Knowledge – Sapana

Beyond Books: International Women’s Day

Written on 8. March 2025. Posted in Events, Knowledge.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we take a moment to reflect on the role of libraries – not just as places of books and learning, but as safe spaces where knowledge is shared, wisdom is passed on, and communities are strengthened. The Sapana Library was built out of the dream to foster education, encourage reading, and create a shared learning space for the people of Khoramukh in Nepal. But beyond that, we hoped it would become a space for empowerment and support, particularly for women.

Gender equality in Nepal still faces many challenges. Women continue to struggle against deeply ingrained societal norms, gender-based violence, and limited access to education. Literacy rates among women remain lower than those of men, and many opportunities for professional and personal growth still seem out of reach. However, small steps towards change can lead to bigger transformations – and we believe the Sapana Library is one such step.

Two female librarians in front of the bookshelves — *Our wonderful female Sapana librarianas Pabitra and Jyoti.*

A key moment in our journey was when we decided to employ two part-time female librarians. The idea of job-sharing was unfamiliar and, at first, met with skepticism – even from some of our own Nepali project members. In Nepal, full-time jobs are the standard, sometimes requiring employees to work seven days a week. Yet we stood by our belief that this approach could be empowering and beneficial. It would allow these women – both mothers – to earn an income, contribute to their community, and have time for their families. This challenged the local’s notion that work must be all or nothing. But we dare say today, that it’s a success story for everyone involved.

The project’s work just marks the beginning, because it is now in the hands of the local people to bring the dream to life and make the Sapana library a place where women can come together – not just to read, but to share, to support, and to grow. A space where knowledge is not only found in books but in the voices of those who gather here. Whether it’s children doing their homework, mothers exchanging wisdom, or young women finding encouragement in stories.

Group photo of women in front of the library — *Among the events that Sapana organized in 2024: a workshop on women health awareness.*

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the power of spaces like these. Ones that uplift, that offer knowledge and safety, and that recognize the strength in sharing – not just books, but stories, experiences, and wisdom. There is still a long way to go in the journey towards gender equality, but every step counts.

Thank you to the women of Khoramukh, to the mothers, daughters, sisters, librarians and teachers. May the library continue to be a place of learning, gathering and support, and a place that you in turn want to protect and preserve.

7 Reasons Why a Library is a Valuable Asset

Written 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.

10 incredible facts about Nepal

Written 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