Travelling through western Nepal we have had the opportunity to meet with many Rotary Clubs. Although it is the Dasain holiday period, we have been warmly welcomed by Rotarians from all these clubs who have given up time with their families to host us. The message from the Rotarians we have met here is by and large the same - they have projects and plans, but little or no support to implement them. This area of Nepal is off the beaten tourist track, and international visitors are rare - hence their struggle.
The Rotary Club of Butwal is one such club, it is the oldest club in the region and also the biggest in Nepal with 72 members. We visited one of their new projects, an orphans home in the terai countryside. This home was set up in 1997 with the help of different donations, but it has no going support. The orphanage is home to 13 children, some of whom are mentally disabled and blind. It has very basic facilities with only 5 rooms contained in one long building. There is one office, one classroom, a boys bedroom (for 8 boys), a girls bedroom (for 5 girls), and a kitchen. The bedrooms contain only one large bed for all the children.
 |
| The Orphanage |
 |
| Girls bedroom |
 |
| Kitchen |
 |
| The 5 Girls |
 |
| Water pump |
The children at the orphanage are a mixture of orphans and abandoned children who were living on the street before coming to the orphanage. They are now provided a safe home, food and they attend a local school.
The director of the orphanage recently contacted the Rotary Club of Butwal for assistance as they are struggling to find the $$ required for the day to day running of the facility. We will be returning to visit this orphanage in a few weeks time to donate some toys and school supplies. If you would like to help donations for food would be greatly appreciated. Please get in touch if you are interested.
No comments:
Post a Comment