Supporter Update June 2017
Hello!
We've recently returned from another interesting trek in Nepal, this time also taking in a large transect of Tibet. A couple of good friends who have previously trekked with us and Nireka Adventures were instrumental in devising the amazing itinerary.
The approach entailed an eight day walk along the rarely visited Limi Valley trail in Nepal's remote north-west, before entering Tibet. Once again, we were guided by Satish and his ever dependable Nireka crew, who kept our group of ten safe and healthy throughout the month long journey. We enjoyed unseasonal snow along the way – a real fairy land, walking through tall spruce forests and deep valleys. The real excitement was a 2am start one morning to cross the final pass towards Tibet, a big effort by everyone including assistance from what seemed like half of the local village.
As the trip began in Kathmandu, we took the opportunity to follow-up on progress in the further investment of donations to the education of some of the staff's children. We were pleasantly surprised to learn of the progress being made by Singe's two sons Maikal (14yo) and Rinjin (11yo) following the tutoring arranged for them. After only a term of before-school tutoring, they have gone from failing their exams and needing to repeat, to achieving very respectable passes in the top half of their respective classes. Their 17 year old daughter, Ramell, left school at class seven last year to find work in Kathmandu. She has since decided Whilst returning from Thulo Bhotang school last year, we called in to the nearby Dhap school. They had been given new buildings thanks to a sponsor, but were totally lacking in science equipment.
Back in Canberra, we were able to pack up some chemistry glassware thanks to the Australian National University. Also, two microscopes and additional equipment, and suitable experiments for both chemistry and biology, thanks to some great help from a couple of local Canberra Thulo Bhotang trekkers, Janet and Karin.
After some persuasion, our friends on this most recent trip were able to include this equipment in their luggage, nicely rounding out their generous 30kg flight allowance.
This week, the principal and science teacher from Dhap school collected the equipment and indicated strong interest in receiving a visit by people who can help with science teaching at the school, especially through experiments.
A computer and digital projector were also packed amongst our luggage bound for Thulo Bhotang school, generously donated by Sydney University. We have commenced what we hope will be an ongoing collaboration with the primary school teacher training department of Notre Dame University, Sydney. This year a group of students have prepared material to assist the lower primary teachers at Thulo Bhotang school to teach English, which is part of the curriculum from year 1. Most of the lower primary school teachers only have Year 10 qualifications themselves, and have had very little guidance in teaching skills. This material will be invaluable.
There will be another trip to Thulo Bhotang school in mid November. As usual, we will be trekking there, this time following the Helambu trail over eleven days, leaving directly from Kathmandu. The format of the school visit program will follow the previous two visits. There will be the another dental clinic, and possibly an eye examination clinic, the usual exciting science experiments, art, handcraft and music workshops...... your participation will be warmly welcomed; experience not essential.
Meantime, if you are at all interested, please feel free to field questions and we'll do our best to answer promptly and candidly (and hopefully convincingly!)
The Nireka Staff Assistance Fund continues to operate. Further donations from you, family and friends can be credited to Beyond Bank, BSB 805-022, account number - 03563264, account name – Nireka Staff Assistance Fund; please reference note the donation with your name. Every donation is receipted. Sincere thanks to each and every one of you over recent and past times. Hope to see you on a trip sometime!
