Stichting Sanumaya voor Nepal

The Build and The Project:
'Children of the Universe'

The pictures on the left show the development of the build. In less than two years, land was bought and both the school and children’s home were built. An exciting phase has now started: supporting the children, by welcoming them in their new home and providing good quality education.

The building is situated on a piece of land near Telkot in the Kathmandu valley. The building was finished on new year’s eve 2006, when the school first opened its doors. Two years earlier, the terraced land was leveled by workers using shovels and baskets, since there were no excavators. In addition, a solid path from the building to the main road was constructed as all material had to be transported in an easy way to the site.

All this was completed in March 2005, soon after which the build started. Little over a year later, the framework of the building was finished. This included the walls, the windows, the roof and the bathrooms. However, still, the building had to be painted and electricity, doors and cabinets had to be fixed. The finishing took little over half a year, resulting in a fantastic building with fine colors, great shapes and a nice atmosphere. Please have a look at the pictures in the ‘latest news’ section for example.

It is a three story building. The top floor is reserved for the children’s home with two bedrooms situated on the first floor. The top floor is a large open space, without any internal walls. It has become a great floor with lots of windows. The first floor consists of bedrooms, toilets and (hot) showers. Next to the balcony, three taps and a sink were installed, so the children can brush their teeth before they go to bed! The school is situated on the ground floor. In December we started with one nursery. In April, two more grades were added. In April 2008 (Nepali Ney Year and the start of all schools) the oldest children advanced to year 1.

After having taught in Nepal for half a year (read more by clicking the button ‘Foundation’) we feel that within the quality of education, the creativity and individual child is key. During our stay, we experienced that education is hardly based on individual thinking. Answers are taught in stead of thought about. Mimicking is fine in a child’s upbringing; however, we are not in favor of repeating answers. In addition, the Nepali ‘we-culture’ resonates within education. There seems little room for personal development and this is exactly what we want to address!

The children’s home offers space to those who are unable to be at home. We feel that, if possible, children are better off in a stable domestic environment with parents, brothers and sisters and other family members. However, for some this is not feasible as they live in an environment unsuitable for children, sometimes live on the streets, have violent parents or have to deal with addictions. We want to offer those children or support with the means we have. Providing an environment in which self-confidence and joy in life can flourish. A place form which the world can be entered, where a child can live and develop.
Below, a short overview of the activities so far:

In December 2006 the school started. Yanneke was our first ‘head master’ which gave us a good feeling. Yanneke was chosen in close cooperation with the Nepali with the ultimate goal to hand over headmastership to the locals. With the help of our visits, volunteers, locals and teachers we are building together to realize the above goals!