Save the Children, an international organization working on child rights and welfare, has under its artist ambassador programme announced Nepali band 1974 AD as its youth ambassador amidst a ceremony in the capital Wednesday.

Gunnar Andersen, Country Director of Save the Children Nepal and Nirakar Yakthumba, band member of 1974 AD signed an agreement that will formally tie up the pop/rock band with Save the Children to serve as the latter's youth ambassadors for a period of twelve months.

Speaking on the occasion, Gunnnar Andersen said he hoped the partnership between Save the Children and 1974 AD will give the latter an opportunity to represent Save the Children by the way of public speaking at events including concerts and people to people interaction to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of children and explore fundraising opportunities for Save the Children's partners NGO's both within the country and abroad.

As part of the programme the youth ambassador program will see 1974 AD act as mentors to a diversified group of youths to inform, inspire and motivate them to participate in promoting the rights of children and their protection.

1974 AD has set a fund raising target of Rs 5 million in order to support education and youth programmes to be run through local non governmental organizations in various parts of Nepal.

Shedding light on the partnership, Nirakar Yakthumba said that 1974 AD has been working on social causes like education, providing relief to flood victims across the country, among others, for a long time.

"But there are always limitations whey you are doing these works as a musical band. However, if we tie up with an internationally recognized organization like Save the Children, then we can work more effectively and fundraising for noble social causes will also be very easy," he said.

Asked if the Rs 5 million fund raising target of the band was very 'ambitious', Nirakar said, "No, I think it is very possible. We can do it."

He said the band hopes to raise that amount of money not only by organizing musical concerts all over the country during the next twelve months, but also through proceeds from their past album sales including the upcoming new ones and other fundraising events they are planning to organize both within the country and outside.

"It is our way to giving back to the society which has given us so much love and support through out our musical career," Nirakar said, "education is the key to everything. It is the only true solution to every problem that plagues our country."

"With their music and the popularity that the band 1974 AD has been able to garner both inside and outside Nepal, the band will act as a bridge connecting with youths in Nepal and in the diaspora. We hope that the partnership with 1974 AD will foster and build competence and commitment amongst youths for peace and education," Save the Children said in a statement issued later. nepalnews.com