Uma and I visited the school and met up with the School Head again. She showed us the computer room, new toilets, the library, the new water fountain with clean water, and the yet to be built science lab ( a skeleton of steel rods at present) as well as the current one .
One of the new features in the school is a series of water fountain built into the concreted floor.The water is somehow piped from a clean supply.This was donated by a visiting couple.What a brilliant innovation for the school. The children can now access clean drinking water, one of the fundamentals in promoting good health
The new toilets are situated on the ground floor- 4 for each gender. They do look very clean from outside. They do not have a flushing system, but I baulked at asking how it works....
The school library is situated in one of the out buildings. One has to climb steep metal stairs to get to the library on the second floor. It is a lovely and spacious room once you get to the top. I can see the need to increase the varieties of English books at different levels . It is very encouraging to see that books on the shelves are well thumbed.
We have been to the computer shop and placed an order for the photocopier. I am reliably informed that it is a Canon digital copier which prints as well. It is a rather bulky table top model. The only concern I have is the price. It seems to be a lot of money for that. I have no idea if the price is realistic with 20% import duty added. With that purchase, we managed to buy only one computer with the remaining balance.
I have angst over the decision.Its a question of imposing our wishes to purchase the 4 computers as originally agreed, or to go in the spirit of helping the school to improve its facilities. Both are needed. However, in the order of priorities, it is the School Head who knows best I feel.Therefore I chose the latter.
We met the Science teacher who will do further work on the costing in clusters as requested.I was shown the current ' science lab' in an outbuilding.It has seen better days.It measures no bigger than 12 by 10 feet, a rather small room to be a science lab. The wooden stairs leading up to the lab/room are rickety, with some steps missing, others cracked and broken.It was a hazardous climb to see the room. I can understand the school is building a new one from scratch.The only thing worth mentioning is that there is a skeleton I call 'Jimmy'. This seems to be a common feature in every establishment/room that deals with science/health/nursing/medicine. When I started nursing, there was one in the classroom, and we called it Jimmy. And I have seen many since in various heath/ hospital set ups. A very interesting fact.
We gave the school the go ahead to start the Karate and dancing classes.Uma has been instrumental in getting the teachers to run 2 classes each for the price of one. Therefore there will be 2 classes of each per week to start after the Deevali festivals in October. We talked about criterias the school will use for the classes.I stressed the importance of feedback and review to ensure that it is effective and value for money. The teacher assured me that will happen. Uma will handle the payment etc
All in all, a satisfying project to date. It is accepted that there are more work to do.However, I have no doubt we will get there if we work together towards the same end
Footnote
Following our home visit to K's home where her mum sells alcohol involving K serving the customers, we have had many discussions. Though we accepted that there is not much we can do, Uma has since spoken to a few people in the social and welfare agencies for women and children, of which is her sister -in-law . Uma has been made aware of the things she can do. And I am happy to see it happen as and when. Hopefully saving s few girls to have a better future
Sunday, 4 September 2011
The Home Visit
We went on a home visit to see K's parents today. We went to the basement bar for the first time last year.Mum was out then. Uma was not happy about the home condition then, and had a word with mum when she came to lunch. Uma urged mum to move to somewhere more suitable , what with 6 girls growing up in the household. Nothing has changed
The family lives in 2 rooms. It looks like the temporary outside wall was rendered to enclose the spaces into 2 bedrooms.The walls were covered in black ,damp and mouldy patches( in the summer).Old newspaper was used to cover bits of the wall. The rooms have a small bed each, with floor covering for the children to sleep in. Imagine what it must be like in winter- no heating with damp walls and floors !
One has to go down the dark dingy basement bar to get to the bedrooms at the back . We saw big rats running across our path last year.Therefore I was particularly nervous today that we would encounter this again.The dark dingy bar reminded me of the twilight zone. Imagine having to live like this all the time.Its pretty horrific
The bar is a place where local labourers come to relax and consume the cheap local brew.One can understand that the mother needs to work and make a living. She has obviously made her choice. Mum is a haughty looking woman wearing lots of gold and jewellery. She serves her customers drink and food as well.Unfortunately, with the older 3 girls growing up, they are living in a very unsuitable environment.The eldest have left since to stay with a teacher .K, the child we are sponsoring is 12 going on 13. She helps to serve the customers after school. She has been groped and touched by the somewhat drunken customers before now. She is starting to develop, and Uma is very unhappy about the state of affairs.
