The Asha Project

But just before I had time to think, the ASHA Team of five are squeezing into a small four passenger taxi heading to our next mission. It was during these long and treacherous rides that we began to taste the dust of the Kathmandu Valley, and really bond as a team.

We then transferred to a large off-road bus that was of full of colorful tapestries that hung across the front dashboard and windshield. Full of Rotaract students, we packed in like sardines and headed for the mountain top.

We didn’t miss a bump, not even one. When I looked down at the steep cliffs of death below, I realized the bumps are what kept us on course and safe. When we reached the top of the mountain overlooking the entire Durlung Valley, we were greeted by the villagers like royalty, underneath a majestic white temple.

At that moment I begin to swallow my pride as something touched me deep inside my heart. I could feel the gratefulness glaring from the villagers’ eyes. It was hard to described but enough to make me pause life for one still moment, like everything stopped around me.

There, we delivered 25 goats, distributed school supplies to the children, and planted numerous trees together with the villagers on this very holy site. To end each mission, Tulsi would deliver an inspirational address, that lifted the spirits, hopes and dreams of not only the villagers, but to all who were listening that day. Where there’s is a will, there’s is a way!.

In the blink of an eye I was sandwiched between nearly 40% of the world’s population (China and India), as I stepped into another culture to learn about my own. This was no ordinary place or country, it was Nepal. I was walking on holy land where Buddha was born, and the world’s highest mountain peaks stand. A place where the  cow is sacred and often seen roaming the streets aimlessly, as if they were homeless gods. And this was just the beginning.

Each morning around 5:30am, I woke to the sound of bells and gongs as visitors entered the nearby temples in early prayer.  As I yawned to wake myself up, I could see my breath pass though the cold crisp morning air. Following a refreshing ice cold shower, hardboiled egg, toast and luckily some instant coffee, we were out the door onto our mission. King Tulsi, lead the way as we visited numerous schools, orphanages, Rotary project meetings, and villages throughout Nepal. The momentum never stopped. We hiked through villages, four-wheeled through mountainous terrain, and darted in and out of the chaotic city traffic on the backs of Rotaract scooters to get to our destinations. The rides were almost always death defying. But if I closed my eyes, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best, we would always make it to our destination alive.

Each place we visited, I couldn’t help being shaken by the poor conditions and lack of resources of each site; at the same time inspired by the spirit and resilience of the Nepali people. One school that stood out the most was The Bamboo School in Patan, Kathmandu. It was made completely out of, well, bamboo. It was held together with traditional mud bond and wire, supporting the walls and ceilings. The first thing that came to mind was the story of The Three Little Pigs.  Lucky there was no Big Bad Wolf in sight.

We spoke with the teachers and listened to their ideas on how to improve the conditions of the school. Clearly a need for urgent repair and upkeep was necessary, but water and dust management seemed to be on their priority list. After assessing the situation, we discussed our ongoing commitments to further support the school. We also listened to the children, as they played in the dusty playground. Their laughter and smiles were filled with confidence, spirit and gratefulness while we distributed school supplies donated from the USA. Most noteworthy was their ability to speak English. The students gracefully thanked us in our mother tongue. They also wrote short stories for us in English about their dreams and aspirations of being doctors, flight attendants, dancers and the like. In that moment I thought about my own culture and our children in the USA, and wondered.

But just before I had time to think, the ASHA Team of five are squeezing into a small four passenger taxi heading to our next mission. It was during these long and treacherous rides that we began to taste the dust of the Kathmandu Valley, and really bond as a team. We then transferred to a large off-road bus that was of full of colorful tapestries that hung across the front dashboard and windshield. Full of Rotaract students, we packed in like sardines and headed for the mountain top. We didn’t miss a bump, not even one. When I looked down at the steep cliffs of death below, I realized the bumps are what kept us on course and safe. When we reached the top of the mountain overlooking the entire Durlung Valley, we were greeted by the villagers like royalty, underneath a majestic white temple. At that moment I begin to swallow my pride as something touched me deep inside my heart. I could feel the gratefulness glaring from the villagers’ eyes. It was hard to described but enough to make me pause life for one still moment, like everything stopped around me.

There, we delivered 25 goats, distributed school supplies to the children, and planted numerous trees together with the villagers on this very holy site. To end each mission, Tulsi would deliver an inspirational address, that lifted the spirits, hopes and dreams of not only the villagers, but to all who were listening that day. Where there’s is a will, there’s is a way!.

