Community Engagement and Local Development: A Qualitative Case Study of Outreach Programs at Aadikavi Bhanubhakta Campus

Abstract

The involvement of the community has been an important basis for higher education in community campuses. Along with the regular academic activities, these institutions should also be responsible for community development. Although many community campuses in Nepal conduct outreach programs nowadays, this still seems to be insufficient. This study focuses mainly on health awareness, improvement of livelihood, creating environmental awareness, and building campus-community relationships through outreach programs conducted by Aadikavi Bhanubhakta Campus, Tanauan. During the study, data were collected through interviews, group discussions, and records. The collected data were used for qualitative research along with a case study approach. The participants in the outreach program were campus administration, staff, students, and local community members. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis framework developed by Braun and Clarke (2006). The findings show that outreach programs have a positive impact on awareness of health and the environment. This is expected to help community members work toward a healthy and eco-friendly environment. Increasing awareness and developing skills create trust between the campus and the community.