Library Installation: Dolakha
Empowering students of Tripura Sundari Basic School through diverse educational resources and a modern reading environment.
Aug 1, 2024
Tripura Sundari Basic School, Dolakha
Bravehearts Nepal is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education, empowerment, and protection of children in Nepal. Founded in 2016 by a group of passionate young social work graduates, we have been tirelessly working to improve the welfare and well-being of children and youth. Babuko Asha France is a French-registered NGO committed to supporting child education and safeguarding, actively contributing to the welfare of orphans and children in need.
Project Overview
In July 2024, Bravehearts Nepal, with the generous support of Babuko Asha France, undertook a significant project to install a library at Tripura Sundari Basic School in Dolakha district, Nepal. The school serves 79 students from the marginalized Thaami ethnic group, who come from extremely poor economic backgrounds. Despite their challenging circumstances, these students are determined to pursue their education, often walking more than two hours daily to attend school. Located 14 kilometers from the district headquarters of Charikot, the school faces numerous challenges due to geographical remoteness and poor road conditions.
Dolakha District and School Location
Needs Assessment and Planning
The idea for the library was born after Bravehearts Nepal received information about the challenging conditions at the school. Assisted by a local coordinator based in Charikot, our team assessed the situation on the ground. We discovered that while the school had support for electrification and sanitation, it lacked a library. Students had limited access to books beyond their course textbooks. Recognizing this critical gap, we communicated with the school's principal and the local government to establish a modern library to foster a love for learning.
Procurement and Logistics
The team set off on July 29th, 2024, from Kathmandu with the necessary materials. These included books, cupboards, carpets, a smart TV, and other essential items. The six-hour drive from Kathmandu was a daunting task due to muddy, rainy, and slippery roads. Upon reaching Charikot, the team had to hire an off-road vehicle to navigate the rocky, mountainous, and steep terrain to reach the school.
Implementation and Setup
- Cleaning and Renovating: The room was thoroughly cleaned and painted to create a bright and welcoming environment.
- Flooring and Carpeting: The floor was carpeted to create a comfortable, cozy space for students to sit and read.
- Setting Up the Books: Over 600 books were organized in newly installed cupboards, including 100 books generously donated by course book publishers in Kathmandu.
- Installing the Smart TV: A smart TV was installed to provide students with access to educational videos, documentaries, and interactive resources.
Handover and Celebration
On August 1st, 2024, a small handover ceremony was organized. The children were overjoyed, exploring the new books and interacting with the smart TV. In a particularly touching moment, a young child, overwhelmed with happiness upon seeing colorful books, hugged our treasurer, Mr. Raja Ram Khatri, and asked to take a few books home to show his little sister. The ceremony concluded with gratitude from the principal and local community members.
Impact and Reflections
The library represents a new world of possibilities for the Thaami ethnic group students. It will improve reading skills, stimulate curiosity, and expand their horizons. The smart TV adds an interactive dimension, making education more accessible. The success of this installation has profoundly inspired the Bravehearts Nepal team, reinforcing our commitment to serving rural and underserved regions.
Acknowledgments
- Babuko Asha France: Deepest gratitude for their generous financial support making this project a reality.
- Local Coordinator: For invaluable assistance in navigating the terrain and logistics.
- Course Book Publishers in Kathmandu: For donating 100 books that enriched the collection.
- Bravehearts Nepal Team: For volunteering time and energy across challenging conditions to complete the setup in just three days.
Conclusion
The library setup at Tripura Sundari Basic School is a true testament to the power of collaboration. The joint efforts of Babuko Asha France and Bravehearts Nepal brought joyful smiles to marginalized children deprived of such opportunities. Bringing this mission to a close, we returned to Kathmandu on August 3rd, 2024, with deep fulfillment and a renewed commitment to uplifting the youth of Nepal.