Jill's Diary
Published on August 30, 2025 by Lorraine Harrison
Two long-standing UK sponsors, Jill Munday and Louise Harper returned to Nepal in November 2024. They were joined by Carin Soderlind, a member of Trinity, the Swedish partner that also supports the school.
On arrival, Jill and Louise were joined by the wife of the Headteacher, Saraswati. She guided them through all the intricacies of making purchases for the school, these included: a laminator and plastic rolls to use with it; a desk top printer plus toner; paper; exercise books; paint; glue; wall charts; puzzles and games; and a set of small magnetic and washable whiteboards for classroom use.
Whilst in Katmandu, all three sponsors attended an International Conference held at the British Embassy. They were joined by the Treasurer of the Nepalese NGO, Binod Lama, who was encouraged to find Nepalese attendees already known to him. The conference gave everyone vital opportunities to establish links and networks.
The sponsors then spent two days at the school. Here are some excerpts from Jill’s diary:
“…We experienced the routine of the school, and it was such a pleasure to see the children enjoying themselves and being so happy and enthusiastic about their learning. We saw no incidence of poor behaviour - these children come from a culture where respect for others is a key element, and this was so evident in their behaviour and communication when in school.
They are taught English, and were so polite to us - even when we casually entered a room where a few children might be gathered without a teacher, they stood and turned to us saying ‘good morning ma’am, how are you today?’ All this was done spontaneously with smiles, joy and courtesy. Relationships in the school are excellent. The new Headteacher, Gautam Tamang, and the young teachers are enthusiastic about their work, but manage the children in a calm and positive way…….
All too soon it was time for us to leave - with due celebration! But we did so in the knowledge that the school is a happy place, where children are learning and where we are privileged to be able to make a difference to the community. These people have so little compared with us, and yet they are content and a joy to be with. They are grateful for all our support and are certainly benefiting from our involvement.”