There are times when our own perception of the work we do in Nepal seems less than a drop in the ocean. The previous posting gives a flavour of the overall problems facing Nepal as a nation, and this is on top of the political and security issues resulting from a 10 year war with the Maoists, the removal of the monarchy and government via a 22 party coalition.
However it is when a “personal” situation arises that we question the focus and value of what we do. A recent email from Krishna Thapa, our sponsored teacher at Bal Kalyan school greatly disturbed us: In Krishna’s own words:
"One day last week, Year 1 pupil Deepa Koirala was carrying her nursery class little brother, Dilen, down a flight of stairs when she fell and broke her arm as well as dislocating her elbow. We immediately took her to the nearby Jana Maitri hospital where a doctor confirmed that an operation would be necessary. We could not meet the cost, and neither could Deepa’s parents. Deepa’s father earns 3000 NRs per month (£25!) from which they must pay their rent and purchase food. Next we wrote a letter to the government funded Bir Hospital in Kathmandu seeking help and thankfully they agreed to perform the operation for free. However the cost of medicines was 6000 NRs which we raised from teachers, students and Dr Madan (Nepal Schools Aid Ops Manager). Since then we have had printed 1000 copies of a letter pad in the name of Bal Kalyan Health Fund which we will sell to create a fund for such future emergencies.”
Makes you think, doesn’t it, especially when you realise that Bal Kalyan school is NOT in some remote Himalayan village but in the centre of Nepal’s capital city!
However it is when a “personal” situation arises that we question the focus and value of what we do. A recent email from Krishna Thapa, our sponsored teacher at Bal Kalyan school greatly disturbed us: In Krishna’s own words:
"One day last week, Year 1 pupil Deepa Koirala was carrying her nursery class little brother, Dilen, down a flight of stairs when she fell and broke her arm as well as dislocating her elbow. We immediately took her to the nearby Jana Maitri hospital where a doctor confirmed that an operation would be necessary. We could not meet the cost, and neither could Deepa’s parents. Deepa’s father earns 3000 NRs per month (£25!) from which they must pay their rent and purchase food. Next we wrote a letter to the government funded Bir Hospital in Kathmandu seeking help and thankfully they agreed to perform the operation for free. However the cost of medicines was 6000 NRs which we raised from teachers, students and Dr Madan (Nepal Schools Aid Ops Manager). Since then we have had printed 1000 copies of a letter pad in the name of Bal Kalyan Health Fund which we will sell to create a fund for such future emergencies.”
Makes you think, doesn’t it, especially when you realise that Bal Kalyan school is NOT in some remote Himalayan village but in the centre of Nepal’s capital city!
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