Author: fernanda Frighetto

Workshops in our library: A success story

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 24. June 2024. Posted in Events, Nepal.

Since the opening of our library in Nepal, we have hosted a series of workshops over the past few months – a total of seven. These workshops have enriched the community and provided essential knowledge and skills to our target audience. Our goal is for the library staff to conduct one workshop per month, establishing the library as a vital hub for education and exchange.

Diversity of workshops our library: Focus on creativity, community, and education

The variety of workshops reflects the needs and interests of the people in our region. Here are some highlights:

Traditional kite making

One of the most popular workshops held in our library was traditional kite making during the Hindu Dashain festival. This Nepalese celebration was used to foster the creativity of children and teenagers who joyfully crafted and flew beautiful kites. Despite the lack of wind that day, the children enthusiastically ran across the field to watch their kites soar.

Storytelling by the fire

Another successful workshop was storytelling by the fire. Children gathered in a cozy atmosphere, sipping warm tea, while librarians narrated engaging stories from picture books. Spontaneous dance performances by the brave little ones added a delightful touch, showcasing Nepal’s rich dance culture from a young age.

Social and health topics

A significant aspect of our workshops focused on social and health issues. For instance, we conducted a workshop on “Health Awareness for Women” led by trained health professionals from the village. They imparted crucial information about women’s health, menstruation, diseases like diabetes and cancer, and nutrition. The session concluded with an open Q&A, greatly appreciated by the women who seldom have safe spaces to discuss such topics.

Similarly, the library committee organized a workshop on “Rural Nutrition” to educate people about balanced diets and malnutrition among children in rural areas. This workshop received the highest participation with 43 attendees.

Promoting education and reading skills

Furthermore, we emphasize promoting education and reading skills. A workshop on “Reading with Children aged 10-15” provided library staff the opportunity to support village children in reading and cultivate a love for books.

Due to high demand, we also held a spelling bee competition to test and improve children’s spelling abilities. Winners received school kits comprising pencil cases, pens, and notebooks. Subsequently, local teenagers requested a similar competition, which we are eager to organize.

Positive Feedback and Future Prospects

The positive feedback from our library workshops has been overwhelming. Participants praised not only the diversity of topics but also the chance to acquire new skills and connect with others. These workshops demonstrate the diverse and relevant offerings a library can provide, highlighting the importance of bringing people together for learning and personal development.

In a country where reading culture and libraries are not widely known, we are especially pleased to see older generations becoming curious about what our library offers and its impact. Such progress requires time, patience, and consistency. With continued effort, the rewards will follow.

We are committed to maintaining this momentum, eagerly anticipating more exciting workshops, and we’ll keep you updated along the way.

Meet our three librarians at Sapana Library

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 12. May 2024. Posted in Nepal, Storytime.

Today we would like to introduce you to our dear and valued librarians. During our time in Nepal, we were able to get to know them as villagers who all live and grew up in Khoramukh and as applicants for the library staff positions. After a selection process and several days of trial work, we finally decided on Pabrita, Jyoti and Rajesh based on their skills, commitment and willingness.

What we would like to mention here is that we deliberately wanted to employ people from the village, even if this meant a longer training period and more patience for us due to less education than in the city. Giving people from the village a chance first is very important to us.

We have entrusted them with the task of looking after the children and visitors to our library, as well as managing the library on site. Thanks to the skills and hard work of these young employees, it is possible for the day-to-day running of the library to function well.

All library staff are paid by Sapana. Two of the employees share a 100% workload as they both have young children. This means that they can still work and have the opportunity to earn their own money.

Roles and Responsibilities

The library staff’s tasks include maintaining the books and the entire collection, cleaning the premises, ordering, registering and shelving new books and lending them to library guests. In addition, monthly workshops are offered, which are organized and supervised by the librarians. We are very proud to tell you a little more about these three today.

Meet our librarians at Sapana Library

Pabitra Sunar

Age: 26
Workload: 50%
Children: one little boy
Professional experience: Sewing teacher for two years, teacher at Lwang School

What I like about working in the library:
I love the relaxing atmosphere in the library and it’s a great place to meet my friends.

What do I like to do in my free time?
In my spare time I like to cook new recipes, look after my son and watch TV.