Uma is on a mission. The home visit today turned into a torrent of very strong words(sounds like to me anyway)aimed at the mother. Uma challenged the mother -' Are you not interested to protect your daughters? They are growing up. This is very bad environment for them. Do you want them to become like you?'.Strong exchanges followed. I was there taking in the non verbal communication, because I do not speak Nepali at all. However, through intonation, I understood a lot of what was being said.There were customers sitting behind us who had stopped drinking, witnessing this exchange with a Chinese woman next to one of them. I wondered what they must make of all these.
Uma was on a crusade to save her daughters, through bullying and blackmailing , like 'if you do not make changes, we may have to stop sponsoring your daughter next year etc' When we left, I experienced for the first time, that the mistress of the house did not wish us goodbye- 'Namaste' with both palms held up together.Mum was angry. She glared at us as we left the bar. No matter.
Uma and I talked about this. There is really not a lot we can do about it. She can see K getting into some trouble by the time she is 14/15 years old , and be on her own . Her life will be over by then. It is a very likely outcome, and I totally agree with Uma.
So , what's next ?
The family lives in 2 rooms. It looks like the temporary outside wall was rendered to enclose the spaces into 2 bedrooms.The walls were covered in black ,damp and mouldy patches( in the summer).Old newspaper was used to cover bits of the wall. The rooms have a small bed each, with floor covering for the children to sleep in. Imagine what it must be like in winter- no heating with damp walls and floors !
One has to go down the dark dingy basement bar to get to the bedrooms at the back . We saw big rats running across our path last year.Therefore I was particularly nervous today that we would encounter this again.The dark dingy bar reminded me of the twilight zone. Imagine having to live like this all the time.Its pretty horrific
The bar is a place where local labourers come to relax and consume the cheap local brew.One can understand that the mother needs to work and make a living. She has obviously made her choice. Mum is a haughty looking woman wearing lots of gold and jewellery. She serves her customers drink and food as well.Unfortunately, with the older 3 girls growing up, they are living in a very unsuitable environment.The eldest have left since to stay with a teacher .K, the child we are sponsoring is 12 going on 13. She helps to serve the customers after school. She has been groped and touched by the somewhat drunken customers before now. She is starting to develop, and Uma is very unhappy about the state of affairs.
Uma is on a mission. The home visit today turned into a torrent of very strong words(sounds like to me anyway)aimed at the mother. Uma challenged the mother -' Are you not interested to protect your daughters? They are growing up. This is very bad environment for them. Do you want them to become like you?'.Strong exchanges followed. I was there taking in the non verbal communication, because I do not speak Nepali at all. However, through intonation, I understood a lot of what was being said.There were customers sitting behind us who had stopped drinking, witnessing this exchange with a Chinese woman next to one of them. I wondered what they must make of all these.
Uma was on a crusade to save her daughters, through bullying and blackmailing , like 'if you do not make changes, we may have to stop sponsoring your daughter next year etc' When we left, I experienced for the first time, that the mistress of the house did not wish us goodbye- 'Namaste' with both palms held up together.Mum was angry. She glared at us as we left the bar. No matter.
Uma and I talked about this. There is really not a lot we can do about it. She can see K getting into some trouble by the time she is 14/15 years old , and be on her own . Her life will be over by then. It is a very likely outcome, and I totally agree with Uma.
So , what's next ?
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Our Nepali Lunch
I have a confession to make. I have always been treated as a VIP whenever I come to Kathmandu . It is especially so this year. I did offer to help in the preparation of the lunch, but was continuously told that its OK, the girls can manage. Admittedly the 3 older girls and Rajesh are so much more grown up this time round. Apart from being the cashier for all the shopping trips , I have not been allowed to lift a finger since my arrival on Monday. I did not even get a chance to peel one potato, not that I am complaining........
The day started early @ 8am. I sat in the English class to watch the children ( Uma's and the Neel Barahi school children ) doing a 5 minutes presentation (15 in total ) in front of the class.It was most encouraging to hear the school children actually speaking English clearly and confidently, apart from one. This shows the skills of the English teacher, comparing to what I managed to get out of them yesterday. I videoed the session for the sponsors' tea in October. It will give the sponsors an opportunity to see the progress of the child s/he sponsors.
