Renowned Nepali social activist Indira Ranamagar visited HCC youth home Khushi Ghar to speak with HCC students. With a similar background to many of our students, Indira offered inspiring words, only further fueling our students’ energy to make a difference in the world.  

Born into poverty in rural Nepal, Indira was prevented from attending school as a child due to her gender. Instead, she taught herself the basics while sitting with her brothers as they did their homework. She practiced her letters by scratching them in the dirt outside with a stick. Eventually, she was allowed to attend school and graduated at the top of her class. She moved to Kathmandu and became a teacher. It was in Kathmandu where she became acquainted with Bishnu Kumari Waiba or Parijat. A famed Nepali writer and advocate, Parijit fought for the rights of political prisoners. It was through this work that Indira learned the ins and outs of the Nepali justice system and became interested in prisoners’ rights.

In 2000, she founded her own NGO in Nepal, Prisoner’s Assistance Nepal. She works to provide safe, supportive lodging and education for children whose parents are imprisoned. Currently, Prisoner’s Assistance Nepal runs 4 youth homes, 2 schools and dozens of other sundry projects. In a recent interview with the BBC, Indira estimated that she has helped 1,600 students so far. She has won many awards for her activism work, including the World Children’s Honorary Award, presented to her by Queen Silvia of Sweden.

Upon her recent visit to Khushi Ghar, Indira gave a lecture for HCC students, sharing her personal story about her upbringing, finding her true passion with her NGO, and even some of the challenges she faces today as an activist. Many of the students saw themselves in her, with many sharing her poor, rural background. Students were left incredibly inspired and empowered, excited to keep working to become community leaders.

Thank you, Indira, for visiting us and sharing your story. Thank you most of all for the incredible difference you make every day in the lives of Nepali children, inspiring the next generation of leaders around the world.

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Katie with students in 2011

My first time visiting Nepal was in 2011 to teach English to the students of Himalayan Children’s Charities. I spent a couple of months working with the eager students on their grammar, pronouncing “th” or “sh” words, and even a day of learning to swim at the local pool. I was there to teach children and experience Nepal and fell deeply in love with the country and the people, especially those at HCC’s youth home Khushi Ghar, or “Happy Home” in Nepali. My time there was a whirlwind of Nepali phrases, dancing, beautiful clothing, rhythmic music, building relationships, new tastes, and juicy mangoes. I delighted in the lifestyle and culture and felt immensely connected to my Nepali family. Since returning back home, my mind has been focused on finding ways to stay connected with the people I met in Kathmandu who added so much happiness to my life, looking for the next opportunity when I could travel back to see them again.

I had that chance in November 2017. The day I arrived in Kathmandu was a lively day. Leaving the airport, I couldn’t believe the added traffic and new construction within the city, a place where more people were flocking to live, work, or visit, and now catering more to tourists.

Khushi Ghar in Nov. 2017

With great excitement, I took a cab to Khushi Ghar. Through the gates, I was greeted by my Nepali family in such a loving way that made me feel as if little time had passed since I was last there, and as though I have remained a cherished member of the family. Outside, the city had changed, but inside, I felt the same warmth and love I had experienced before. Through my stay, the tastes of masala tea and smells of turmeric, curry, rice, and vegetables brought me back to my first time here. We reminisced over my lessons, creating art, and funny stories. I learned about the accomplishments of the students. It’s hard to believe that those I worked with so closely when they were children are now young adults in graduate school, working in fulfilling jobs, and some even married. Little Dikshant, son of Khushi Ghar’s loving house parents, is now 12, loves making omelets and is learning how to play the piano. I also met a new member of the family, Bob, who brings laughter and mischievous liveliness to the home.

Sharing laughs in Kathmandu

Now, a small and strong team works together within Khushi Ghar – including some of the students that I worked with. No one is more important than another, as all play vital roles and work together in maintaining what HCC stands for: education, compassion, and opportunity. They have developed new projects benefiting children affected by the earthquake, creating awareness for anti-trafficking, guiding a new generation of students to live fulfilled lives, and in all, creating change that will benefit their country and future generations.

Though some of the familiar faces have grown up, their hearts and energy are the same. It’s beautiful to see and to be reminded of how they have a greater emphasis on relationships in Nepal with family and friends. Though my stay was brief, I look forward to when I will go back again to our Happy Home.

The post Guest Column: Going Home to Khushi Ghar appeared first on HCC Nepal.

After beginning with a series of fun icebreakers and games, students were given a more structured storytelling exercise. In pairs, students were given a story prompt and had to stand in front of the group and improvise speaking for a minute an a half. One student would begin the story for 45 seconds while the next student would finish the story in 45 seconds. Although it was a tricky exercise at first, students enjoyed themselves and by the completion of the exercise, felt much more relaxed speaking in front of a group. Students attempted again, this time given an unlimited amount of time to complete the story, only being able to hand off the storytelling to their partner when prompted. The second time, speaking off the cuff came more naturally to students, allowing them to get used to speaking publicly without prompts.

Students also had the opportunity to practice formal speech and debate by debating the question: should children under the age of 10 have access to social media? The students were split into two groups and by virtue of a coin toss, one group debated the pro side with the other the con side. Each side was given 5 minutes to prepare 3 main arguments before coming together to present their arguments and given time to give rebuttal arguments to the opposing arguments. Through the exercise, students addressed issues of cyberbullying, educational resources, and distractions offered by social media.

These games allowed students to have fun with their peers while also practicing essential public speaking skills, social skills, logic and confidence in themselves. Learning can take place in a variety of spaces outside of the classroom, and Khushi Ghar is another space for learning in the company of friends.

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While visiting Khushi Ghar, Mr. Manandhar taught a three-hour seminar to students, beginning with the use of oil pastels and how to utilize color in pastel drawings. After providing a demonstration, he asked the students to do some free drawing on their own while he provided gentle instruction and constructive critiques to each student’s work. In addition to teaching the basic mechanics of free drawing, Mr. Manandhar had the opportunity to speak at length with students about his life and the lessons he has gleaned over the years and the experience and responsibility of being Nepal’s most popular artist. In turn, the students, as a thank you, performed their own musical art, allowing them to express their own personality and growth in music performance.

Our students felt immense gratitude for Mr. Manandhar’s time and generosity. Mr. Manandhar greatly enjoyed his time with the students and has promised a return visit in the future. In the meantime, he plans to use his sketches of the students for fundraising efforts on behalf of HCC.

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