Namaste and Welcome to Nepal!
Warm Greetings, Virtual Hugs and so much LOVE!
August 28, we “traveled” to our EcoHome in the Saankhu Valley on the outskirts of Kathmandu.
We began with Abhaya (our in-country coordinator) showing us the sights of Nepal and then taking us out to the EcoHome in the beautiful Saankhu Valley. We met with the 33 children living there along with three staff members: Anjan, the house father, Saraswoti, the house mother and Raj Kumar, security guard, gardener, and maintenance genius. The EcoKids introduced themselves and told us what they want to be when they grow up. Then Susan delighted us with a traditional Nepali dance.
Next we had a joyous, although chaotic, chat with former volunteers reuniting virtually with the children. Although somewhat hectic, the love they felt seeing each other again was beautiful!
Abhaya then traveled outside to show us the grounds and went room to room through the Happy Shepherd’s Cottage — where volunteers stay. The Cottage, a gift from AAI member Romy Skaper, was donated in memory of her mother.
Nepal may be far away…but the EcoKids are always close to our hearts!
Through the generous donations of those on this virtual mission, the EcoKids will have a new water filtration system installed in the home so they will always have access to clean, healthy drinking water. They were also promised a fun outing…once the lockdown is lifted. Here is a video link we shared on our virtual mission, and highlighting Happy Shepherds Cottage (below) if you missed the call!
Here is a LINK to the video we showed to open the
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Earlier this month, Abhaya coordinated a wellness training at the Nabin Primary School in the Namo Buddha district. Participants recieved training in basic health and the AAI/ISA Wellness Manual translated into Nepali. They also received masks, hand sanitizer, a notebook/pencil bundle for their children and a healthy lunch!
Through the generous grant of the ISA Foundation, the Nabin Primary School toilets are being renovated so they will be clean, sanitary and safe for the children. Dustbins and trash barrels will be given to the school to help with the age-old problem of liter. And 50 students will be given a track suit to double as their second school uniform…so they will not have to wear the same government-issued clothes 6-12 days straight.
You can make a donation at this link directly for our Nepal project!
Brian O Reilly generously gave the Eco Kids an exciting outing to Chandigarh. and to left, Karen Talbott and Beverly Fender enjoying the Eco Kids.
For more on the Nepal Wellness Training, click here
Here is a link for the story
