Day 5
Day 5
Namaste fellow earthlings!
The last day of our time in the school has now arrived. With that knowledge in mind, we were ready and prepared to do our best to get our tasks done in the school before leaving without regrets. The morning started out as usual, with the sumptuous breakfast prepared by our very caring hosts. The hike down was indeed memorable to us as we all knew it was probably the last time we would ever experience it. We took extra effort to observe the surrounding, both by sight and smell which we hope would be carved into our memories forever.
When we got to the school, we were greeted by the cheerful Nepali students which immediately brightened up our day. Our Nepali lesson started with a conversational practice in Nepali language between the Fairsians and learning more about the Nepali culture. We realized the differences between the Singapore and Nepali culture, such as dining etiquette, lifestyle and needs. Then came lunch! Knowing that it would be the last lunch that we would have in the school, we treasured the moments we had while it lasted. We were thankful for the same caring people who helped to serve lunch yesterday. After lunch, we had to rush to finish our tasks. With a mere 10 mins to complete painting of the railings and banister, everyone volunteered to chip in. Mr. Deepak commented that we did a pretty good job. J
There was a closing ceremony specially prepared for us. A friendly volleyball match started the whole ceremony with team Fairfield against team Janakyalyan. The Nepali students wowed us their very skillful plays and the match ended with the Nepali students emerging victorious. Kudos to team Fairfield as well, for they had played impressively too!! Some students from the Fairfield group learnt the Nepalese dance, taught by the very patient and talented Mr Gurung. They were incredible as they managed to master the dance steps in just 3 days. We enjoyed their performance. The devotion group then presented two songs, and everybody participated excitedly either by clapping or singing along. A Nepali student presented the traditional Nargakot village dance with grace and confidence. At the end of the ceremony, we parted with a little memento for each Nepali student. It was a teary affair when we finally had to bid farewell to the students and the school staff. We were reluctant to leave the students as we had formed very strong bonds with the students in these 4 days.
This internationalization program to Shree Janakyalyan Lower Secondary School proved to be fulfilling and memorable. We picked up different skills and learnt more about the Nepali lifestyle. We will treasure these memories dearly, as most of us will probably not return. Soon, we would be returning to our lives in Singapore and the Nepali students will continue with their lives here. Every experience we had would be etched in our hearts.
We hope that the fog would clear and that we would get a full view of the Himalayan range tomorrow. Well, we are going to get going to Kathmandu soon.
This trip will definitely not be just a distant memory for us. We wish to apply what we have learnt from this trip to every aspect of our lives.
Suba Ratri!
Interview with Mr Deepak
1. How did you get to know the school?
Mr Deepak: In 1996, I come to Nargarkot very often. While I was trekking one day, I came across the school. I saw that it was in a pretty bad condition, so I went to see the principal of the school. I talked to the principal and made an agreement with the principal to help the school.
2. Why did you start CIP with Janakyalyan?
Mr Deepak: I wanted to give everyone an education. As I was from a village, it was very difficult to get an education.
3. What are the planning and work involved as an organizer?
Mr Deepak: It takes 4-6 months of planning. I make sure that all the students who come here are well taken care of and benefit from the trip.
4. What are some of your experiences and observations of volunteers and their work?
Mr Deepak: We did the playgrounds, water pipes and upgrading of the building where we provide medical treatment. We also sponsor needy children who do not have enough money or cannot afford to go to school.
5. How has Divine contributed to Janakyalyan, both as an organizer and as a company?
Mr Deepak: The infrastructure of the school is fine, but they need more classrooms. So, I’m trying to find ways to help them build 2 additional classrooms. We are trying to seek funding to finance the construction.
6. What more do you think can be done? . What do you wish for Janakyalyan?
Mr Deepak: The school needs to be more self-sufficient and independent, that they will not always depend on visitors to fund them. We want the students to receive a good education without external help and that they can make themselves proud.
7. How do you feel about our school students who went to Nepal with you?
Mr Deepak: I feel that it is a very good learning point for them as they have never seen most of the Nepalese lifestyle and culture in Singapore. It helps them to appreciate the value of things in Singapore, eg, education, material possessions. Some students even go back and do better in their studies.
8. How has your family supported you?
Mr Deepak: My wife has been very supportive of me, and she has been supporting and encouraging me throughout everything that I have been doing.