Having met all the mums last year, coupled with recent home visits, every one was more relaxed and chatty from the word go.Uma had a volunteer cook whose son we helped earlier on in the year. It was the youngster who lost his father and we raised over 300 pounds at Chinese New Year towards his school fees.We had a most fabulous Nepali lunch. I have to say my jeans are getting tighter by the day!
With the first arrival at 10am, I have ample time to talk to some of the young adults we are sponsoring. I was able to check out the progress of Madhusudan, a 17 year old who has started his year 11 ( 6th form), as well as Nischall Karki, the boy who lost his father early on in the year. He is 15 and doing his year 10 ( 5th form). Madhu talked about the pressure of having to find his fares to college (@600r =over a fiver) a month. With 150 pounds in credit from his sponsor, I was able to help him out. Uma suggested that the money is given to his grandmother, whom he lives with, to manage. This was done. I made a big mistake in not doing it more discreetly. Reflecting back, it must have given some parents the impression that I can help them with anything (financially) if they only ask.
The jackets/tracksuits/t-shirts/socks were given out to every child. This was achieved by Uma's children taking turn to give them out.The children and the mums went on to enjoy a good lunch We had chicken, dhal, potato& vegetable and a soya protein in tomato sauce, with chilli and tomato salsa on the menu. It was yum.
There were @ 40 people in all . Some mums brought younger children along whom we have not met. I asked Uma to reinforce the message that the sponsors are still very committed to helping their children in their education. However they must do their bit as parents to encourage their children to grasp that opportunity to make something of their lives. It will help them to get good jobs to support themselves and their families when they grow up. Hopefully to break the cycle of deprivation. Uma and I share the same vision. She does not beat around the bush. If anything, she is probably more brutal in getting the honest message across. A little of finger wagging would not come amiss here, I have discovered.
I was waylaid during the lunch by one of the mums. She asked if I could help with some medical expenses for her child (one of our sponsored children). It would seem that the child has something wrong with her throat? tonsilitiss? whatever, and needed to see a specialist which the family cannot afford. It was a moral dilemma.Its about setting a boundary in my work here. I feel for the family. However, the charity's effort is focused on education and self improvement. I do not have the budget nor the trustees' agreement to spend on anything else. I talked to Uma about my difficulty. Uma explained to the mum the reason I was unable to help. I felt really bad, but had to accept that this is life. I cannot save the world, nor do I want to ,really. That has made me reflect on how I have done things which led to this .I have to take some responsibility for allowing this to happen.
All things being equal, it has been a very fulfilling and positive day ,albeit that it was long drawn out and exhausting.Some of the tasks for this trip have been achieved. Thank you all, sponsors , donors and Friends of KIKN for making it happen.
The day started early @ 8am. I sat in the English class to watch the children ( Uma's and the Neel Barahi school children ) doing a 5 minutes presentation (15 in total ) in front of the class.It was most encouraging to hear the school children actually speaking English clearly and confidently, apart from one. This shows the skills of the English teacher, comparing to what I managed to get out of them yesterday. I videoed the session for the sponsors' tea in October. It will give the sponsors an opportunity to see the progress of the child s/he sponsors.
Having met all the mums last year, coupled with recent home visits, every one was more relaxed and chatty from the word go.Uma had a volunteer cook whose son we helped earlier on in the year. It was the youngster who lost his father and we raised over 300 pounds at Chinese New Year towards his school fees.We had a most fabulous Nepali lunch. I have to say my jeans are getting tighter by the day!
With the first arrival at 10am, I have ample time to talk to some of the young adults we are sponsoring. I was able to check out the progress of Madhusudan, a 17 year old who has started his year 11 ( 6th form), as well as Nischall Karki, the boy who lost his father early on in the year. He is 15 and doing his year 10 ( 5th form). Madhu talked about the pressure of having to find his fares to college (@600r =over a fiver) a month. With 150 pounds in credit from his sponsor, I was able to help him out. Uma suggested that the money is given to his grandmother, whom he lives with, to manage. This was done. I made a big mistake in not doing it more discreetly. Reflecting back, it must have given some parents the impression that I can help them with anything (financially) if they only ask.
