I was introduced as 'the art-teacher',which was an honor for me. Here you see the little kids aged between 4 and 5(ECHL) who were asked to make a drawing what ever they liked. For the first time these kids used color pencils.
We took half of the class to the 'new' library, which was opened while Cynthia and I were here.
The school can now offer the children a variety of 2000 books in different levels and languages. They consider it as a sacred place.

he was the last one.

df

after school teaching in Tibetan language and prayers

 Karuna, my sponsor child. A shy, adorable kid only 4 years old. She comes from the Dalit village, not far from the school. Dalit people are the 'Untouchables', people with hardly any change to improve their lives. Children are mostly kept away from schools, because of the need of the parents to help them in household, work on the land or taking care of the babies

for them it was THE time to get a new school uniform, no luxury I would say

arrival of the fun parts. We had to wait for this delivery 2 weeks.  Finally we could introduce the kids to puzzles and other toys. So much fun!

Playground and the house of the principal Tashi and Tenzin and their 2 year old Chocky

 This picture you see often in Nepal. Sherpa's who carry all the luggage from the tourist high up in the mountains. I have seen them carrying dozens of boxes of coca cola and beer, all on request of the tourist.

 Mules waiting for more to come. This is in front of our Kailash hotel. Still under construction, hopefully one day it will be up and running. I have my doubts.

changing old for new

 Laxmi, the help for the family of the principal. A beautiful 34 year old Dalit woman. Mother of a daughter of 16. She is around whole day filled with love and devotion.
A new school uniform is part of the sponsorship of NZ$ 152.00 per year. The other part is for books and teachings.
They get 2 pair of pants/skirts, blouse, tie, jersey, belt, cap, shoes and 2 pairs of socks and for the girls long stockings.

It was a big puzzle to get his new socks on. His feet were so dirty and cracked. He could finally change his flip-flops for real leather shoes. Look at his worn-out oldies.

Proud and uncertain with all the new clothes

.

Udesh, my other sponsor child, also a Dalit child from the other village.

Karuna again, look at her hanky pinned on her shirt. Many kids have running noses.
I pray for both of them to stay at the school and hope that they finish and can have a 'normal' future.