Happy Nepal World
Day 3
Lalala! Welcome to day 3 of the Nepal Trip!
Today, after another arduous hike down to the school, which seemed easier than yesterday, we finally reached the school of Janakyalyan. As it was a Saturday, it was the students’ only day off. So sad.
Then, the work commenced immediately. We built steps leading to the toilet for the convenience of the students. This involved the equipment of changkols and shovels. Through this, we learnt the power of perseverance to get us through the task and we could finish the task more efficiently as we learnt, from our experience from the previous day, more ways to improve our angle and skill at digging.
We also began works to repaint the entire school facility, which included the scrubbing and painting of the school walls. Through this, we learnt the wonderful experience of teamwork where we helped each other to paint and clean different parts of the school.
Then, we went for lunch at the principal’s house, which was a short hike through breathtaking scenery. We had an insight into the culture of the Nepalese villagers who rear goats, chicken and cattle for their livelihood. We also saw little girls helping their parents pick up grass in huge baskets bigger than themselves to feed their cattle. Even at such a young age, the little girls helped their parents with the farming. We felt ashamed that we complain so much in Singapore even with the little work to do. We have maids and parents to help us with the household duties but they have no one to help them but only themselves.
We reached the Principal’s house which was warm and cozy. They served us a delicious and sumptuous homemade meal of green lentils, pickles which tasted like salsa and potatoes with cauliflowers. This displayed warmth and hospitality that is readily shown to guests of the Nepalese. We also experienced the local culture by using our bare hands to eat.
After that, it was more kam, or work in Nepalese. We did our best to kam together and provide a more conducive environment for the children. Through it all, although it was tiring, it was a fulfilling day.
Ma Das Baje Suttchu! Goodbye!!
Interview with the Principal
1. Who founded the school?
Mr. Pitam, the currnent principal of the school.
2. How old is the school?
Our age, 15 years old.
3. What made you so committed to the school?
As there was no school in the area, I decided to build a school in the area for the children living there to be able to receive basic education without going too far.
4. Over the years, what are some of the achievements the school made?
It is an achievement for the school to cope with limited number of teachers. From grade 7 onwards, seven to eight teachers are required to teach the cohort, but they have coped with only one, which is truly an amazing achievement.
5. What is your vision of the school?
I want the children in this school to have a proper livelihood and for the school to become a model school in the area. I also want all the children in the area to at least have a secondary level education.
6. How do you hope for the school to progress in the coming years?
I hope that the school would be able to push into the government sector. I also hope that Mr. Deepak to continue to work with the school.
7. Who are the contributors to the school?
From 1996 to 1999, I have collected donations from the nearby hotels in Nagarkot to build the school infrastructure. Then, a small French organization donated a lot of money to further develop the school. From 2004 onwards, Mr. Deepak from Divine has organized many foreign service learning trips from Singapore to come here to build amenities for the school children to feel more comfortable here.
8. How do the students obtain their uniform?
The parents have to provide for them and Mr. Deepak helps to get donors from Singapore to provide capital for the children to buy uniforms. This is the third year that such donations are given.
9. How has your family supported you in your journey in setting up this school?
From 1996 to 1999, I worked as a volunteer with my whole family. As it was a joint family, they helped me by providing for my kids and did not scold me even as I was working without any pay during my voluntarism.
10. What do you think makes your school special?
I think it’s the relationships between the parents, students and teachers of the area which help to contribute further to the school’s success. Together, we can forge ahead to make our school a model school in the area and give our children a better education!
Lalala! Welcome to day 3 of the Nepal Trip!
Today, after another arduous hike down to the school, which seemed easier than yesterday, we finally reached the school of Janakyalyan. As it was a Saturday, it was the students’ only day off. So sad.
Then, the work commenced immediately. We built steps leading to the toilet for the convenience of the students. This involved the equipment of changkols and shovels. Through this, we learnt the power of perseverance to get us through the task and we could finish the task more efficiently as we learnt, from our experience from the previous day, more ways to improve our angle and skill at digging.
We also began works to repaint the entire school facility, which included the scrubbing and painting of the school walls. Through this, we learnt the wonderful experience of teamwork where we helped each other to paint and clean different parts of the school.
Then, we went for lunch at the principal’s house, which was a short hike through breathtaking scenery. We had an insight into the culture of the Nepalese villagers who rear goats, chicken and cattle for their livelihood. We also saw little girls helping their parents pick up grass in huge baskets bigger than themselves to feed their cattle. Even at such a young age, the little girls helped their parents with the farming. We felt ashamed that we complain so much in Singapore even with the little work to do. We have maids and parents to help us with the household duties but they have no one to help them but only themselves.
We reached the Principal’s house which was warm and cozy. They served us a delicious and sumptuous homemade meal of green lentils, pickles which tasted like salsa and potatoes with cauliflowers. This displayed warmth and hospitality that is readily shown to guests of the Nepalese. We also experienced the local culture by using our bare hands to eat.
After that, it was more kam, or work in Nepalese. We did our best to kam together and provide a more conducive environment for the children. Through it all, although it was tiring, it was a fulfilling day.
Ma Das Baje Suttchu! Goodbye!!
Interview with the Principal
1. Who founded the school?
Mr. Pitam, the currnent principal of the school.
2. How old is the school?
Our age, 15 years old.
3. What made you so committed to the school?
As there was no school in the area, I decided to build a school in the area for the children living there to be able to receive basic education without going too far.
4. Over the years, what are some of the achievements the school made?
It is an achievement for the school to cope with limited number of teachers. From grade 7 onwards, seven to eight teachers are required to teach the cohort, but they have coped with only one, which is truly an amazing achievement.
5. What is your vision of the school?
I want the children in this school to have a proper livelihood and for the school to become a model school in the area. I also want all the children in the area to at least have a secondary level education.
6. How do you hope for the school to progress in the coming years?
I hope that the school would be able to push into the government sector. I also hope that Mr. Deepak to continue to work with the school.
7. Who are the contributors to the school?
From 1996 to 1999, I have collected donations from the nearby hotels in Nagarkot to build the school infrastructure. Then, a small French organization donated a lot of money to further develop the school. From 2004 onwards, Mr. Deepak from Divine has organized many foreign service learning trips from Singapore to come here to build amenities for the school children to feel more comfortable here.
8. How do the students obtain their uniform?
The parents have to provide for them and Mr. Deepak helps to get donors from Singapore to provide capital for the children to buy uniforms. This is the third year that such donations are given.
9. How has your family supported you in your journey in setting up this school?
From 1996 to 1999, I worked as a volunteer with my whole family. As it was a joint family, they helped me by providing for my kids and did not scold me even as I was working without any pay during my voluntarism.
10. What do you think makes your school special?
I think it’s the relationships between the parents, students and teachers of the area which help to contribute further to the school’s success. Together, we can forge ahead to make our school a model school in the area and give our children a better education!
posted by Minimi Nepal at
8:50 AM
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