Help from Trekkers

On several occasions people who have been visiting Nepal have helped the project by carrying books and equipment for the library in their luggage. This has been a great help for the project. Teresa Williams, who runs a small trekking company called Slow Trekking has helped in this way on a regular basis. Teresa brings her trekkers to look at the library and many continue to help the project when they return to Australia.
If anybody is planning a trek to Nepal they should check out Teresa’s website (http://www.slowtrekking.com/ ). Slow trekking means that you have time to look around and meet some very interesting people. You learn a lot about Nepal and most trekkers maintain contact with their guide after they return home.
Another person who helps the project by bringing his group to the library is Graham Peck. He works for the Leprosy Mission and organises treks to raise support and awareness for leprosy. His presentation about the work is fascinating and can be tailored to suit school groups or Rotarians. He can be contacted at grahamp@leprosymission.org.au

Kopan is not far from the tourist sites and is an interesting area to visit, so if you have time please visit. There is a local hotel for those who do not want to stay at Kopan Monastery. http://shambhala88.com/

Community Centre in Kapan

During the three months of October, November and December, 2007, I spent many hours in the Community Centre teaching English and trying to organise the books. The main opening hours for the library are in the early mornings and on Saturdays. Netra Basnet is now the man in charge of the library and he keeps it tidy and well organised. He has also started teaching English to a class of young children at 6.30am. There are about 12 students on a regular basis.

There have been many changes in the organization of the library. The number of students using the library has increased and most mornings there are around 60 children in the Center.