The jackets/tracksuits/t-shirts/socks were given out to every child. This was achieved by Uma's children taking turn to give them out.The children and the mums went on to enjoy a good lunch We had chicken, dhal, potato& vegetable and a soya protein in tomato sauce, with chilli and tomato salsa on the menu. It was yum.
There were @ 40 people in all . Some mums brought younger children along whom we have not met. I asked Uma to reinforce the message that the sponsors are still very committed to helping their children in their education. However they must do their bit as parents to encourage their children to grasp that opportunity to make something of their lives. It will help them to get good jobs to support themselves and their families when they grow up. Hopefully to break the cycle of deprivation. Uma and I share the same vision. She does not beat around the bush. If anything, she is probably more brutal in getting the honest message across. A little of finger wagging would not come amiss here, I have discovered.
I was waylaid during the lunch by one of the mums. She asked if I could help with some medical expenses for her child (one of our sponsored children). It would seem that the child has something wrong with her throat? tonsilitiss? whatever, and needed to see a specialist which the family cannot afford. It was a moral dilemma.Its about setting a boundary in my work here. I feel for the family. However, the charity's effort is focused on education and self improvement. I do not have the budget nor the trustees' agreement to spend on anything else. I talked to Uma about my difficulty. Uma explained to the mum the reason I was unable to help. I felt really bad, but had to accept that this is life. I cannot save the world, nor do I want to ,really. That has made me reflect on how I have done things which led to this .I have to take some responsibility for allowing this to happen.
All things being equal, it has been a very fulfilling and positive day ,albeit that it was long drawn out and exhausting.Some of the tasks for this trip have been achieved. Thank you all, sponsors , donors and Friends of KIKN for making it happen.
Friday, 2 September 2011
The Home visits
With festival'Teej' around, the children have had 3 days off school this week. It was quite heartening to see that the children from the school continued to attend the hourly English lesson in the morning at Uma's
Without the teacher this morning, I had an opportunity to get down to their level and tried to talk to them in English. They have met me several times before now albeit always in the presence of their mothers/Uma/other adults and teacher. With my bags of sweets and fancy pencils, I was able to bribe my way into their little circle. They understood very little. Uma's children did all the translating. This is surprising to me having been told by the Head that every class has 2 periods of 40 minutes per day. Uma's view that the standard needs to be upped is right. We need to do everything we can to help to improve the standard in the school.
I had the opportunity to talk to each of the 5 children individually.Energy of the children was very low. I would imagine its to do with light breakfast, and difficult home conditions.Bikas is the only boy we have from the school. He was jolly and upbeat when we first met in 2010 with his mother. Today he looked listless, tired and almost depressed.It transpired that his mother left home 2 months ago. He has not seen her since. I understand that he went off the rail a bit initially. Being a very conscientious hard working boy,he was often found hanging around internet cafe with video games . Uma had spoken to him about this. He said he no longer goes there. When I asked about mum, he looked really dejected and flat.My heart went out to him.He no longer sleeps on the floor, he told me. He now sleeps with his father in the bed. At least there is one positive aspect out of all this sadness.
Uma and I then went on to do 2 home visits.The first one was Santimaya's home. It is a common practice that the family (in lower socio-ecnomic class ) lives /cooks/eats and sleeps in one rented room.I expected that. What I found heart rendering is that 5 adults and a teenaged girl could manage that in a room no bigger than 12 ft square! The furniture consist of 2 single beds , a square table with 2 gas rings on top, a small wardrobe and a fold up mattress. Her two older brothers sleep in one single bed, the other is occupied by her mother and a sister, with the remaining sister and Santimaya sleeping on the floor. I did find this aspect quite distressing. How realistic are we as sponsors to expect this poor girl to study under such horrendous home situation? How unfair life is ? Her sponsor has specifically asked that I buy something for the family, whatever we feel is needed. Mum said she would like a small kitchen unit with shelves. Uma has since placed an order for the cabinet to be built.
We then went on to Laxmi's home. Though we have to climb 4 flights of stone steps, the home situation was much easier.Again the whole family lives in one room, with shared toilet and bathroom with other families living in the same block, not just on the same floor!She has a much smaller family. There are her parents and a younger brother. An uncle is staying there temporaraily.And the room is much bigger -16 to 18 feet square approximately.