What is my favorite book and why?
My favorite book is “Ejoriya” by Subin Bhattarai because it describes a captivating story and beautiful characters. It deals with love, hate and conflict of the family members in the story. Since the story is set in Nepal, I have a special connection to it.

I think the library brings us:
Sapana Library brings us joy and excitement as well as welcome changes in our lives.

What is my dream?
My dream is to impart and share knowledge and education and to work in the library in the long term.

One famous person I would like to meet in my life is:
If I had to choose, it would be great to meet Michelle Obama. She is such an inspiring and empowering personality and I would love to hear her insights and wisdom first hand.

Something special about me is:
I am very good at teaching children and have a comfortable way of expressing myself. I am good at presenting the knowledge from books in a way that is easy for children to understand.

What else I would like to say is:
I think libraries are magical places where you can immerse yourself in different worlds through books. They offer a treasure trove of knowledge, inspiration and a sense of community.

Jyoti Devkota

Age: 27
Workload: 50%
Children: Proud mother of a little girl and a boy
Work experience: Sewing teacher for two years, teacher for six months, working in my own restaurant

What I like about working in the library:
The library is a paradise for me to escape into the world of books.

What do I like to do in my free time?
In my free time, I like to learn something new and play with my children, watch YouTube videos and listen to audio books.

What is my favorite book and why?
My favorite book is “Yogmaya”. It is a historical book by Neelam Karki. This novel gives a comprehensive understanding of the women’s rights movement in Nepal.

I think the library brings us:
It brings us happiness and quenches our thirst for knowledge.

What is my dream?
My dream is to set children on the right path and help them to read books.

One famous person I would like to meet in my life is:
Haribansha Acharya from Nepal. He teaches us that being sad does not mean giving up. Flowers can bloom even if they grow from stones. You should learn to spread happiness in the outside world.

There is something special about me:
I believe in the joy of continuous learning and in sharing our knowledge!

What else I would like to say is:
The innocence of children has a special place in my heart.

Rajesh Gurung

Age: 24
Workload: 100%
Children: none
Work experience: Teacher for six months, tourist tour manager for three years and photographer for five years

What I like about working at the library:
Sapana Library is a very peaceful place where I can discover new things and do research on all kinds of topics.

What do I like to do in my free time?
In my free time, I like to research about my interests, such as nature, wildlife and photography.

What is my favorite book and why?
It is “Usle Diyeko umer” (NEPALI) by Buddhi Sagar because it contains many stories where the author has learned a lot and teaches us a lot about daily life and the mistakes we have made in our lives.

I think the library brings us:
The library encourages the reading habit and brings new wind and three jobs to our village.

What is my dream?
My dream is to become a successful person.

One famous person I would like to meet in my life is:
This is Nims Dai from Nepal. He is a famous Nepalese mountaineer, known from the movie “14 Peaks – Nothing is Impossible”. He teaches us to never give up in life.

There is something special about me:
I can live in the same place for a long time without getting the feeling that I’m getting bored.

Another thing I would like to say is:
Don’t hesitate to learn new things in life, and NEVER give up!

The library’s current splendor: A glimpse of its diversity and dynamism

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 16. March 2024. Posted in Nepal, Process, Storytime.

We must truly say, the library has become even more beautiful than we imagined. Honestly, it wasn’t an easy task for us Swiss people, who like to organize things in a structured manner, to make progress in Nepal. Sometimes we heard the advice, “Relax, relax, it will work out. Here things work differently.” But they were right, and the effort has definitely paid off.

The library today

Inside the library, there are a whopping 1,400 books. Approximately 1,000 of them are in English, and 400 are in Nepali. Particularly, the Nepali books are popular, so this collection is constantly expanding, and book requests are considered. Our team member Jasmina took on the challenging task of categorizing all 1,400 books, which sometimes proved not to be so simple. Late into the evenings, we individually stamped the books, affixed them with the corresponding category labels, and arranged them.

We observed that existing Nepali libraries often go unvisited because nobody really knows what books are available and where to find them. We wanted to do things differently! The categories range is very diverse and goes from agriculture, guides, children’s and youth books, novels, biographies, health, religion, general knowledge to natural sciences such as chemistry, mathematics, English, physics, and nature, as well as community development.