Namaste fellow earthlings!
The last day of our time in the school has now arrived. With that knowledge in mind, we were ready and prepared to do our best to get our tasks done in the school before leaving without regrets. The morning started out as usual, with the sumptuous breakfast prepared by our very caring hosts. The hike down was indeed memorable to us as we all knew it was probably the last time we would ever experience it. We took extra effort to observe the surrounding, both by sight and smell which we hope would be carved into our memories forever.
When we got to the school, we were greeted by the cheerful Nepali students which immediately brightened up our day. Our Nepali lesson started with a conversational practice in Nepali language between the Fairsians and learning more about the Nepali culture. We realized the differences between the Singapore and Nepali culture, such as dining etiquette, lifestyle and needs. Then came lunch! Knowing that it would be the last lunch that we would have in the school, we treasured the moments we had while it lasted. We were thankful for the same caring people who helped to serve lunch yesterday. After lunch, we had to rush to finish our tasks. With a mere 10 mins to complete painting of the railings and banister, everyone volunteered to chip in. Mr. Deepak commented that we did a pretty good job. J
There was a closing ceremony specially prepared for us. A friendly volleyball match started the whole ceremony with team Fairfield against team Janakyalyan. The Nepali students wowed us their very skillful plays and the match ended with the Nepali students emerging victorious. Kudos to team Fairfield as well, for they had played impressively too!! Some students from the Fairfield group learnt the Nepalese dance, taught by the very patient and talented Mr Gurung. They were incredible as they managed to master the dance steps in just 3 days. We enjoyed their performance. The devotion group then presented two songs, and everybody participated excitedly either by clapping or singing along. A Nepali student presented the traditional Nargakot village dance with grace and confidence. At the end of the ceremony, we parted with a little memento for each Nepali student. It was a teary affair when we finally had to bid farewell to the students and the school staff. We were reluctant to leave the students as we had formed very strong bonds with the students in these 4 days.
This internationalization program to Shree Janakyalyan Lower Secondary School proved to be fulfilling and memorable. We picked up different skills and learnt more about the Nepali lifestyle. We will treasure these memories dearly, as most of us will probably not return. Soon, we would be returning to our lives in Singapore and the Nepali students will continue with their lives here. Every experience we had would be etched in our hearts.
We hope that the fog would clear and that we would get a full view of the Himalayan range tomorrow. Well, we are going to get going to Kathmandu soon.
This trip will definitely not be just a distant memory for us. We wish to apply what we have learnt from this trip to every aspect of our lives.
Suba Ratri!
Interview with Mr Deepak
1. How did you get to know the school?
Mr Deepak: In 1996, I come to Nargarkot very often. While I was trekking one day, I came across the school. I saw that it was in a pretty bad condition, so I went to see the principal of the school. I talked to the principal and made an agreement with the principal to help the school.
2. Why did you start CIP with Janakyalyan?
Mr Deepak: I wanted to give everyone an education. As I was from a village, it was very difficult to get an education.
3. What are the planning and work involved as an organizer?
Mr Deepak: It takes 4-6 months of planning. I make sure that all the students who come here are well taken care of and benefit from the trip.
4. What are some of your experiences and observations of volunteers and their work?
Mr Deepak: We did the playgrounds, water pipes and upgrading of the building where we provide medical treatment. We also sponsor needy children who do not have enough money or cannot afford to go to school.
5. How has Divine contributed to Janakyalyan, both as an organizer and as a company?
Mr Deepak: The infrastructure of the school is fine, but they need more classrooms. So, I’m trying to find ways to help them build 2 additional classrooms. We are trying to seek funding to finance the construction.
6. What more do you think can be done? . What do you wish for Janakyalyan?
Mr Deepak: The school needs to be more self-sufficient and independent, that they will not always depend on visitors to fund them. We want the students to receive a good education without external help and that they can make themselves proud.
7. How do you feel about our school students who went to Nepal with you?
Mr Deepak: I feel that it is a very good learning point for them as they have never seen most of the Nepalese lifestyle and culture in Singapore. It helps them to appreciate the value of things in Singapore, eg, education, material possessions. Some students even go back and do better in their studies.
8. How has your family supported you?
Mr Deepak: My wife has been very supportive of me, and she has been supporting and encouraging me throughout everything that I have been doing.
posted by Minimi Nepal at
9:59 AM
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