Doing these 2 home visits has reminded me of the reason I am here. I accept that I cannot save the world period. I can only do the best I can when I am here.However , it does not take away the angst I feel for some of these unfortunate children. Its called accident of birth. It could have been you or me, and we would not be any the wiser
I will stop here before I get any more morbid.......
Without the teacher this morning, I had an opportunity to get down to their level and tried to talk to them in English. They have met me several times before now albeit always in the presence of their mothers/Uma/other adults and teacher. With my bags of sweets and fancy pencils, I was able to bribe my way into their little circle. They understood very little. Uma's children did all the translating. This is surprising to me having been told by the Head that every class has 2 periods of 40 minutes per day. Uma's view that the standard needs to be upped is right. We need to do everything we can to help to improve the standard in the school.
I had the opportunity to talk to each of the 5 children individually.Energy of the children was very low. I would imagine its to do with light breakfast, and difficult home conditions.Bikas is the only boy we have from the school. He was jolly and upbeat when we first met in 2010 with his mother. Today he looked listless, tired and almost depressed.It transpired that his mother left home 2 months ago. He has not seen her since. I understand that he went off the rail a bit initially. Being a very conscientious hard working boy,he was often found hanging around internet cafe with video games . Uma had spoken to him about this. He said he no longer goes there. When I asked about mum, he looked really dejected and flat.My heart went out to him.He no longer sleeps on the floor, he told me. He now sleeps with his father in the bed. At least there is one positive aspect out of all this sadness.
Uma and I then went on to do 2 home visits.The first one was Santimaya's home. It is a common practice that the family (in lower socio-ecnomic class ) lives /cooks/eats and sleeps in one rented room.I expected that. What I found heart rendering is that 5 adults and a teenaged girl could manage that in a room no bigger than 12 ft square! The furniture consist of 2 single beds , a square table with 2 gas rings on top, a small wardrobe and a fold up mattress. Her two older brothers sleep in one single bed, the other is occupied by her mother and a sister, with the remaining sister and Santimaya sleeping on the floor. I did find this aspect quite distressing. How realistic are we as sponsors to expect this poor girl to study under such horrendous home situation? How unfair life is ? Her sponsor has specifically asked that I buy something for the family, whatever we feel is needed. Mum said she would like a small kitchen unit with shelves. Uma has since placed an order for the cabinet to be built.
We then went on to Laxmi's home. Though we have to climb 4 flights of stone steps, the home situation was much easier.Again the whole family lives in one room, with shared toilet and bathroom with other families living in the same block, not just on the same floor!She has a much smaller family. There are her parents and a younger brother. An uncle is staying there temporaraily.And the room is much bigger -16 to 18 feet square approximately.
Doing these 2 home visits has reminded me of the reason I am here. I accept that I cannot save the world period. I can only do the best I can when I am here.However , it does not take away the angst I feel for some of these unfortunate children. Its called accident of birth. It could have been you or me, and we would not be any the wiser
I will stop here before I get any more morbid.......
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Shree Neel Barahi School
We met up with the School Head- Mrs Nepal and her English teacher yesterday. It was a very productive meeting.
Normally I would catch 5 minutes here and there in her office, in between queries from parents,her staff and the children.This was the first time I had a chance to have 2 uninterrupted hours of her time, exploring , discussing and understanding both our perspectives. Being a school holiday , Mrs Nepal was able to come to Uma's before going to the school to do some catching up.
Since my last visit in September 2010, the school took out a loan to have 8 new toilets built. It was a very pressing public heath issue I understand. I have been invited to visit the school on sunday to see the progress they have made in the various areas
Through total misunderstang on my part, it would appear that the school curriculum do include English language. The teaching medium is Nepali at the moment. However they welcome any help the charity can give to improve the language skills of the pupils there.In fact, the school has introduced English as the teaching medium this year for the first 3 junior grades.We had discussion around useful aids to engage the children more. A continuous audio video tape playing on a big screen would be useful. Something to plan for in the near future.
The purchase of 4 computers was discussed. From the school 's point of view , a sturdy and reliable photocopier is what is urgently need .The school currently spends s lot of money getting printing (exam papers termly for its 675 pupils among other things ) done outside. Just imagine running a school without a photo copier in UK ! However, the purchase of a photocopier would mean that we will be left with just enough money to buy one computer. But needs must. Uma is trying to source one @ 745 pounds sterling. There is no such thing as a contract for x years here in Kathmandu I am afraid. I am convinced it will save the school a lot of money each year. Hopefully the trustees agree with my view.
