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Tag: Library Opening

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

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

Written on . 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.

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

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

Written on . 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.

The view during breakfast
The most delicious Dal Bhat
Traditional Music instruments
Dancing together

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.

The beginning of the opening ceremony
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.

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Colourful October 2023: Jacqueline's perspective on our progress

Colourful October 2023: Jacqueline’s perspective on our progress

Written on . 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.

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