Additionally, the library is equipped with a color printer, Wi-Fi, two toilets, and 10 laptops. To ensure the smooth operation of the library, regular exciting events, expansion of the book collection, and proper maintenance, we have hired three librarians. They will be introduced in more detail in a separate blog post.

Amazing transformations: Before-After pictures that inspire

Joyful activities in the children’s area

Not only us but also the children of the village particularly enjoy the children’s area. Many of them even diligently helped with painting. Together with various artistically talented volunteers, we painted the walls with many cute figures; from ladybugs to butterflies, ants, snails, spiders, and snakes, the little creatures on the walls abound. Painting the walls was a multi-day process, accompanied by good music, although not always good singing. At the same time, we sawed, sanded, and painted small wall bookshelves.

The toys, from puzzles to Uno to plush toys, were mostly donated here in Switzerland and transported to Nepal along with the books.

As soon as school is out at 4 p.m., the children flock to the library, eagerly securing a spot in the children’s area. It’s a wonderful sight; some eagerly solve a puzzle, others write their names on a board, while in another corner, children’s books are being looked at, and there’s cheerful chatter. After a few days, however, we had to divide the children into groups to keep track, as it got quite loud and chaotic.

We are delighted that even after these three months, the library has remained the first stop for children after school, where sometimes homework is diligently done before playing or reading.

Before-After: Children’s area makeover unveiled

What we couldn’t implement

Originally, a computer area was also planned, which was to be equipped with the ten laptops. Since the designated area was being used by another organization for computer courses during our stay, we couldn’t implement this plan yet. The courses have now ended, and the space behind the bookshelves is currently being used as a workshop area. In the meantime, the laptops can still be used until we officially open the computer room.

Since people aged 40-50 in the village of Khoramukh and surrounding areas cannot read or write, we wanted to create a small audio area for their integration. However, since surveys among the respective residents showed little interest in this, we left it as it is.

The next steps

To further promote visitor numbers, book lending and reading habits, the library committee is working together with schools to establish reading clubs. The goal is for schools to visit the library at least once a week during school hours and be motivated to read.

Monthly, exciting, free workshops for residents continue to take place in the library. More on this soon.

Between letters and enthusiasm: Our November 2023 before and after the library opening

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 3. January 2024. Posted in Nepal, Process.

After a long journey from Zurich to Nepal, we, Stefania and Jana, have finally made it and arrived in Pokhara. The work in Pokhara began right after landing. We were taken by taxi directly to a hostel, where we picked up all the materials needed for the library in Khoramukh. Fully loaded in a small taxi, we then drove another hour to Khoramukh. Upon arrival in the village, we were warmly greeted by the community. Although it was quite late, Rajendra’s entire family (Community Leader) was still awake and had dinner with us. We arrived just in time for the Hindu Tihar Festival in Nepal. The Festival of Lights is celebrated with music, dances and ceremonies. So, there was plenty of dance and music that evening.

Hindu Tihar Festival

After a good night’s sleep, we started our day with the Brother & Sister Ceremony “Bhai Tika.” On this special day, siblings are honored and gifted. After a very traditional and emotional morning, we proceeded to the library.

The opening was in about a week and until then, there was much to do. Fernanda was in the midst of the application phase for our librarians; some book labels still needed labeling and setting up the laptops was still pending, along with many other minor tasks. The first days passed quickly. The training with the librarians took a lot of time and was quite intensive, ranging from categorizing books to sorting them and giving the first laptop introductions.

Librarian training and workshop preparation

Even when it was already dark outside, we continued working after dinner

The preparations for the opening

After 4 days in Khoramukh, it felt like we hadn’t made much progress. Nevertheless, it’s the small steps that lead us to success. In the evenings, we often discussed library-related topics. Many questions, discussions and decisions were often made after dinner, making our workdays very intense.

The day before the opening was also quite demanding. The entire team was occupied with tasks and we only reconvened by the campfire late in the evening. We were nervous and a bit excited about the upcoming day, even though the stage was set, the library was spotlessly clean and the food had already been ordered.

Finally, the big opening day arrived

The morning started with the coldest shower of my life and a delicious breakfast overlooking the beautiful Annapurna Mountain. At 11 am, a welcome ceremony was scheduled as the two Gabys (mothers of Fernanda and Stefania) arrived in Khoramukh. Then, we danced with the locals to special music made with trumpets and drums. Strengthened by a delicious Dal Bhat (traditional dish served twice a day), the opening finally began.