The school library could do with stocking up of more English books. They could be adventure/fable/ scence fiction, as well as factual books about the world aroud us.I showed the Head some of the books that I sourced from charity shops to ascertain the type and level the school needs.I feel sure this is an area the charity and its supporters would be able to help by donating unwanted dictionaries/encyclopaedias etc etc
The equipping of the science lab was discussed. Mrs Nepal will get the Science teacher to do further work on the costing before my return on 19th
The other important aspect we discuused was looking at ways of how ,on the chariity's behalf,Uma could be more involved with the school through joint projects with her children from the orphanage,as well as using her volunteers to teach English in the school.For longer term, possibly plan for an exchange programs with UK school children with both the orphanage and school children. We even talked about a cultural show involving both lots of children, and do a tour in UK.We fully understand the implication of that.However, it is good to dream , and dream the impossible. So, Watch this space :)
Normally I would catch 5 minutes here and there in her office, in between queries from parents,her staff and the children.This was the first time I had a chance to have 2 uninterrupted hours of her time, exploring , discussing and understanding both our perspectives. Being a school holiday , Mrs Nepal was able to come to Uma's before going to the school to do some catching up.
Since my last visit in September 2010, the school took out a loan to have 8 new toilets built. It was a very pressing public heath issue I understand. I have been invited to visit the school on sunday to see the progress they have made in the various areas
Through total misunderstang on my part, it would appear that the school curriculum do include English language. The teaching medium is Nepali at the moment. However they welcome any help the charity can give to improve the language skills of the pupils there.In fact, the school has introduced English as the teaching medium this year for the first 3 junior grades.We had discussion around useful aids to engage the children more. A continuous audio video tape playing on a big screen would be useful. Something to plan for in the near future.
The purchase of 4 computers was discussed. From the school 's point of view , a sturdy and reliable photocopier is what is urgently need .The school currently spends s lot of money getting printing (exam papers termly for its 675 pupils among other things ) done outside. Just imagine running a school without a photo copier in UK ! However, the purchase of a photocopier would mean that we will be left with just enough money to buy one computer. But needs must. Uma is trying to source one @ 745 pounds sterling. There is no such thing as a contract for x years here in Kathmandu I am afraid. I am convinced it will save the school a lot of money each year. Hopefully the trustees agree with my view.
The school library could do with stocking up of more English books. They could be adventure/fable/ scence fiction, as well as factual books about the world aroud us.I showed the Head some of the books that I sourced from charity shops to ascertain the type and level the school needs.I feel sure this is an area the charity and its supporters would be able to help by donating unwanted dictionaries/encyclopaedias etc etc
The equipping of the science lab was discussed. Mrs Nepal will get the Science teacher to do further work on the costing before my return on 19th
The other important aspect we discuused was looking at ways of how ,on the chariity's behalf,Uma could be more involved with the school through joint projects with her children from the orphanage,as well as using her volunteers to teach English in the school.For longer term, possibly plan for an exchange programs with UK school children with both the orphanage and school children. We even talked about a cultural show involving both lots of children, and do a tour in UK.We fully understand the implication of that.However, it is good to dream , and dream the impossible. So, Watch this space :)
My First Days
Well I am here.A little jet lagged but rearing to go
My untimely arrival in Kathmandu was met with a mass protest in town (tell me something new !).The 30 minutes ride to Uma's took over 2 hours. I was dog tired by the time we reached 'home'@ 4.30pm. I had to stay up because the children have been waiting patiently on the door steps in the rain :) for god knows how long, to wish me ' Namaste Lai See didi'
The children have all grown ,in fact shot up.The older ones in particular are like bean poles. They are narrow and skinny. Puberty has set in I think for some of them. They all look amazingly well, and very happy.The girls change their hairstyle each year. It was short back and sides last year .This year is pony tails with plaits at the front, all looking very trendy. All are uniform in their looks. I think the older girls will catch up on me height wise, next year . I might have to look up to them I think.
