On my trip to Nepal in October, I was able to visit the school for which we did the fundraiser event in March 29. Prabin’s parents & uncle took me there for the day. We drove south east of Kathmandu for about 2 hours, the last 5 kms being up a very steep & rugged dirt track. We had to get out of the car to guide the driver over boulders, deep ruts & through sand.
As we finally rolled into the village we were greeted with a band, dancers & garlands of marigolds. Mahon, the head of the school board, invited us into his humble home and after each being blessed with the tika ritual we were served a wonderful lunch. After lunch we proceeding by foot down the dusty track to the school with the band playing & masked dancers whirling as more joined the procession.As we rounded the bend the school came into view set at the end of a ridge in the most picturesque location – snow capped Himalayas in the distance & terraced hillsides – yet the local villagers so poor. As the procession entered through the school gates we were adorned with more garlands of flowers until I could hardly see over the top of them. Even though it was holiday time and a Sunday, all the children & parents had gathered.We were seated as honoured guests and for the next hour enjoyed performances of dance & song by the students. Then there were speeches & I had the opportunity to express greetings from all of us & thank them for their amazing hospitality. All the children then lined up & we gave each one some pens, a book & lolly. It was wonderful to see their faces & greet each personally.
We were then taken on a tour of the school. They have 170 children and 4 teachers. There is currently only 3 classrooms with only 2 rough desks and a small library area. They are badly in need of equipment. A German group have recently provided quite a large amount of money which is being used to construct 6 new classrooms. The money we raised has been used to provide a water supply tank and a 6 ft high brick wall is being built around the parameter with a lovely entrance gate. It is very hard to get materials to the site, so much is done by hand.I see the ongoing need for the school to be more equipment and funds to support another teacher.
I would love to be able to arrange a container of all the unused old desks & equipment which is thrown out in Australia to be sent over so if anyone has a contact in this area please let us know.