Many school classes from the surrounding area, private individuals, government officials, teachers and even journalists came to participate in this moving event. After some exciting speeches, there was a competition with awards for the school classes. Some students spoke freely about what the library meant to them and what a library represents. It was a beautiful moment to realize how much the children appreciated the project and valued access to knowledge and a place of peace.

A confident student recites her poem from memory.

The opening – Symbolically, a ribbon was cut by Fernanda and her mother and then the first visitors proceeded to explore the library. What an emotional moment. Questions were asked, the first books were taken into hands and one or two pages were already read. Fernanda and I couldn’t have been prouder of our entire Sapana team at that moment. After a short while, I (Stefania) started giving guided tours in the library to individual school classes. I was truly amazed at how eager, curious and interested the children were. Fernanda also gave an interview for a local radio station and there was eating, dancing and celebrating. The day passed in the blink of an eye, yet it was packed with so many emotions and feelings.

Between books and games – The continuation of our adventure in Nepal

However, the work after the opening was far from done. Further training sessions were conducted with the librarians and the children’s area was definitely “the place to be” after the opening, so we were busy playing games and explaining.

Unfortunately, my journey in Nepal ended after only two weeks. In these two weeks, I learned a lot about the culture in Nepal, ate delicious food and made new friends. We still have a challenging road ahead, but we have overcome a significant milestone. In the next phase of our project, we will explore sustainable financing options.

The library is now managed and led by three librarians on-site. We are in daily close contact with them to address challenges and questions. Sushil (our Nepali manager) is also in daily communication, providing valuable cultural and professional insights.

Sapana Library is a heartfelt project and that’s exactly how I would describe my stay in Nepal: warm, emotional and full of love. Nepal has also captured my heart. Together with you and our community on-site, we have created something incredible and are ensuring better education in a small mountain region in Nepal.

We sincerely thank all the donors who accompanied us on our journey so far and believed in us. Our journey is not over and we would be delighted if you join us for the next stage. We look forward to everything that comes next and will surely return to Nepal soon.

Colourful October 2023: Jacqueline’s perspective on our progress

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 27. November 2023. Posted in Nepal, Process, Storytime.

How it all began for me

Just over two years ago, our founder Fernanda and I were at the Vitaparcour in Embrach when she told me about her dream of opening a library in Nepal. Even then, I thought it was a great idea and wanted to be a part of it. I love travelling, getting to know new countries and cultures and knowing that you can do something good for the local population at the same time, I thought it was a great idea.

A short time later, we had our first meeting in Fernanda’s living room, where she showed the team her ideas and the work to be done. Everyone joined in the discussion and soon we were talking about wall colours, decorations and much more. Topics that were still a long way off, as there was still so much to do before they could decide on colours or decorations. This euphoria and attitude fascinated me and never let go.

Each of us was aware that there was a lot of work ahead of us, but everyone was willing to put in the work to realise the project.

A look behind the scenes of our library work in Khoramukh

When I sat on the plane on my way to Kathmandu or Pokhara in Nepal, I had no idea what was in store for me. It was my first visit to Nepal and my knowledge of the culture was superficial. I had two weeks ahead of me to make my contribution on the ground and see for myself what our work had achieved over the past two years. I was very excited and curious about what to expect.

Our accommodation was in Pokhara. The library is in Khoramukh, a village about 45 minutes away by scooter. The scooter ride alone was both an experience and an adventure. The roads, if you can even call them that, were an experience in themselves. In Nepal, they alternated between concrete sections and extremely challenging passages. Numerous stones, potholes, dusty and muddy sections required skilful driving and constant swerving. Crossing rivers by scooter was still the easiest part. The fact that Nepal drives on the left required additional concentration.

The young Nepalese speak relatively good English, so communication was easy. The older generation, on the other hand, spoke little to no English, so we had to make do with gestures and facial expressions. At the beginning, they were rather reserved and observed the events from a distance. But over time, it became clear that the older locals were also becoming more open and curious. They regularly came to the library to see what we were doing there.