Just when we thought the day was coming to an end, as we looked at each other’s exhausted dust covered faces, King Tulsi would suddenly remind himself that we have another site to visit before dinner. Without much hesitation, the five of us jump into another four-passenger taxi and head for an orphanage. We entered the steel gates of the St. Xaviers Social Service Center and were greeted by 50 or more orphans, of all ages and backgrounds, from every corner of Nepal. They gathered in a big circle and very impressively introduced themselves to us in English. We then distributed school supplies and listened to their dreams and aspirations of becoming doctors, singers and social workers. One child that stood out, who I seemed to easily bond with, wanted to be a business man. I thought that he was brave and I was tempted to give him an extra pencil or two. But all in all, the children were filled with spirit and determination to seek a brighter future. I was taken by how grateful and ambitious they were, considering their circumstances. It was an experience I will never forget.

We closed each evening snacking on Dal Bhat, Momo, and of course, washing it down with some local spirits as we reflected on all the places and hearts we touched that day. Like many who describe their brief travels to Nepal, I could write a book. It was one of the most fulfilling adventures I have had in a long time. A true honor to serve those in need. This was an experience I wish upon anyone. I would do it again.  As one of my dear Nepali friends said to me while we strolled along Phew Lake in Pokhara, “Everyone comes back to Nepal”. I think she maybe right

Till my next visit.

Clay Mason

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A Collaborative Project of Rotary Districts 7510 and 3292 Nepal and other Partnering Organizations.

New Jersey Rotary District 7510 and Friends of Nepal-NJ have banded together to help people of Nepal. To rebuild homes, schools, libraries and provide school supplies as well as micro loans. Working in partnership with a number of organizations in Nepal and USA, volunteers will bring hope for a better future to some of the world’s poorest people in Nepal.

Come join us http://www.theasaproject.org

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A half-century has passed since those first Rotaract clubs began inspiring young leaders to take action to improve their communities. The world has changed, as has the way Rotaract members connect with one another. But the underlying values of the program, and what attracts people to it, remain remarkably the same.

To celebrate Rotaract’s 50th anniversary, Rotaractors from New Jersey and Nepal will have a special program on November 9th in Kathmandu..

Annual Report of the Asha Project

Meet students from the Janasewa School in Huwas, Parbat. The school has been  supported by many expats.  We are trying to establish a new Rotary club here and assist them with a Rotary Global Grant to improve the program quality through technology and professional development for the teachers.

There are more than 600 low cast dalit students studying at this school.  The Asha Project will provide 10 scholarships a year at this school. The emphasis will be entrepreneurship and service learning and keep students in the village and have them feel proud about their community. We also met many entrepreneurs in this village who are trying to start their own business as well. If you like to help in the filed of agriculture, entrepreneurship and business management, please contact us at the Asha project. www. theashaproject.org.

In my time getting to learn more about the fantastic place I traveled to, someone referred to your country as a place of beauty and peace. It was a description that I quickly agreed with, yet after spending 11 days in Nepal I don’t believe even these words can do your country a justice. My life-changing visit to this place makes me feel that nothing can accurately describe how special this nation is.

Upon my first moments in Nepal we were encountered with love from the Rotaract crew from Kathmandu. They took all of our worries off of our shoulders with assisting us with luggage, food, water and a safe travel to Pokhara. Immediately I was shown some of the greatest hospitality in my life. Even with the enthusiasm the group shared whilesinging songs on the bus trip was enough to raise my spirits. After a long journey to our destination, we arrived and was once more greeted by some of the nicest people I had ever met. The beautiful scarfs and flowers we were given made me feel like royalty. It was treatment that continued throughout the entire trip and made me feel like I had hit the jackpot, lucky enough to land a spot on this trip.Out of all of the things of the fantastic things on the trip that made it so memorable, it was the love received from our new friends that stood out for me.

After becoming accustomed to the friendliness that I was surrounded by I was then equally impressed by the dedication I saw by my friends. Each Rotaractor took time off of their busy lives to make it a point to welcome us and share their beautiful country with us. It amazed me that even with a busy school or work schedule, they still showed commitment to their organization and made time for their guests. The effort was continued in their service to the community. It amazed me to see how much work they did to serve others that needed it the most. I was so honored to have had the opportunity to distribute stationary supplies to disadvantaged children, and provide them with a new source of happiness. I also enjoyed working with the Asha project helping contribute to necessary earthquake relief in construction, and improving a local park in Kathmandu. These were great opportunities to make a small difference in the lives of others, yet the service we did was incomparable what these Rotaract groups have achieved.

What really touched me was how easy it was for all of the people of Nepal to do it. Not once did I hear a complaint and continuously saw smiles on everyone’s faces. The enuthisuam your groups displayed was awesome, and very different from what I was used to in America. You have inspired me to live with a better attitude and become more active in my local area.

