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| Jack and Phulkaji |
This project has risen from the vision and desire of Phulkaji Tamang Lama, who has at a personal level offered direction and hope for his village. I first met Phulkaji (Suresh) in 1996 when he was still trying to complete Class 11 and 12. He told me of his vision and 'dream' and over the years we have become close friends, colleagues and partners in this project. He is one of only twenty-one people from his village of Mirge (4500 people), who have successfully completed a Bachelor Degree and is now undertaking a Masters in Education (Teaching English). Not bad for a young man who holds down a job at Kalidhunga Higher Secondary School and at the same time cares for a family of three.
He has become a respected community leader and it is his and others' vision to improve the lives and opportunities of his village and inspire young people to strive to take charge of their own lives and make changes towards a sustainable future. However, this will not happen by itself without significant leadership. Already he is a respected member of the community and through his example and leadership Mirge may have the opportunity to reduce poverty, improve health management and holistic school improvement.
Initial support occurred in 2000 when a partnership was formed between myself, Wendouree Breakfast Rotary Club, Ballarat District 9780 (Australia) and the School Management Committee (SMC) of the Majhgaun Primary School. This partnership resulted in a new double storey school building (three classrooms, an office and library), books and resources. The immediate effect of this intervention was an increase of school population from 20 – 100 and 2 new teachers supplied by the SMC and the Nepal Ministry of Education. The SMC created an enterprise selling produce and raised minimal funds to pay the salary of the teacher. The outcomes from this experience were staggering. There was a new wave of interest from the community to view education as most important and along with a number of developments nationally and locally education became the village's priority. Not bad for a village that has over 50% illiteracy rate.
Part of Phulkaji's 'dream' was to study and return to teach and be a leader in his village; well this dream has come true! He is now the English teacher at Kalidhunga Higher Secondary School and a most respected leader in the community. I certainly 'backed the right horse!'
After some break to focus on study Phulkaji has initiated action once again to seek support to develop and implement a 10 year strategy for holistic community development with schools being the core of the project.
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| Class 4 Majhgaun Lower Secondary School and teacher Dhal Bahadur |
This is where our new story begins ........
