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~ Help is on the way ~

Before I leave for the airport, to see the familiar and adorable faces of Nepal, I would wish to say a sincere Thanks to everybody who has helped in one way or another.

Thanks for the belief, trust and compassion you have. We deeply appreciate it.

Thanks so much for your interest in our Education Campaign, and we will help pass your well wishes to the kids at Hattigaunda Home.

Take care.

Bijay

Bijay (English name: David), and he calls himself Mr. Wang. Funny name somehow. He is 12 years old.

On my 2nd day there, I saw him writing something on his “table"”. I stepped forth and asked what homework was he doing, and found out that he was practising his handwriting and English by copying a random chapter off his textbook. Impressed I was, for around me in Singapore, I hardly see any children that have such a "”pastime”.

Besides that, he can almost memorise the stories in his textbook as he has been reading ahead of what was being taught (repeatedly, and also includes reading other boys’ textbook as well). This also reflects the lack of reading materials and thirst for knowledge that the kids have.

Sometimes, the kids asked us if Nepal is a very poor country. I did not really answer their question. On the other side, I asked them when are their Birthdays, but the boys say they do not know when their birthdays exactly are. Sadly.

He always asked the volunteers if we want an extra serving of rice (Dal Phat). We never once said “Yes” (try eating plain rice for 2 weeks, and believe me, it is enough to develop into a little phobia/anorexic). Thus, he was always joking that we never once are hungry or say we need more rice.

"I like to play Table tennis and badminton. I like to eat pizza and momo. I like to listen English songs, Nepali songs and like to watch all movies. My favourite subject is Maths, Science and English. I like to read different stories and jokes. I like to visit different country. I also like to visit different country. I also like to ride bicycle. In my future I want to scientist or doctor. I like to drawing pictures. I like to writing and reading. I like to go to school always. I will read hard in coming day. I like Nepal very much.”

In my black notebook, he wrote an extra chapter, which is short but deeply engraved within my memory.

“Dear Chiayong,

I want to say that you are very good. You play with us and you teach us good habit like study hard, take care and happy in life. You are very helpful. You have bought school dresses, calculators and many other things.

Don’t forgot us. We never forgot in our life. You are going very soon. At that I missed you very much. I will tried to email and contact you.

Take care and work hard. Come to visit soon to us. We will waiting for you.

From Bijay.”

Study Hard Mr. Wang! I am very sure you scored well in your examinations!

Looking forward to seeing you all very soon!

Puja

Puja, a pretty girl which I once spelt her name wrongly as Buja, and upset her abit :(

Puja trying to sort out the cotton threads we bought for them to do lots of friendship bands.

She also helps the staff's wife with needlework.

Puja also loves traditional dancing, especially for the volunteers to see.

On our first night there, the girls quickly grabbed us to their rooms, and dance under the dim light conditions of their room. Of course we were very honoured to see them dance their sweat out for us.

Puja in her Blue House sports attire.

Puja enjoying her meal of Dal Phat

Step up and keep dancing, who knows, it might be your way of life!

Asminta

Asminta, studying in Grade 2 currently, is a chubby lively girl like Sunshine glaring in great contrast to the what seems dark and gloomy surroundings of the home.

Also, Asminta had a issue of Cold sore, which she mentioned about. Hence, we got her some cold sore cream and were very glad that it recovered by the end of our stay.

Shine on Asminta and bring joy to the lives of others!

Surya

Surya aged 13 (English name: Jeff) is one of the older boys in the Home, and as mentioned previously, he stays in the Home with his younger brother (Chandra). Surya has been with the home for about 5 years, and he likes his English name aka Jeff a lot.

Surya is one smart kid, no doubt.

He knows how to use a camera and recording function just by observing how we use it once. He remembers my phone number and birthday at first mention. The best part is he reads a DICTIONARY in his free time – it was during my first day at the home, when I see him resting on his bed, holding a “Nepali-to-English” pocket dictionary in one hand. He have a strong thirst for knowledge, from knowing what we work as, how is Singapore as a city. Also, he acts as our bridge between the staff, children whenever there is a communication gap between the volunteers and the locals.

On the calculators that we bought for 4 of the kids (who are in Grade Six currently and had no calculators for their lessons), Surya had been particularly interested to use his calculator as a “Notebook”, using it to store our email address, handphone number etc etc.

Perhaps it is because he is grateful for what he has now – at least he can go to school. I have never ever heard him complaining about anything in his life, not even once. He doesn’t talk much, he doesn’t say Thanks too excessively, but you can feel his gratitude and appreciation from within. His level of independence and mature-thinking is also way-above that for a 13-year old.

Being one of the elder boys, he takes on the role of a Big Brother. He helps to run errands for the Staff’s wife, do the chores, help and teach the younger kids in their homework, act as a Barber to trim the other boys’ hair etc.

"I like to play table tennis and football. I like to be doctor. Sometimes I also like to ride bicycle. I like to eat pizza and momo. I like to read many book. Mostly I like to read science and english book. I like to watch many movie like English, Hindi, Nepali, chinese. I like to watch action movie. I like to listen Nepali music. I like to go school everyday. I like to visit Pokhara. I like to draw picture."

With your intelligence and diligence, I am sure you will go very far Surya! Just keep your eyes focused and move on!