I cannot thank both the Rotaract New Road Pokhara and Rotaract of Kathmandu enough for helping make my trip the best one of my life. If it wasn’t for you guys, I am not sure I believe I would have been able to appreciate your land has to offer. Thanks for treating strangers as your own and building life lasting friendships. You live in a beautiful country that offers not only peace and beauty but compassion, hospitality and love.

Members of Stony Brook School’s 4th and 5th grade Leadership Councils participated in an outreach project spanning across the globe. Supporting the Branchburg Rotary’s ASHA Project, an initiative that “provide(s) HOPE in all aspects of life by supporting initiatives that are run by the people of Nepal for the people of Nepal”, the leadership members spearheaded the “Flags of Hope” project in which they led their classmates in creating flags that sent messages of hope to their peers in Nepal. On the flags were written the word “ASHA” (which means “HOPE” in Nepali) and words of encouragement. These flags will hang in newly constructed homes and schools. The Leadership Councils also organized a school supply drive. The decorated box, filled with over 100 flags and school supplies will travel with Branchburg Rotary President, Dr. Maharjan in February on the group’s humanitarian mission to Nepal. We are so excited to support the Branchburg Rotary in this wonderful endeavor!

Times have not changed in Nepal, many families can not offered to purchase school supplies. This is not new for Dr. Tulsi Maharjan, who grew up in Nepal before coming to the United States in the 1970s. He remembers the excitement of a new pencil for school. Maharjan is now the President of the Branchburg Rotary and Chair of the New Jersey based non-profit group The Asha Project, and will be leading the Rotary’s 2018 humanitarian mission to Nepal from February 12-25, 2018. Before leaving on the mission to assist people in need in Nepal, he is working with local schools and community groups to collect school supplies.

Recently, the leadership Council 4th and 5th grade students of the Stony Brook School in Branchburg decided to send their love and show their compassion by collecting school supplies and wrote messages of “HOPE” for the schoolchildren in Nepal. They pulled together donations from their class and every member of the student council wrote a message with the Nepali word “ASHA” which means hope in Nepali language. These school supplies will be distributed to schoolchildren in Nepal during our mission trip in mid February 2018.

In addition to the school supplies like notebooks, boxes of crayons, pencils, erasers, and folders, the Branchburg Rotary donated $1000 toward the purchase of new school bags. The Rotary Club of Branchburg has been helping in Nepal for the past 25 years.
“Individuals from all Rotary members also donated a variety of school supplies that the students or the school could not afford,” Maharjan said. “These supplies will help to make a better learning environment for students in Nepal.”
According to Leadership Council Adviser Ms. Toni Lynn, “The Leadership Council piloted this collection, but I am sure next year we can do it on an even larger scale! Although the box may not be big, it is filled with a lot of friendship and love”.

Maharjan said that students in Nepal are always anxious to receive these gifts of love as he used to be when he was a young student in Nepal.  Students from Nepal will SKYPE with the leadership group in Branchburg where students will have opportunity to  exchange stories and broaden their international understanding,  explore NEW CULTURE, build enduring friendships, establish a foundation for peace and greater understanding and learn about a region’s people, food, languages, customs, and history.

He hopes to continue this project with many other schools to promote Peace and understanding. If you are interested in participating in this program contact us at trm7510@gmail.com or visit http://www.theashaproject.org.

Jyoti Maharjan and Niraj Maharjan are two of the four siblings who came from a modest family background. They share their experiences about how the Rotary – Friends of Nepal-NJ scholarship they received in school changed their life.

ROTARY MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The eyes of Jyoti Maharjan shine when she says how happy she feels to teach dancing to students. She works at a finance company and runs a dance center and tuition center in her free time. But she hadn’t always been this way. She recalls her school days, “We felt uncomfortable when we couldn’t see our exam results after failing to clear our exam dues.” She further shares how her sister felt embarrassed when she couldn’t afford the school fees, “My sister went to the school to give exams but she was stopped at the gate as she hadn’t cleared her dues. She had to lose a year of school as a result. Being the eldest she was mature enough to understand and feel the humiliation of not being able to pay the school fees”. Jyoti recalls how hard it was before when she along with her four siblings were enrolled at the school and none of them got scholarships. She tells us how she used the money she got from the Rotary-Friends of Nepal-NJ to pay her own and her brother’s exam fees. She shares how she didn’t have to ask her parents for money to buy stationeries. She was supported from Class 6 to 10 and passed her SLC in 2064.
After teaching students for six years she started working at a finance company. The catastrophic earthquake of 2072 brought down her house. So the steady income she had before is now spent on paying the loan interest she took for rebuilding her house. She says, “Life isn’t easy even now. It’s hard to meet the financial obligations but the scholarship we received in school has helped us to face life’s challenges now.”

By Medha Joshee