Namaste! Hi!
Thanks for keeping up with Sneha and my summer adventures and project. If you are interested in what our project is about here is a description:
Our “Reading and Reflection Project” will be based in Kathmandu, Nepal in conjunction with a Nepali based non-governmental organization, Socio-Perspective Alliance (SPA), to create a sustainable library for the students of Bidhyoda School, facilitate a six-week book workshop entitled “My Dream” “Mero Sapana,” and publish two culturally relevant bi-lingual children’s books through Kathaalaya Publications. This multidimensional project, which encourages literacy and provides children with an educational outlet to express and reflect on their dreams during instability in the country, is especially essential in Nepal. The children are currently the ones in the middle of the chaos and confusion remaining after ten years of civil war in the country; numerous schools have been shutdown, many students are forced to work to support their family’s financial situation and with everyday school disturbances caused by unpredictable violent riots, being motivated to be students is ever more difficult. In a country where more than 80% of the population live under less than a dollar and over 45% is illiterate, the country cannot afford to lose its educated youths, who will be the future of the country. There is a need to encourage the youth of Nepal to read and get educated for a brighter Nepal.
This project will address these issues on several levels by working in a collaborative endeavor with the community of Jhonchhen where Bidhyoda School is located. First, we will work with SPA to create a first-time library in Bidhyoda School. Second, we will hold six-weekend book workshops for fourteen at-risk students from Bidhyoda School. These innovative workshops are not only essential in allowing children to express themselves creatively during bleak times, but will also develop a template for a future SPA projects as it works with young troubled individuals. Finally, the two of us will work together to write and illustrate two culturally relevant bi-lingual children’s picture books, one being about pertinent environmental issues regarding pollution in Kathmandu. These books will be published by Kathaalaya Publications with ten percent of the royalties returning to Bidhyoda School. The funds granted will mainly go towards buying books and furniture for the library, craft materials and snacks for the book workshop, and publishing two bi-lingual books.
Keep coming back for more details! Sneha arrives today, May 20th and I leave next Tuesday, May 26th! The project must be completed by the end of August. Currently, I don’t have a set return ticket. If I don’t get a job for the fall I will probably be traveling around Asia for awhile…
Shanti
Peace
