Meet the Young Changemaker Using Tech to Save Her Community
Shostika Khatri, a passionate young leader from Doti in Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal, is proving that young people have the power to drive real change. While many see disasters as inevitable, she sees an opportunity to act. Armed with determination and a mobile app, she is leading efforts to protect her community from the devastating impact of landslides in Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province.
Shostika grew up in the hills of Doti, Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal, where landslides weren’t just news headlines; they were part of life. She witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by frequent landslides, which claimed lives, wiped out farmlands, and isolated communities. These experiences fueled her determination to contribute to disaster risk reduction and environmental protection. This is why Shostika jumped at the opportunity to become a Digital Volunteer for the TagMe campaign under Restless Development’s theYouthCan.org project. The campaign aimed to collect real-time landslide data in Far-West Nepal, critical information to push for better disaster preparedness. But taking on this role wasn’t easy.
“I was excited but also nervous,” Shostika admits. “I wasn’t familiar with digital tools, and I wasn’t sure if I could manage my studies and volunteering at the same time. But I knew this was important, so I took the leap.”
And that leap made all the difference. Shostika didn’t just participate; she led the way. She became the top data collector among her peers, tirelessly mapping and reporting active landslides. Even during Nepal’s unpredictable monsoon season, she ensured no hazard went unreported. Alongside fellow digital volunteers, she provided real-time updates on landslide-prone areas, ensuring communities had access to life-saving information.
But collecting data wasn’t the only challenge; getting people to believe in its importance was just as tough.
As part of her advocacy efforts, Shostika and other digital volunteers held orientation sessions for schools, local governments, and community members to introduce the TagMe app and its benefits. However, she faced initial resistance.
“In the beginning, convincing local schools and communities to trust the campaign wasn’t easy,” she shares. “Many people were skeptical about data collection and resistant to new technology. It took patience and persistence to build their trust. But overcoming these challenges taught me resilience and resourcefulness.”
Her hard work paid off. The data collected by Shostika and her fellow digital volunteers became the foundation for a major policy dialogue in December 2024, where Restless Development presented it to government officials in Sudurpaschim Province, pushing for stronger disaster risk reduction measures.
Shostika’s dedication and impact did not go unnoticed. In 2024, she was recognized in Restless Development’s CEO Alex Kent’s list, celebrating 12 young leaders making a remarkable impact worldwide.
“Being part of the TagMe campaign has not only enriched my understanding of environmental issues but also empowered me to contribute meaningfully to my community,” Shostika reflects. “This experience has strengthened my leadership, public speaking, and digital skills, and I now feel more confident engaging with people on environmental protection.”
While theYouthCan.org project has come to a close, Shostika remains committed to ensuring that her community and future generations are better prepared to face the growing threats of climate-induced disasters. Her story stands as an inspiring testament to the power of youth-led action in driving meaningful change.