We have our usual sponsors' tea time. The cards/letters/notelets were given out to the children, accompanied by lots of goodies from UK.The moisturising cream and talcum powder were shared out.They always look forward to their books and puzzles, followed by the choccies and jelly beans etc .It was such a pleasure to see them enjoying themselves.I finally went to bed @10pm.
Over breakfast, Uma and I caught up on the affairs of the children. We started to make a list of the things we want to do while I am here
They are:-
Purchase winter clothes for all the children(20)plus 2 young adults
Invite all the parents and children for lunch (3/9 )
Meet with the school head and talk about Science lab and their plans for the future
Purchase 4 pcs for the school
Do home visits to meet up with the mothers of the children from Neel Barahi School
Meet up with the 2 young adults who are doing year 10 (5th form) and 11 (6th form)
Go to optician's to find out about new glasses for Laxmi- a specific but separate reguest from her sponsor
To meet with Santimaya and her mum with a view to buy some necessities again a specific but separate reguest from her sponsor
We charged around for the second day running. I am pleased to say that all the clothes have been bought for every child .We managed to buy alot of clothes for the 22 children we sponsor within the budget . That involved diving through the back streets where the wholesale merchants are. Uma did very well, and I merely hanged on to her and helped to carry the 5 big bags of jackets (20)/tracksuits(10)/t-shirts (10) /underclothes (20) etc.alongside Rajesh and Rasmila.Uma did it in double quick time because she knows I am uneasy walking through the back doubles.
So its on to another day
My untimely arrival in Kathmandu was met with a mass protest in town (tell me something new !).The 30 minutes ride to Uma's took over 2 hours. I was dog tired by the time we reached 'home'@ 4.30pm. I had to stay up because the children have been waiting patiently on the door steps in the rain :) for god knows how long, to wish me ' Namaste Lai See didi'
The children have all grown ,in fact shot up.The older ones in particular are like bean poles. They are narrow and skinny. Puberty has set in I think for some of them. They all look amazingly well, and very happy.The girls change their hairstyle each year. It was short back and sides last year .This year is pony tails with plaits at the front, all looking very trendy. All are uniform in their looks. I think the older girls will catch up on me height wise, next year . I might have to look up to them I think.
We have our usual sponsors' tea time. The cards/letters/notelets were given out to the children, accompanied by lots of goodies from UK.The moisturising cream and talcum powder were shared out.They always look forward to their books and puzzles, followed by the choccies and jelly beans etc .It was such a pleasure to see them enjoying themselves.I finally went to bed @10pm.
Over breakfast, Uma and I caught up on the affairs of the children. We started to make a list of the things we want to do while I am here
They are:-
Purchase winter clothes for all the children(20)plus 2 young adults
Invite all the parents and children for lunch (3/9 )
Meet with the school head and talk about Science lab and their plans for the future
Purchase 4 pcs for the school
Do home visits to meet up with the mothers of the children from Neel Barahi School
Meet up with the 2 young adults who are doing year 10 (5th form) and 11 (6th form)
Go to optician's to find out about new glasses for Laxmi- a specific but separate reguest from her sponsor
To meet with Santimaya and her mum with a view to buy some necessities again a specific but separate reguest from her sponsor
We charged around for the second day running. I am pleased to say that all the clothes have been bought for every child .We managed to buy alot of clothes for the 22 children we sponsor within the budget . That involved diving through the back streets where the wholesale merchants are. Uma did very well, and I merely hanged on to her and helped to carry the 5 big bags of jackets (20)/tracksuits(10)/t-shirts (10) /underclothes (20) etc.alongside Rajesh and Rasmila.Uma did it in double quick time because she knows I am uneasy walking through the back doubles.
So its on to another day
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Kids in Kathmandu, here we come!
Another year, another milestone. It is amazing how many changes a year can bring, in terms of personal development, achievements, and circumstances one finds oneself in.
