Our Story
Live Peace Tech is the vision of founder Dr. Hem Dhakal, bringing together his love of nature, studies in peace, and profound faith in future generations.
A message from Dr. Hem Dhakal
I was born in a remote village located in the Karnali Province of Nepal, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of jungles, the snow-fed Bheri River, and numerous streams. Despite the enchanting natural surroundings, my reluctance to attend school began when I witnessed my playground, Salkot, get swept away in a devastating flood. Witnessing the ecological disaster firsthand and knowing that it was directly the result of climate change, had a profound impact on me.
Growing up in a village where studying by pine wood fire and kerosene was the norm, and having to navigate through a dense jungle to reach school for 2.5 hours each way, posed significant challenges. My
love for nature, however, was intrinsic. The fruit seedlings I planted around my house turned into a fruit forest, reflecting my deep connection to the environment. Despite the beauty, abject poverty plagued my village, forcing most adult men to seek work in India. The stories of exploitation and suffering from these endeavors, especially among children, deeply moved me.
At the age of seven, my entrepreneurial journey began with a 20-rupees investment in two eggs, which eventually led to the establishment of a thriving chicken business. The proceeds were used not only for my needs but also to support my family and community. However, the darker side of my village included deaths due to snake bites, illnesses, and the introduction of HIV/AIDS from India, resulting in life-long struggles for some.
My grandfather, a village leader and inspiring problem-solver, instilled in me a sense of responsibility and the importance of finding solutions. Despite the academic challenges I faced, including being bullied and enduring a lengthy journey to school, my curiosity persisted. I committed to mastering English, overcoming initial struggles, and pursuing higher education, culminating in a PhD in organizational leadership and development. My experiences from the remote part of Nepal to the United States inspired the foundation of Live Peace Tech: An Alternative Academy for Ecopreneurship and Peace.
The journey encapsulates my firsthand encounters with unemployment, poverty, climate change-induced destruction, and a love for nature. Learning conflict resolution from my grandfather, meditation from my mother, and academic pursuits in the United States led to the realization of the need for an
alternative academy. Live Peace Tech focuses on unleashing one's potential based on passion, purpose, and problem-solving skills, aiming to create job providers, independent and interdependent individuals, and changemakers who contribute to society and the environment. The academy promotes inner well-being, peacebuilding, and a holistic approach to education.
Live Peace Tech is an alternative academy that encourages learners to become problem solvers, peacebuilders, and changemakers, aligning with the UNESCO constitution's premise
that "wars begin in the minds of men." My dream is for the academy to create thousands of global citizens who can make a positive impact on the world. As Nelson Mandela said, "It always seems impossible until it is done."
Together, let's make it happen.
Thank you,
Dr. Hem Dhakal
