Tag: community work

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

Written 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 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 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.

Our reading promotion program in the villages

Written 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?

The 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 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!”

Our first month in Nepal

Written on 28. April 2022. Posted in Nepal, Process.

And just like that, our first month in Nepal is over.

We have visited numerous potential locations for the library and gained valuable insights into the lives, challenges, and needs of the respective communities.

We selected the potential locations based on the following criteria:

No more than 4 hours by car from Pokhara
Accessible by road
Population between 3,000 and 7,000
Existing community building available for use as a library
Strong interest and engagement from the community
The caste system does not hinder anyone from using the library

We would like to take you along and introduce you to a few of the places we visited:

Bhalam

We start the day with a delicious breakfast and then head to the headquarters of “Rights4children” in Pokhara.

There, we meet Anil, who works for the organization and will show us two potential locations for the library today. Together, we drive to the outskirts of Pokhara, navigating through the dense and noisy city traffic, and passing by impressive and untouched landscapes.

After a half-hour drive, we arrive at the charming village of ‘Bhalam’.

Our first stop is the ‘Agricultural Support Office,’ where we are welcomed with a traditional greeting ceremony. Present are, among others, the school principal, the head teacher, and the mayor.

The welcome ceremony involved draping a scarf, called a ‘Khada’, around our shoulders. This symbolizes purity and compassion. The Khada is also used in various ceremonies such as weddings, births, greetings, and farewells.

The community leaders waiting for the meeting

In addition, we receive a ‘Tika’, a red mark on our foreheads. The dye for this mark is usually made from dried turmeric. It is said to focus energy and enhance concentration.

After the ritual, we are allowed to tour the rooms designated for the project. A large room, currently used for conferences, could be converted into the main library. Next to it are two smaller, currently unused rooms. The wall between them could be removed to create another large space, which could serve as a computer room.

The building on the right is the proposed library space.

Next to it is a beautiful garden with a variety of plants. A significant portion of the community earns its livelihood through agriculture. To support the village’s business in distribution and sales, they have established an agricultural cooperative. The neighboring school also specializes in agriculture and teaches children about it from a young age.

At our request, the head teacher shows us the school library. We had the impression that the library was very disorganized and lacked a proper filing system, which, unfortunately, is common in many school libraries in Nepal.

Khoramukh

The Nepali NGO READ Nepal has already received several requests from this community for a community library and has been involved in their needs assessment. After a bumpy ride and the customary warm meeting and exchange with the community leaders, we, along with our two Nepali friends who are translating for us, set out to interview people of all ages, genders, and social groups about the project.

While exploring the reading habits of the children

We found that many people were not exactly sure what a library is and what its purpose is. However, after explaining this in more detail, people showed great interest but expressed a desire for an e-library with computers and few physical books. They also mentioned that it would be difficult for mothers to visit the library since they usually have to take care of their young children.

The respondents and Sapana generally consider it an excellent idea to set up a children’s area in the library or in an additional room, with many children’s books and educational toys. The young mother was particularly pleased with this suggestion, as it would enable her to visit the library with her children.

The proposed building is very large, with two floors. They plan to use one of the floors as a conference room.

Bhurungkole

During our visit to ‘Bhurungkole’, we were once again warmly welcomed with a greeting ceremony in front of the mayor’s house and were also served a cup of sweet tea.

During the discussion, we learned that the community is currently working on improving the local water supply. However, the room proposed for the project is very small, and we quickly concluded that it is not large enough for our ideas. The terrace with its beautiful view of the fields and houses, though, was a highlight.

We ended the day feeling satisfied, with many new impressions of the villages and their people.

Conclusion

We have visited spaces that could potentially serve as locations for the library. Now, we will delve deeper into the various communities to ensure that people are genuinely interested and willing to commit long-term. Without their full engagement, the sustainability of the library cannot be guaranteed. We will take the necessary time to get to know the communities and then select the most suitable location.

Tag: community work

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

The library today

Amazing transformations: Before-After pictures that inspire

Joyful activities in the children’s area

Before-After: Children’s area makeover unveiled

What we couldn’t implement

The next steps

Similar articles

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

Hindu Tihar Festival

The preparations for the opening

Finally, the big opening day arrived

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

Similar articles

Colourful October 2023: Jacqueline’s perspective on our progress

How it all began for me

A look behind the scenes of our library work in Khoramukh

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

Community action

Similar articles

Our reading promotion program in the villages

The community’s greatest interests

Why reading is so important

Similar articles

The Renovation of the Library Building

The children’s area

The computer room

Handmade tables

Similar articles

Our first month in Nepal

Bhalam

Khoramukh

Bhurungkole

Conclusion

Similar articles