Viti Simmons Home Page

Day 24 

Kevin Rohan Memorial Eco Foundation - Part 2

Waldorf Inspired Education: 

What an opportunity this was to see education as a central pillar of this Foundation and the villages it supports.  Aiming for self-sustainability is a long term goal and the organisation continues to work towards this aim. Local craftsmen and women are employed in the building of educational, health and other facilities.

As part of the organisations philosophy they highlight particular issues - Example:

ISSUE: Deforestation

IMPACT: Soil Erosion 

SUSTAINABLE CHANGE: Developing Bio Briquettes and Bio Dynamic Gardening.

After we had been shown around the Foundation we then headed out into the village and saw children playing in a play ground which was built by a volunteer group from Switzerland.

Just down the road was the new Center Kinder Garten. We could hear the voices as we walked towards this facility as the children were waiting on the top decking to be picked up or transported back to their village.

The same material used as the Bottle House in the previous post was clearly evident.

SUSTAINABLE CHANGE:
Eco friendly bottle building is one of the Foundations initiatives - Collecting and using these materials in their construction of 'community spaces, orphanages and schools'.

Love this greeting.

Waiting for their family members to pick them up.

Packed in the mini bus ready 

to be transported to their respective village.

Across the road was the development of their new Pre-School facility. Once again using the same materials and the opportunity for local employment. Facilities are built when funding is available.

 

Pre-School being built.

Inside the classroom.

Just had to share the view from the classroom

with the Himalayan mountain range 

in the background.

One of the Foundations Social Enterprises which

generates an income.

Arriving back in Kathmandu - 

People, pollution and traffic.

The next day the group were invited back to Di Pendra's home (Nepali Businessman and Co-Founder of Hands with Hands) to share a meal with his family in Kathmandu. It was a poignant way to spend the last evening with the group.Whilst sharing their hospitality Di Pendra asked each us what we had learnt from our time in Nepal.

Our responses centered around being inspired by the changes that have taken place since we last visited and what our plans were for the future in regards to the organisation. 

Culturally it is not appropriate for individuals to talk about what they do or to promote themselves. This is provided by others to talk about the achievements or contribution of individuals. In contrast to the developed world.

It has been a privilege to share this month in Nepal with you and my intent is to continue blogging - once a week.

Thank you for your interest and support.