Tuesday, March 3, 2009

People involved with the project


Isabel Armer first visited Nepal in January, 1990 and returned ten years later. Many changes had taken place during that time, but the same man, Niru Kumar Basnet, led the group. Trinity Grammar School (Kew, Victoria) wanted to do something in Nepal to repay the kindness the Trinity boys had experienced while trekking in Nepal. It was Niru’s suggestion that led to the establishment of a library in a local community centre in the district of Kapan. Niru has lived in this area for over 15 years and has many friends and contacts. He also understands how the system works in Nepal and without him the project would have faltered many years ago.
The support of Trinity Grammar School has been valuable because of some contacts with Shuvatara School in Patan and help with computers and other administration. Several people connected with Trinity have continued to help with the project.
Money to support the library and schooling is raised through donations of goods which are sold at markets. Donations of any trash and treasure which can be sold at markets are welcomed.
If you are visiting Nepal and have some time to spare Niru and the other helpers would love to see you. We need advice about card making in the library. If you have computer skills it would be wonderful if you could visit the computer school.
Niru's brother, Netra Basnet has taken over the running of the community centre, which has been renamed Bright Future Community Center. It is now registered with Rotary International (RAWCS) with the help of the Rotary Club of Kew on Yarra (Australia) and the Rotary Club of Pashupati (Nepal).