Master Krishna’s Story Krishna Pokhrel, or ‘Master Krishna’ as he is affectionately known to the locals of the Pokhara valley, has dedicated his life to ensuring children are given the opportunity to learn. As director of the ‘Innocent Children’s Home”, Master Krishna devotes his time to expanding the orphanage to accommodate his rapidly growing waiting list of disadvantaged children. However Master Krishna is no stranger to beating the odds. As a young teacher and guide from the village of Ghachok, a community only accessible by four hour walk to this day, he instilled hope and learning to these remote children. Master Krishna tells of two schools which he initiated from very humble beginnings. In 1979, Master Krishna devoted two years as an unpaid teacher to educate the children of Ghachok. He relates the humble beginnings of the school in his own words; “The children knew where the school was to convene each morning by the presence of the log and the chalk board. These were the only foundations of our school. When it rained, the children would scatter to numerous houses in the village for cover. Once the rain ceased, I would ring a bell which signalled to the village children that the school day was again in session!” The residents of the village pooled their donations in order that a thatched roof be built, enabling the school day to be uninterrupted by rain. From simple beginnings, this determination by Master Krishna, the children and the entire village has ensured that the thatched roof has expanded to a secondary school building, now sustained by the Nepal government. However, the village did not have a school for primary age children. “As the young children of Ghachok had no access to schooling, I arranged for two small rooms to be built” he relates, the clear fondness for his community evident. The year was 1983. These two rooms were basic by any standard, merely a tin roof and concrete walls. Enough to keep the harsh elements of winter snow and scorching summer sun at bay. A local guide volunteered to be the sole teacher and worked with no salary to establish the school. Through the initiative of Master Krishna and the compassion of both he and the guide, Ghachok is proud to have a government primary school and the two rooms have now expanded to encompass all children in the village of primary school age. Master Krishna now extends this consideration of learning to orphans, with the same dedication and kindness which undoubtedly leads to success. Terrie Muhlebach, Melbourne, Australia tmuhlebach@gmail.com

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