TOWARDS PERMANENT AND SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL HOUSE

When husband and wife team Hugh O’Toole and Jennifer Darley spent 2 months teaching English in a remote mountain village of Nepal, they were deeply touched by the generosity of the people they were surrounded by. Step by step they are moving closer to achieving the long-held community dream of a permanent and sustainable school house, to enable remote village children to access the education that can lead to a more independent and fulfilling life.

The Evergreen English Boarding School is established to allow primary school age children the benefit of learning English from a foundation level. The school will become a public building available to be used for women’s health forums. Women will have the ability to discuss and engage in health information sessions to help cater for themselves and their families in a healthier future.

“The local teachers Bhupal and Sanam Thapa are deeply passionate about improving the knowledge and prospects of the children of their community. They inspire us daily. They are strongly passionate about providing a quality education. They refuse to see geographical location as an impediment to quality education. They are without doubt two of the most inspiring energetic people I have met.” Jennifer Darley

Mamata Rai is an eight year old girl who gained first position at Evergreen School this year with a total average grade of 97%. She is a quiet devoted student who lives with her aunt while attending school. Her family home is about a 4-5 hour walk off the hillside down to the valley floor next to the river. Her parents are farmers, and run a rest stop where travellers can buy food and drink.

I was impressed that the school’s number one student had made the effort to live away from home at such a young age to pursue her education. After some discussion on their family background I mentioned to Bhupal how Mamata would be a prime candidate for CLAP’s student scholarship program. She met the criteria: She was committed to her studies, got good grades and did not have adequate access to schooling from her family home. Her sponsorship will encourage other parents and students towards the value of pursuing education.