Thoughtful giving

[Truckdrvr]

I am planning on visiting Nepal later this year and was thinking about what I could do or bring with me that might prove useful or valuable to schools or charities over there. I don't have money to throw around, but I was inspired from Rob (In-to-thin-air's) blog about bringing pencils or other useful items. I considered books (too heavy) and blank paper (possible, but still heavy), or perhaps boxes of chalk and pencil erasers and wondered if anyone has a suggestion on how to go about doing this? Is this even a good idea?

My goal is to do something nice that would be doable for me and useful for them.

[sylvester]

Good sentiments Truckdrvr.

We visited two schools while there. The ones we visited were in need of just about everything you could imagine. And I think you could buy things right there. Note books were in short supply. Pens and pencils were available for purchase near the schools. The one school, was in Chairo the Tibetan village just outside of Marpha. We chatted with teachers and students there. One of the biggest issues for the school was simple photocoping. They also had a shortage of note books for the children. One small girl ran to her house and brought back a text book which she proudly showed us. It was vintage 1960's North American. We made a cash donation there and have since found a reliable way to make small donations.

While staying in Tashi Palkhiel just outside of Pokhara I spent some time each day just watching the kids play. One of the most popular games was hacky sac. One girl living across the road from where we stayed was a real pro she played each day using a home made hackey sac of rags and elastic bands. On one of our trips into lake side I noticed a store had a bushel basket of them out front and so I bought some very cheaply they were very popular among the school kids. I kept one for myself to try and unfortunately it desinitigrated within a few days. I can only hope the others were better quality.

You never know what might be needed. To our surprise we funded a toilet. It was not for a school but for a family we met. We took this family with us to KTM and stayed in a hotel with western toilets. We found out that the mother, a 68 year old woman who had severly broken her hip several years back, was using a sit toilet for the first time. And she was able to do so near pain free. In her village she apparently waited until the pain from needing to go to the bathroom was greater than the pain she would get from squatting. We were able to fund the installation of a western toilet. The family had it installed after we left but emailed us a photo and rave reviews. I try to insert the photo. I found getting the picture and their comments amusing.

Toilet, delivery, installation, tile work and plumbing....less than $250, smiles on there faces priceless!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38515957@N06/3828160092/sizes/o/


Here is a photo of the young girl (red sweater) with her text book visible.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38515957@N06/3828228634/sizes/l/

more of the students

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38515957@N06/3828220288/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38515957@N06/3827425387/sizes/l/

[Truckdrvr]

I like the idea of perhaps buying notebooks or other supplies for schools from a Nepali store. Sounds like a great way to infuse a little money in to the economy and do some good at the same time. It also saves me from lugging it half way around the globe.

I am thinking of maybe taking over some hacky Sac's or similar items to give out as gifts to the children as well. Better for them than passing out candy. Though not to put down candy, as I am a big fan of it myself.

Great information Sylvester, thanks!

Truck