School – Page 2

March 14, 2019March 14, 2019

Nepal Visit Update 2

Fabulous to hear from our ‘Nepal Trippers’ yesterday as they completed their visit to our school. One described it as “one of the best days of my life”, another spoke of the “impressive school”, “gentleness of the teachers, children and relatives” and the “underlying self-discipline”. She also talked of the “amazing, inspirational, yet modest mentor” that they have in Devi Prasad and the “determined, committed and far sighted” head teacher – so it seems that the school is in safe hands!

It was great for us to see the new science room that has just been added to the school. It is a wonderful addition but is still very short on equipment at this stage. That will be one of LEARN’s next priorities – to provide the equipment that they will need but it is wonderful that, thanks to our supporters in Bamford, these children are able to learn the subject in a scientific environment.

Our ‘trippers’ were treated to some entertainment by the children and it was lovely to see the photos that the school had posted themselves on their Facebook page (some of which are included in this blog) along with the message “thank you to all helping hands”.

We look forward to our next trustees meeting when the ‘trippers’ have returned home. To know and understand first hand what will be best for our school and to work towards providing that will be a real honour.

Our ‘trippers’ took with them a small plaque for the school. We, at LEARN, can’t thank our supporters enough for providing the means by which these children are able to gain their “wings to fly”. THANK YOU!

March 10, 2019March 10, 2019

Nepal Visit Update 1!

A couple of our trustees are currently visiting Nepal along with a couple of our other supporters. We were delighted to hear that they had arrived safely in Kathmandu and that the weather is pleasant. On Tuesday, they visited the UNCLE orphanages (in their role as UNCLE trustees) and it looks like they were all enjoying the party!

They have been doing lots of shopping to buy items to sell when they present their talks about the school and have now safely (although it was a very bumpy 8 hour bus ride!) transferred from Kathmandu to Pokhara where even more shopping awaits!

Tomorrow they travel to Tansen from where they will visit the school. We, at home, are really looking forward to their update on the school – it’s the first visit there since completion of the science room. It’s also wonderful to see first hand how the school, staff and students are progressing thanks to all of LEARN’s fantastic supporters.

Thanks for all the support you give and look out for the next blog sometime after the school visit!

January 4, 2019January 4, 2019

2018 – A Big Year For LEARN!

Wow, what a year! Shree Gyanjyoti school has already been in existence for some time with much financial support being raised by Michael and Maureen. This year, the school celebrated its 10^thanniversary (in its current building) and LEARN was formed, becoming a registered charity in May, thus ensuring a more secure future for the fundraising for the school. We have developed a website and various other social media sites (also gaining some media coverage in The Methodist Recorder!) alongside the more traditional methods of letters and going out giving talks/sales at many places across the UK.

We are very grateful to Bamford Chapel in Rochdale who have raised the money required to add a brand new science room to the school. The building work is now complete and will be a really useful addition to the school.

During 2018, the school has had 199 pupils, 80 of whom are on scholarships and we have been able to provide books and other essential school equipment. Again, we have our supporters to thank for this.

In addition to LEARN’s activities, we have (not using LEARN money but connected with the school) been able to send £800 to Devi Prasad Neupane towards the building of a new home following the devastation of his home in the earthquake a few years ago and also been able to buy 22 goats (with money still coming in!) for some of the poorest families who attend the school so that they are able to generate their own income.

In March 2019, a small group of us will be visiting Nepal and will be stopping off at the school. We look forward to spending some time there, meeting with the students and staff and to having the opportunity to discuss with them, as well as seeing for ourselves, the next priorities for spending the money raised by LEARN.

We take this opportunity as one year finishes and another begins, to thank you all, whether you support us financially, by following us on social media, by attending or organising one of our talks or sales or just chatting to us and encouraging the work that we do. Your support has and is making a massive difference to these young people – never underestimate the opportunities that you are giving them! Thank you on their behalf! We firmly believe that education is one of the best ways to tackle poverty and with thanks to you, we are successfully achieving this for a small but important group of people. THANK YOU!

Building of the science room nearing completion

Devi Prasad Neupane’s family home until his new one is built (temporary for the last three years!!)

November 8, 2018November 12, 2018

A Good Night Out

Just back from a sale/party at a friend’s house. She’d put on a few snacks and drinks and Maureen had set up her Emmanuel Crafts stall and her LEARN stall.

There was also another local artisan card maker selling her products. The Emmanuel Crafts stall sold all kinds of bead work – predominantly jewellery but some surprising items such as coasters. All come in attractive gift style packaging.

A range of genuine Nepali items were available on the LEARN stall including a range of bags, scarves, notebooks, blankets, etc. The blankets deserve special mention – made from Yak’s wool, they are incredibly warm but very light, making them perfect for people who need the warmth but can’t tolerate the weight of a thick blanket.

It was lovely to catch up with other friends at the party and great to watch Maureen’s young granddaughter demonstrating her fabulous sales technique – she put The Apprentice candidates to shame!!