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Putting Politics and Religion aside, this is a country in great crisis in all aspects, for its millions of impoverished children.
I hope you choose to READ this blog, but if you don't, please at least take a look at the pictures of this success story.
JUST AN INTRO: Many have questioned why I choose to travel to destinations they have labeled “unconventional”, “inhospitable’, “dirty” or just plain ‘poor”.
Well. Not only all the destinations I have been to so far, have incredible scenery and culture to offer, but I have found that they have also offered me much more than sights to see.
One of the greatest gifts I have gained from traveling to the developing world is the opportunity to re-examine my own life and be appreciative for all that I and my family are fortunate to have. I also see my travels as an opportunity to engage in some sort of activity with the potential to lead to positive change in that particular society. I try my best to minimize my impact on the culture and environment, although I understand that none is impossible, to respect the costumes, and to contribute a little, in particular to organizations
helping impoverished children.
KIDS IN NEPAL: Let me start by saying I’m no expert in Nepal or its social-economic issues. I am writing about facts I know from what I have seen or learned from credible sources while here as a traveler.
Poverty is everywhere and it affects children incredibly. Unlike in other places I have visited, where kids have schooling secured, even if with poor standards, that is not the case here in Nepal. The same goes for health care and for the care of orphans. Thus, these kids do need help.
I visited an orphanage today, BUDDHIST CHILD HOME. It is not a Buddhist place at all! The name it to symbolize peace, and to be left alone by malicious organizations… (I’ll leave it at that). The incredible woman who founded it 13 years ago, Mrs Mainali, is actually Hindu, and she cares for 57 kids with a lot of love, without the financial help of ANY type of organization, national or international.
All donations are from local people, about 350 of them, who donate mostly from 100 to 500 rupees per month ($1.43 to $10/month). There are only 3 people who donate $25/month!!!! They
drop the money by or the 15 volunteers go to their homes to collect. Some people donate food.
The kids go to 3 private schools, which need to be paid for. Luckily, a local hospital has agreed to treat the kids for free.
For less than the cost of a hamburger and a soda you can help support a child have a roof, school, food and loving care.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, help. www.buddhistchildhome.org.np rkandangwa@yahoo.com bdchildhome@gmail.com phone 012041801 (Mr Rudra)
There are over 350 orphanages in Nepal, some linked to international organizations, and some, like this one, not. I only know this one, so that’s the one I am talking to you about, and hoping you will help.
Places like this one do make a difference. The kids are off the streets, they are cared for, are given a chance to succeed, just like Mrs Durga for them. It's sad to see what I have been seing on the streets but brings me joy to know that there are people who care enough to help these children to get a chance in live.
However, the true point of this blog is the message that I hope that you, as a traveler, CONSIDER GIVING A LITTLE TO THE COMMUNITY YOU VISIT. IT CAN BE MONETARILY, of course, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE IN OTHER WAYS:
-Buy food or school supply or medicine (30kg rice (66 pounds) cost only 14 dollars)
-Play with the kids at an orphanage, village, park…
-Volunteer by teaching English (or your language…), Volunteer at a hospital, dental clinic...
-Give a lecture on whatever you are good at…
-Volunteer to work for someone for a few hours so that they can take a rest (particularly manual labor)
-Smile, waive, be kind, be gentle…
I find that at the end of the trip, we take back something more valuable than just souvenirs and pictures.
Happy travels. 😊
Patricia
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non-member comment
Fico a imaginar o quanto a sua realidade interna está se expandindo... beijo afetuoso. Neno.