I was fascinated by how the people in the village go about their everyday lives. In contrast to our lifestyle, everything is simpler there. One example of this is how they paint the walls in the library. Paint rollers are used in both Switzerland and Nepal. The difference lies in the material of the roller – here it is made of plastic, in Nepal it is made of bamboo, which is cut right next to the library. These small differences show how different and yet similar we all are.

From primer to a blaze of colour: the transformation of our room during the stay

During the two-week stay, we first had to prime all the walls twice and then apply at least two coats of paint to ensure that the colour would adhere well. It was a time-consuming and energy-sapping task that required perseverance. The walls now shine in vibrant colours and the room is slowly taking shape.

The time had finally come and I was particularly looking forward to this part: we were able to start decoratively painting the walls. The children’s area is now almost unrecognisable. A dark room has been transformed into a beautiful place that radiates happiness and joy.

Community action

Whilst we were busy designing the interior of the library, toilets were being built behind the building. The library is located on a small but steep hill. The materials, including lots of stones and cement, had to be painstakingly transported from the bottom to the top. It was impressive to see how many villagers came together to help us carry the heavy sacks and stones up the hill. Big or small, young or old, everyone lent a hand. The techniques used were very interesting and impressive. Some carried the loads by hand, others used baskets on their backs, which were fastened over their heads with a carrying strap. This allowed the weight to be evenly distributed.

I had a fascinating time in Nepal, characterised by the natural beauty of the country and the impressive commitment of many people to this library. It filled me with joy to see how many individuals were part of this project and I am proud to be a part of it myself. In the coming weeks, more team members will be travelling to Nepal to offer their help and ensure that we can successfully complete the project.

It is a great pleasure and satisfaction to see the development and progress of our project. We can’t wait to open the doors to the community. This project is not just a library, but a place of knowledge, education and community.

Unusual donations: Exciting books we received

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 13. November 2023. Posted in Books, Storytime.

Discover the stories behind these extraordinary books

In order to achieve our goal of opening a sustainable library with a children’s section in Nepal, we need a multitude of books. Thanks to the support of numerous individuals from our association, and the generous contributions from various libraries as well as many donors, we have already collected over 800 English books in Switzerland. Among them, there are some extremely interesting copies that we would like to introduce today.

Generous donation and diligent preparations

A kind lady entrusted us with her husband’s National Geographic collection. We are very grateful. The specimens will surely inspire many, as who doesn’t enjoy looking at distant places and dreaming of exploring them?

For an accurate inventory and to categorize the various subject areas in our collection, we have recorded all over 800 books in our database. The process of recording author, title, and publication year took some time. Subsequently, all the books were carefully prepared in banana boxes for transport.

Enthusiasm in book form

Among these books were extremely amusing, curious, and fascinating works from various categories that left us in awe and with smiles on our faces. We would like to introduce our favorites from each category here.

Biography: My Spin on Cricket by Richie Benaud

This book contains anecdotes, memories, and reflections of Australian cricketer Richie Benaud, providing insights into his experiences and observations from the world of cricket. It was published in the year 2005.

Fiction / Literature: The Road to Yesterday by L.M. Montgomery

This book presents a collection of short stories by the Canadian writer L.M. Montgomery. It takes us on a journey into the everyday joys and challenges of rural life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book was first published in 1974.

Sport: How to Hula by Patricia Lei Anderson Murray

The title already reveals it: This book is dedicated to the art of Hawaiian Hula dance. It provides instructions for various dances, offers cultural insights, and tells stories about this dance. We can only wonder about the journey this book has already taken. Was it possibly acquired in Hawaii and brought to Europe? Now it appears to be on its way to Nepal. We may never know, but the thought is exciting.

Classical Literature: Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott

This book was first published in 1868 and has since become a timeless classic. It tells the story of the four sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March and their coming of age in New England during the Civil War. The book explores themes of family, friendship, self-discovery, and the transition from youth to adulthood. “Little Women” is a significant work in American literature and has inspired many generations of readers.

Science-Fiction / Fantasy: Saga (Volume 4) by Brian K. Vaughan and Illustratorin Fiona Staples

“Saga” is a comic book series written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. The work combines elements of science fiction and fantasy and tells the story of Alana and Marko, an intergalactic couple who found each other amidst a decades-long war between their respective species. The series explores themes of love, family, prejudice, and overcoming conflicts. “Saga” Volume 4 was published in 2014, and there are now over 66 volumes. Saga has already received numerous awards and continues its success story.

