverhampton has been honoured for his contribution to the development of Nepal.

Vijay Shrestha graduated from the University in 2009 and has now received an Honorary Degree from the institution in recognition for his work in one of the world’s poorest countries.

An Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Science was presented to Vijay during a graduation ceremony on Thursday, 11 September 2014.

He said: “I am indeed humbled by the gesture and so proud to have been thought of in this light by the entire University of Wolverhampton community and recognising someone so far away from UK working with rural poor in one of the most beautiful but poorest countries in the world, Nepal.

"Being great at what you do isn't just something you do for the organisation you work for - it's a gift you give yourself. And when you bring your highest talents and deepest devotion to the work you do, what you are really doing is setting yourself up to a richer, happier and more fulfilling experience of living."

Vijay Shrestha has been a valuable contributor to the development of Nepal, one of the world's poorest countries. For over 25 years, Vijay has served the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) in Nepal, managing and administering large scale rural development programmes in the livelihoods and natural resources sector.

Vijay graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 2009 and worked for the University's Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) to lead the DFID-funded Livelihoods and Forestry Programme in Nepal. This 10 year development programme helped to lift over 1.3 million people out of poverty, during times of political unrest and insurgency.

In April 2013, DFID Nepal recognised Vijay’s contribution to forestry sector development and improvements to the lives of the poor and socially excluded across the country. He was commended for his dedication, mentorship and leadership, having inspired the next generation of community forestry leaders to take up the challenges ahead. In the words of DFID: “the success of Nepal’s Community Forestry Sector, recognised globally, owes much to Vijay Shrestha”. In this same year, Vijay won the University of Wolverhampton Alumnus of the Year: Contribution to Society award, in acknowledgement of his work to enrich and transform the lives of others.

The Faculty of Social Sciences presented the award at a ceremony at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre.

ENDS

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