Kiwis helping kids in remote Himalaya school

Children at the Kailash Bodhi School in Jumla, in northwest Nepal. Photos supplied
Children at the Kailash Bodhi School in Jumla, in northwest Nepal. Photos supplied
We have the books, can’t wait for the computers!  Kailash Bodhi School in Jumla, Nepal, supported...
We have the books, can’t wait for the computers! Kailash Bodhi School in Jumla, Nepal, supported by a local Trust.

A South Island charity is helping children in a remote part of Nepal to gain computer literacy.

The In Time Trust, based in Nelson/Tasman but with supporters throughout New Zealand, will provide computers and solar power to a school in the Karnali zone, one of the most isolated and impoverished parts of Nepal. And members of the public will be encouraged to help.

The Kailash Bodhi School in Jumla, is one the charity has strong links with. The Trust previously funded construction of the school building, with 24 classrooms and a library, which was completed and opened in 2016.

Trustee Bruce Gilkison said the school was established to preserve the language and culture of the Tibetan (Mugumpa) people, an indigenous population which has lived for centuries in the foothills of the Himalayas. It also caters for Dalit (‘untouchable’ caste) children, and is at the forefront of making positive changes for this group.

The school had opened in 2005 with just 25 children, and now has more than 650, from nursery level to high school, he said. About 90 of the children are supported by sponsors through the In Time Trust; their families are illiterate and poor, and providing an education for these children is seen as their best way out of poverty.

The Trust hopes to supply up to 35 computers, one for every 20 or so pupils, and four solar power units, essential due to the lack of a reliable power supply. The total cost will be about $20,000.

Gilkison said the Trust is hoping the public will support this goal, and any donations will be gratefully received and very well used. “We see education as the best way to break the poverty cycle”, he said. “Children who gain skills will be able to help their families in future.”

He said the school is well managed, and the principal has a good level of computer literacy and appreciation of their care, operation and limitations. A computer teacher has been employed from late March. Initially, twelve computers have been purchased and it is hoped that these will be paid for in April.

“It is certainly possible for children to be educated without computers” Gilkison said, “but this is a remote area, over 800km from Kathmandu, and any journey by road is arduous. The plan to provide these computers will help to bridge this distance. For any student wishing to get further training or qualifications, such as in health, engineering or agricultural improvement, computer literacy and the ability to research while at school are essential.”

Gilkison said that anyone who would like to help could find out more from the In Time Trust’s website, or donate through its Givealittle fundraiser page. “We think it’s a great opportunity to help. Every dollar donated will be sent straight to the school. And for children and families living in a very tough environment, this should be a huge step forward.”

Website: www.intimetrust.org

Donations to this project can be made to the Trust’s Bank account 03 0703 0803379 00 or through the Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/computers4kbsjumla?_ga=1.205637139.14654...

 - Bruce Gilkison

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