At this point, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the donors. Without their generous support, it would not have been possible for us to compile such a diverse collection of interesting, amusing, and curious books. We look forward to rediscovering these treasures in the soon-to-be-opened library in Khoramukh.

7 Reasons Why a Library is a Valuable Asset

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 16. October 2023. Posted in Knowledge.

The Indispensable Treasures in the Digital Era

The digital transformation has touched virtually every aspect of our lives, and libraries are not immune to this shift. In an age where books, magazines, music, and movies can be readily borrowed or purchased from the internet, the question arises: Do we still need libraries?

The Diversity of a Library

Libraries offer an array of advantages that the internet cannot replace. Beyond serving as a portal to acquire knowledge and promote self-education, libraries make a significant contribution to research. They are invaluable resources for students, researchers, and scholars. The extensive collection of scholarly literature serves as the foundation for numerous projects and academic work. In a time when the quality and authenticity of information are of paramount importance, libraries play a pivotal role. While the internet may offer a wealth of information, the reliability and authenticity of that information are often challenging to verify. Libraries specialize in identifying trustworthy sources, ensuring access to reliable and accurate information. However, libraries provide more than just academic literature; they also offer a broad selection of books catering to the diverse interests of people of all age groups.

Libraries Foster Community

Libraries contribute to the formation of an engaged community by facilitating the exchange of ideas, interests, and knowledge through lectures and book clubs. They serve as hubs of lively interaction and inspiration.

Irrespective of one’s social, economic, or cultural background, libraries are accessible to all and provide equal opportunities. In the tranquil atmosphere of a library, thoughts can flow freely, enabling individuals to focus on reading or work in a relaxed environment.

Beyond Just Books

But libraries offer even more:

Education and Cultural Events

Many libraries host educational events, cultural activities, lectures, and workshops. These events enrich the intellectual and cultural fabric of the community, providing opportunities for lifelong learning.

Youth and Children’s Programs

Libraries often provide special programs for children and teenagers, including reading sessions, craft activities, educational games, and homework assistance. These programs foster a love for reading and learning from an early age.

Technological Resources

Modern libraries offer computer workstations, internet access, and other technological resources essential for research and education. This is particularly valuable for individuals who do not have access to such resources at home.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Libraries serve as guardians of a society’s cultural heritage, preserving historical documents, manuscripts, rare books, and other unique materials for the benefit of future generations.

Quiet and Concentration

Libraries provide a tranquil environment ideal for reading, studying, and research. This quiet atmosphere is particularly beneficial for students and scholars who require a distraction-free space.

In a world undergoing rapid change, libraries are more essential than ever. They are not merely custodians of past knowledge but also vital players in the transmission of knowledge in the future. Libraries offer more than just books – they provide opportunities, community, and space for the mind to flourish. Hence, we can confidently assert that libraries are indispensable even in the digital age.

Our reading promotion program in the villages

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 2. July 2023. Posted in Nepal, Process.

The reading promotion program was conducted in the 6 surrounding villages of Khoramukh by our team member Sushil in collaboration with the community leader Rajendra.

Through personal conversations, motivating community meetings, engaging presentations, and informative flyers, the following topics were covered:

General information about our project
Why is reading so important?
What can one gain from it?
What can education do for your life?
What can you find in a library?
How to handle books?

he community’s greatest interests

The villagers listened attentively and did not hesitate to ask questions or share their ideas. At the same time, we gathered the community’s interests. What topics are they interested in? What would they like to learn more about and read? It was significant for us to learn that the three most commonly shared interests are Nepali law, religious Hindu texts, and children’s books. Based on this feedback, we will collect books to ensure that the library’s collection aligns with the community’s interests.

Why reading is so important

With our reading promotion program, we aim to improve the reading skills of both children and adults and instill a love for reading. Reading is not only a crucial part of education but also a key to personal development and growth. It broadens horizons, fosters creativity, and enhances language skills.

Because we believe that everyone has the potential to realize their dreams with the right support.

We look forward to tracking the progress of the residents after the library opens at the end of the year and are excited that we can all contribute to promoting reading and improving educational opportunities in Nepal.

