Kathmandu: A two day skill development training on interpretation and translation organized by La via Campesina (LVC-international peasant movement) along with All Nepal Peasants Federation (ANPFa) in co-operation with Solidarity Interpretation group successfully held in Kathmandu. The program was attended by around 20 trainees volunteers who were part of the various CSOs and social movements especially working on the issue of peasantry and agriculture.
Data Ram Khanal-secretary of ANPFa in his inauguration speech shared the situation of agriculture and peasantry in Nepal. Mr. Pramesh Pokharel, youth peasant leader and secretary of foreign affairs of ANPFa highlighted the significance and value of interpretation to consolidate the local movement and link with global movement. He emphasised the need and importance of professional volunteers while acknowledging that there can be no ‘internationalisation’ of the peasant movement without interpretation and no revolution without interpreters. It is a skill that would help peasants to be updated with what’s happening around the world and to carry our voices to the larger audiences, he added.
Ms. Shanta Manavi, former minister for Livestock Development in Nepal, shared her experiences of working with the interpreters and recalled their invaluable contribution in helping her identify and carry out the responsibilities as an International Coordination Committee memeber of La Via Campesina. She also spoke about the importance of confidence, expression and reflexivity for the interpreters.
Trainers representing various movements of students, youths, women, Dalits, indigenous groups including progressive likeminded organisations were present in the program. The training was also fruitful to develop skills of memorizing, note taking, confidence building and developing the skill of public speaking-one of the participants from NGO Federation of Nepal said.
Katie Whiddon, who was the trainer from Spain also made a presentation on conceptual and methodological issues of interpretation.
