The Asha Project

Going on The Asha Project’s annual Nepal trip was extremely eye opening to me. First and foremost, when stepping off the plane, you quickly realize how different Nepal is from every other country you’ve visited. It’s different from India and China (even though they are neighbors). It’s different from the Middle East (even though many Nepalese go there to work). It’s difference at times can be hard to describe. However, two things I noticed right away were that poverty was not directly in your face with visible homeless and beggars (like in many places in India), and the gender ratio on the street was a lot more evenly balanced (around 60% male and 40% female) when compared to my trip to India where it felt like at least 90% of the individuals out and about were men.

This trip was a humble reminder of how political some nations are. A large portion of our time was spent visiting with politicians, local Rotary and Rotaract clubs, schools, and remote villages. In these meetings we often were not actively building the change that we were seeking for, but rather inspiring for change and gaining alignment/commitments among stakeholders to better ensure the success of the proposed projects after our short time in Nepal ends.

There are three takeaways that I have from this trip. The first is regarding technology. I was shocked that no matter how remote the village we were in, there was always strong cellular signal. Nepal’s ability to keep connectivity put the US’s ability to shame. However, when it comes to land lines, forget about it. This shows that in an underdeveloped country, there are opportunities to skip steps in the technological revolution that could drastically improve the lives of those living there thus saving time, money, and reducing environmental impact. We need to always keep this in mind as we work on projects there because we may not be thinking big enough if we are working on projects that only take the country up one level instead of multiple levels in one initiative.

Secondly, we heard from a few individuals in different cities that “The people are rich, but the government is poor”. While there still is vast poverty in Nepal, it appears as if there is a sizable middle class. However, when you consider the 250% tax on all vehicles causing Nepalese to pay as much for a motorcycle as I did for my car, or the price of buying a small rundown apartment (comparable to the price in many US cities), you can’t help but wonder where this money is coming from, where is it going to, and how can it could be used differently if the government corruption was not as extreme.

Finally, my largest takeaway is that Nepal is ready. The people are ready for a change. There is so much motivation to become further educated and develop new skills. There is a lot of drive to change the worlds in which they live. However, the challenge lies with fostering champions who will lead Nepal to its future. Those who have the ability to leave Nepal, but choose to stay and create a difference. The opportunities and NEED for local entrepreneurs is what can save Nepal and create the systemic change needed. Those are the leaders who can help create local solutions that address the challenges of tomorrow’s farmers leaving for the big cities, access to clean water, the ever increasing demand for electricity, and increasing tourism without disrupting local cultures. The question now becomes, how can we help empower these individuals make this happen?

With your financial support, during our 2018 USA-Nepal Humanitarian mission, we were able to provide Hope and opportunities to more than 2000 individuals, students and community members.  Thank you for your continued support.

• Visited rebuild communities in Nepal after the earthquakes.

• 

• Conducted needs assessment to rebuild, renovate and/or support schools in remote villages.

• 

  

  

• Sponsored primary and secondary school Dalit students with scholarships.

• 

  

  

  

• Provided more than $100,000  micro credits loans to people who were affected by the earthquake.

• 

  

• Conducted leadership program for Nepalese youth.

• 

  

  

• Visited future vocational training centers for women and poor people.

• 

  

  

• Provided Hope and opportunities for many poor people in Nepal.

• 

  

  

  

  Thank you for your continued support.  If you like to support our project, visit http://www.theashaproject.org.

• 

  

  

  

  

  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

  

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.

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

.

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

????????????????????????????????????

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!