Setting up a registered charity was a notion milling in my head last year. I then discarded it because it would mean unnecessary bureacracy and paper work . However, faced with the potential of raising more money in order to help the school, itwas too tempting to resist. With the support of some very loyal friends , we embarked on the journey. Hey presto,a year down the road, we are now a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
For more information please look up WWW.kidsinkathmandu.org.uk
It has been and still is a steep learning curve for me. I experienced the utter frustration of doing the on line application repeatedly through to the early hours of the night. That happened because it kept disappearing from the screen,and I was not IT savvy enough to retrieve it. I am learning to let go of the feeling of urgency, as though I am working full time. I am learning to pace myself. Having a supportive Chair and fellow trustees has meant we share the administratiive tasks of setting up a company, and developing all the necessary systems to enable the new organisation to function effectively and efficiently. We have high hopes of achieving great things in the coming years. Watch this space
And so it is that time of the year again when I am bound for Kathmandu. Once again, bags of sweeties in fun sizes , lots of puzzles and books to bribe the children. It never fails to bring a lump to my throat when I see these children running towards me, hugging me, jumping around calling ' Namaste Lai See didi, namaste Lai See didi' To think they have so little, but really appreciating the tiniest piece of warmth and chocolate is just mind blowing. I guess I go back each year for the 'fix'. Its quite addictive really.
This is my fourth trip to Kathmandu in as many years. I guess I am beginning to train my mindset to a slightly different perspective. I used to just try and survive while I was out there. Since last year, I have been thinking of the demographics. I am starting to look beneath the surface, exploring in my mind what is possible, with Uma's help. The biggest challenge for the charity now is getting a clear vision of what's possible with the constraints operating in the city. This can only be achieved by having frequent and close dialogue with the enlightened Headmistress while I am in Kathmandu. Having seen at first hand how the school day is structured, all parties concerned will need to be very focused and committed to achieve a very clear and workable plan to enable the charity to help to improve its infrastructure to benefit the children.
The first thing we hope to do will be purchasing 4 computers for the school. The charity will also give the go ahead for the school to start both a dancing and Karate class on a weekly basis. Obviously, one class of each is not enough to cater for the needs of its 675 pupils, but it is a start. As the charity becomes successful in securing more funds, we will then be in a position to increase the number of classes. Regular monitoring and review will form part of the 'must dos' ensuring cost effectiveness
Almost there........feeling somewhat anxious of the challenges ahead
Setting up a registered charity was a notion milling in my head last year. I then discarded it because it would mean unnecessary bureacracy and paper work . However, faced with the potential of raising more money in order to help the school, itwas too tempting to resist. With the support of some very loyal friends , we embarked on the journey. Hey presto,a year down the road, we are now a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
For more information please look up WWW.kidsinkathmandu.org.uk
It has been and still is a steep learning curve for me. I experienced the utter frustration of doing the on line application repeatedly through to the early hours of the night. That happened because it kept disappearing from the screen,and I was not IT savvy enough to retrieve it. I am learning to let go of the feeling of urgency, as though I am working full time. I am learning to pace myself. Having a supportive Chair and fellow trustees has meant we share the administratiive tasks of setting up a company, and developing all the necessary systems to enable the new organisation to function effectively and efficiently. We have high hopes of achieving great things in the coming years. Watch this space
And so it is that time of the year again when I am bound for Kathmandu. Once again, bags of sweeties in fun sizes , lots of puzzles and books to bribe the children. It never fails to bring a lump to my throat when I see these children running towards me, hugging me, jumping around calling ' Namaste Lai See didi, namaste Lai See didi' To think they have so little, but really appreciating the tiniest piece of warmth and chocolate is just mind blowing. I guess I go back each year for the 'fix'. Its quite addictive really.
This is my fourth trip to Kathmandu in as many years. I guess I am beginning to train my mindset to a slightly different perspective. I used to just try and survive while I was out there. Since last year, I have been thinking of the demographics. I am starting to look beneath the surface, exploring in my mind what is possible, with Uma's help. The biggest challenge for the charity now is getting a clear vision of what's possible with the constraints operating in the city. This can only be achieved by having frequent and close dialogue with the enlightened Headmistress while I am in Kathmandu. Having seen at first hand how the school day is structured, all parties concerned will need to be very focused and committed to achieve a very clear and workable plan to enable the charity to help to improve its infrastructure to benefit the children.
The first thing we hope to do will be purchasing 4 computers for the school. The charity will also give the go ahead for the school to start both a dancing and Karate class on a weekly basis. Obviously, one class of each is not enough to cater for the needs of its 675 pupils, but it is a start. As the charity becomes successful in securing more funds, we will then be in a position to increase the number of classes. Regular monitoring and review will form part of the 'must dos' ensuring cost effectiveness
Almost there........feeling somewhat anxious of the challenges ahead
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