Education Assistance for Nepal
                                               
A note from Geoff Martin and Mingmar Tenzing Lama to all our valued friends:

When in Nepal in 2001 it was very noticeable that the children in the schools, although happy and reasonably healthy, had no educational aids whatsoever. The schools were basic mud brick structures with no lighting or windows, the children sat on dirt floors or wooden benches and there were no pencils, paper, erasers or any of the essentials that our children take for granted in their everyday life. At lunch or after school there were no sporting aids for the children to play with, not even a ball to throw around. At the time, we had taken some simple items which were given to the teachers for use in the schools and were amazed at the sheer delight on the faces of the children when a ball was produced for a game of catch.

“Shoebox for Nepal”
Over the last few years “The Shoebox for Nepal” was developed. We linked with trekking groups to distribute the equipment in packages small enough to be carried by the Sherpa and Porter network. A good Sherpa friend in Nepal named Mingmar Tenzing Lama has since distributed many of these packages. This program is ongoing.

“Sponsor a School”
The next stage of assistance was to select a couple of schools at Lower Secondary and Secondary  Levels. The two schools have been chosen and are just outside the main centre of Kathmandu.
Shree Kunchipwakal Lower Secondary and  Shree Baundeshwor Higher Secondary  
Educational equipment: To improve the educational standards at those schools we have delivered about 50kgs of educational aids. (See pic)

Extra training for the teachers: We will also improve the standards at these schools by providing funds to retrain teachers and for those Aussie teachers willing to help we will provide direct training in English, Maths and Science.

Scholarships:
As an extra we are providing some incentives for five students starting in 2011 to give them a chance to study further and put their training and skills back into the community. These scholarships include Nursing & Teaching.

Our Aim over the Next Two Years:
Every child will receive an exercise book, pencil, eraser, ruler and sharpener each year. Every Teacher will receive Kit with stamps, pad, pens, markers, stapler, geometry set etc. Teacher programs designed for each subject area. Pre School, Kindergarten, Year 3-8 Primary,Year 8-12 High School (English, Maths and Science).  Once voluntary Australian teachers are found for the programs they will be supplied with equipment to instigate the program at the schools.

Scholarships to start January 2011.1 x Nursing (Midwifery), 1 x Primary school teacher, 2 x English High School Teachers (1 Male & 1 Female), 1 x Scholarship to be determined by School Board and See-Nepal Travel

SO WHAT CAN WE DO!
1. If you feel that you could spare $50, $100 or more per year for a couple of years it would get the new program started and enable us to advance the existing program further.

Direct Deposit to: BSB: 062603 Accnt No: 10456434 Or donations can be dropped into the donation box at the store.
 
2. If you are interested in sponsoring a student in 2011 in full or in part, please let us know so that we can initiate the first moves. Perhaps a school class could start in Year 8 and sponsor together. (The cost will be about Aus$450 per year for 4 years)

3. If you are a teacher and interested in the program please contact Geoff at the store

4. I would like to know if anyone has access to an outdated laptop through a large company or government department. These would be upgraded to the desired standard and taken to Nepal for the schools.

THE PROCEDURE
An account has been opened specifically for this purpose. This account will be administered by Geoff Martin or a committee member as decided. Money will be deposited direct from you or from donations at Taree Camping/Barbeques Galore, 20 Albert Street, Taree, NSW, Taree.

Transfers will be made to a special account in Kathmandu on a regular basis. This account will be administered by Mingmar Tensing Lama. 

A bank reconciliation will be provided every quarter and distributed by email for your perusal.
Bank Details: - BSB: 062603 Accnt No: 10456434

See-Nepal Education Program 
YES I will be helping sponsor the Program :
Please fill in the folloing section and send us. We will get back to you as soon as possible