The Renovation of the Library Building

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 17. April 2023. Posted in Nepal, Process.

The renovation of the library building is already in full swing.

With their own resources, the community has built a paved walkway and a staircase to the building. Without this path, the uneven and rocky terrain would have made access particularly difficult for older people.

The children’s area

The children’s area has also been added by the community. Inside, it still looks quite raw and uninviting. In September, we will paint the walls in a cheerful color, lay down carpet flooring, and enhance the space for greater comfort. We are excited to see the before-and-after transformation.

Above the children’s area, a bamboo extension has been added, but its use is still undecided. The stones needed for the renovation were manually transported from the river in the village to the building, then polished and installed by the community.

Below: Children’s area; Above: Still under discussion

A glimpse into the future children’s area

The computer room

The computer room is still under renovation. The small building was quite dilapidated, but it didn’t need to be completely torn down; it was still stable enough to build upon. Here, you can see Sushil and the community leader Rajendra discussing the future computer room.

We have also secured 8–10 laptops from the Swiss aid organization Labdoo. These laptops will be equipped by Labdoo with numerous training programs, a version of LibreOffice, and an offline version of Wikipedia from the SOS Children’s Village, allowing them to be used directly in English.

Handmade tables

We received a video from our team member Sushil, where the community leader Rajendra proudly showcases his handmade wooden tables. Simple but practical! These will be the breakfast tables with a beautiful view for his future guests at his guesthouse, where we will also be staying while working on-site.

It’s so wonderful to see how everything is gradually taking shape and our efforts are paying off. Thanks to countless donors, our progress has been made possible.

We thank everyone who believes in our dream!”

10 incredible facts about Nepal

Written by fernanda Frighetto on 24. February 2023. Posted in Knowledge.

Did you know that…?

Nepal is 147 square kilometers in size and is the 25th largest country in Asia. In comparison, the area of Switzerland is about 41 square kilometers.

2. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world are located within the borders of Nepal. The highest point on earth is Mount Everest.

3. If you visit Nepal you can climb from 700 meters to a fabulous 8,848 meters, up to Mount Everest. Due to these great differences in altitude, Nepal offers a diverse nature, which stretches from the Terai plains in the south to the famous Himalayan mountains in the north.

*The highest mountain in the world: Mount Everest*

4. Due to an injured climber on the Langtang-Lirung massif at 6000 meters above sea level, a team of Air Zermatt travels to Nepal. Through this expedition it became clear that the alpine rescue technique by helicopter also works in the Himalayan mountains up to almost 7000 meters. As a result, Air Zermatt trained Nepalese pilots and mountain rescuers.

5. Surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains is Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, with a population of more than one million. In Kathmandu different cultures, religions and languages meet. When visiting the capital you should plan enough time to explore the ancient temples, monuments and lively markets.

*Left: Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu / Right: View of Kathmandu*

6. Nepal was for a long time the only Hindu kingdom in the world. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 2006, the parliament declared secularism in 2008. This meant the separation of state and religion. The people of Nepal remain deeply attached to their cultural and religious traditions, and religion still plays an important role in their daily lives.

*Celebration of Shivaratri / Mahashivaratri, the night of Shiva – an important holiday in Hinduism.*

7. The majority of the population speaks Nepali, which is also the national language. There are also over 100 (!) other local languages and dialects. English is mainly spoken in the tourist regions, in business and in education.

8. Nepal is the only country in the world whose flag is not square. According to historians, the flag is characterized by the large amount of mountains in the country. On the flag, there is a reclining crescent moon combined with a star and a twelve-pointed star, which symbolizes the sun. For the inhabitants of Nepal, this means the hope for the long existence of their country, because according to many people the sun and the moon will always be in the sky.

9. The Nepalese distinguish between pure and impure. For example, food and materials that someone else has touched with their mouth are considered unclean. Furthermore, feet and the left hand are considered unclean. Interestingly, cow dung is considered pure, as the cow is a sacred and national animal of Nepal.

*A Sadhu (Hindu monk) greets with his right hand*

10. Nepal is home to many different cultures and natural wonders. Nepal is home to a total of ten UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites. These are cultural, historical or natural protected areas.

We hope we were able to inspire you with these interesting facts about Nepal!

Author: Jacqueline
Pictures: Manu & Canva