As we know, the cold winter months in Mustang make it much too cold for studying and staying in school, so between October and March all the teachers, students, furniture, study materials and support staff make the long journey down from the mountains across the Himalaya mountains and settle for a few months in Pokhara, a major trekking base some 200 Km West of Kathmandu.
As last year, here in Pokhara we have rented a large house that can accommodate all the girls (all 36 of them – wow!! we’ve doubled in size in just 2.5 years since opening in August 2012 with 18 girls!) and staff and also allocate some area for lessons, which of course must continue as usual. It’s term end now and just like students everywhere before returning to Upper Mustang, everyone must complete their final exams.
And after exams everyone is relieved and happy to join in Losar (Tibetan New year) celebrations at the boys school nearby.
We can see from our trip to the school at the end of last year that the girls are really happy and well cared for and enjoying camaraderie in their school community – a far cry from the often severely impoverished living conditions at home.
And despite our best efforts renting accommodation that’s large enough, affordable and in good condition for a conducive learning environment is difficult for the winter school. You can see that space is really limited now that the school is growing – spaceis tight for teaching, serving food, sleeping…….
2 sleep in each bunk
We’re overjoyed to learn that the discussions that have been ongoing for a while about building a permanent winter school in Pokhara have come to fruition. Land has graciously been donated within the Namgon Monastery project for a meditation centre on the shores of Pokhara Lake. And we’ve already made our first donation to enable building to begin…..
In just 6 weeks, weather has been kind and buildings are really beginning to take shape.
As you all know, the school and all the ongoing activities are funded totally by donations. All the monies we collect from fundraising go 100% directly to the school – there are no administrative deductions. We desperately need help with raising funds to continue the building of the winter school so, if you’re able please be kind enough continue to support our project with a donation. Any ammount will be gratefully received – even the cost of a cup of coffee will help.
Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the school can be available for the girls next trip to Pokhara next winter – we can hope and work towards that goal? The button below will take you to our donation page, which is now enabled for payments via PayPal, credit card or bank transfer. Please help if you can.
Donate Now