Scholarships awarded

Manoj and Nawang have been granted scholarships to prepare and register for the IELTS exam. Scores from this English proficiency test is required for most overseas employment and school admissions. Both teachers have expressed interested in continuing studies of their own, and thanks to the help of a generous supporter, we are able to encourage their efforts. Their hard work and dedication to the students at Matepani are well-deserving of such an award.

Good luck, guys!

Ask anything

Curious about what we're up to? Have questions about Nepal? Feel free to send a note or ask Michelle directly @redheadlefthand. Your encouragement and concern (even from afar!) is always appreciated.

The focus needed to volunteer abroad

Plans fall through, timelines shift, things don't happen quite the way you imagined. 

For over two months, I've sought to navigate cumbersome government processes and apply for a one year non-tourist visa. Tourist visas are limited in scope, and the goals I've set for Nepal can't be accomplished in the allotted 120-day period. 

Kathmandu is hot, dirty, relentless. The legal work has been slow and frustrating. If it weren't for the help of friends and many introductions, the endless paperwork and mandated procedures would be next to impossible. My patience (which I admit is not my greatest strength) has been tested. What I thought was going to be a quick in-and-out has left me feeling like a traveler stranded in an excessively long and unanticipated layover. 

Yet through all of this -- defending my presence, citing qualifications, crying in a parked car after being sent away for more papers, being told to write and rewrite letters upon letters -- my resolve has remained steady. My vision is fixed on promoting education and leadership while fostering an entrepreneurial spirit of creativity and initiative on local levels. There is so much potential within Nepal, and I refuse to see it wasted. 

This is when you know you're on track: when the smooth road becomes rocky, you keep going. 

Dear friends, if you know you're on the right road, keep going. No matter how many potholes you encounter. Keep going.

A pineapple party for students

Our pineapple party was a big deal. Mayhem and happiness over a salad made from pineapples, cucumber, and carrots.

One pineapple costs about $1.50USD. This is considered expensive, so the students rarely eat fruit. A little goes such a long way!

Successful Dental Camp Program

With sponsorship from Maya Foundation, we organized Matepani's first dental camp. A local dentist gave the students a lecture on proper dental health and hygiene. All students received a general check-up, and follow-up treatment was provided for those requiring extra care. 

 Thanks to team leaders Sangpo and Amrit for their help during the program. Here's to happy and healthy future smiles!

Solar installation for Pokhara community

Gham Power has been working hard to install solar at Matepani. It's hit over eighty degrees for many days and the sun is blistering, but they're determined. 

When I step on the roof, I see this:

I'm still in awe. So many people supported this project and so many have worked very, very hard. The community continues to voice their enthusiasm and excitement. Sangpo has been an incredible team lead. And now, here it is --- what was once imagination is now real.

These five solar panels are tangible representation that differences can be made, people do care, and when many people come together, magic can happen.

When I think about the light that will now be provided to sons who have been sent from places across Nepal and India, I think that yes, together, we can create positive change. Yes, people do care. Yes, we are all in this together.

I can't say thank you enough.