Although I was unable to go to Nepal this year due to back issues the work continues through the generous contributions made and my trusted project manager, Sandip. My hope is to return December of 2024.
Inflation is as high as it has ever been in Nepal. Costs for basic needs have gone up as much as 100%. We continue to help those less fortunate to encourage and promote self sustaining efforts, school projects to encourage children to attend ( not mandatory in villages and many drop out before 6th grade) and animal husbandry.
The mountain village required many hours on a road that was definitely a road less traveled. Situated on a flat plain in the mountains the school is in need of much repair
that will be considered for future work.
The roads were so rough that the jeep carrying supplies and men (7 men, 100 backpacks, a computer, and printer) broke down on a very dangerous mountain road.
The driver quickly averted a disaster by running the jeep into the mountainside of the road as a canyon roll would have been devastating.
As it was the team carried 100 back packs, a computer and printer and papers to a mountain school which was 20 min up, Nepali style but 45min by American standards! As always, the children squealed with delight and the teachers were excited to have a computer they could teach their children on. Older Students were thrilled they would learn basic computer skills.
Our second trip was to another rural area where we facilitated the distribution of wheelchairs for handicapped people. These chairs were supplied by another NGO that needed the cost of delivery covered.
Bina is an endless supply of energy and hope for these children.
We have for many years supported Orchid Garden Nepal which is managed by Bina Basnet in the Kalopool area of Kathmandu. Orchid Garden takes care of the poorest children in the area with excellent education from infants through 6th grade with supplies but most importantly lots of love.
This school is so well run with excellent teachers and staff but for years suffered flooding of the entire school area including all classrooms, playground area, and kitchen. Last year a generous donation allowed the school to be elevated by 2 feet. All buildings were taken down truck loads of dirt was brought in to elevate all land for rebuilding. The former dirt areas around the school were covered with pavers. Change For Hope was happy to redo the kitchen with new tile, sinks, counters and paint. Over 100 children are fed every day breakfast and lunch ( they don’t go home hungry) and snacks. We have previously supplied blankets beds, water tanks, outside sinks, school supplies etc.
Our goat project are going well with the two widowed women in the Kathmandu outskirts producing a good income. Both ladies take such great care of these goats that they are having 3 kids at a time. One widow ( as seen in a previous blog) lives in a shack and supports her son’s college needs by selling these goats. In January we also supplied her with warm blanket for the cold winter ( metal shacks do not retain heat) as you can see she and her son carrying the blankets. Both women have expressed such hope in their lives that they have donated a goat every year to Prasansha Church in Kathmandu.
In April our work continues with a medical camp for over 300 people and we will finish all roofs in the village of Kalitar. We will evaluate the needs of the villagers at this time, especially of the elderly. The nearby school is also in need of supplies so we will evaluate that also.
As always it is a delight to speak with grandparents who love their grandchildren who benefit from the work of Change for Hope