HELPING HANDS HEALTH EDUCATION

FEEDBACK

We would like to express our gratitude to all non-medical volunteers for sharing the views and experiences on their visit to Nepal.

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Charles Serns: Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School in Boulder, Colorado who participated in our Educator's trip during summer of 2004 says,

“…my stay in Nepal was amazing…so many sights, experiences, emotions…..it has been hard to shape a perspective that deals with what I saw and how I live and what I should do. I have new perspectives that I am still trying to work out and make sense of in "our" world.  We have SO much... I am a better, wiser person because of it.”

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Kelly Turnquist: A 5th grade teacher of Boulder Valley Schools, who went to Nepal during summer of 2004 in Educator's trip as her say:

“It's hard to sum up all of my feelings about the trip.  I remember being very scared as my husband drove me to the airport on the morning of June 8.  As I became acquainted with my travel-mates, however, my fears subsided.  If nothing else, I figured, I would have great companions for the next month. 

Bangkok was a great transition from America to Asia.  The hotel was extremely comfortable, and it provided a nice home-base.  I enjoyed learning about Thailand's traditions and customs, while still being indulged by many Western conveniences. 

When I arrived in Kathmandu, my senses were overwhelmed:  honking horns, vehicles of all sorts zooming by, cows!, shopkeepers eagerly inviting me inside, the smoky smell of food cooking, signs written in a multitude of languages.  I felt intimidated as I walked through Thamel, careful not to lose sight of my travel-mates.  I was relieved when we left the busy city for Khandbari.  

Being in the village was my favorite part of the trip.  Although we arrived several hours late, the teachers and students gave us a very warm welcome, complete with fresh flowers and tika.  It was a joy to get to know the people in the village.  I was disappointed that we weren't able to spend time with the students in the school, but at least we got to meet with the teachers and a few of the students in a more casual setting.  I particularly enjoyed an afternoon walk that we took, led by many of the Surya School teachers. I enjoyed the conversations that I had, getting first-hand information about what life was like there, so far away from my home.  One teacher, Giriraj, spent an incredible amount of time and energy teaching me the Nepali language.  He filled my journal with pages and pages of vocabulary words that I could study on the plane. I learned so much from him.  

Our last night in Khandbari was incredible.  Our hosts threw a party for us, complete with delicious food and beverages, music, dancing, and lots of laughter. I was astounded by their generosity.  I feel that I will always have friends on the other side of the world.

In the end, when it was time to go home,  I felt mixed emotions. I was looking forward to being back in my house with my family.  At the same time, though, I knew that this amazing chapter in my life was coming to an end.  I don't know when I'll ever have another opportunity to expand my horizons through such an intense experience. I'm very grateful to everyone who made the trip possible.  Narayan, you have done so much to improve the lives of so many Nepali people.  I have great respect for you.”

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Anjte Herlyn who was known as “Kanchi” in Khandbari was a non medical volunteer from January to May 2001, living in Khandbari and volunteering at the Helping Hands clinic.  She writes:

“Dr. Shyam at the Khandbari clinic took me under his wing and I observed his patient visits.  Our patients came to us by foot anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 days away.  The clinic is not a typical general clinic like those in the United States-our patients arrived with anything from wild parasites to acute upper respiratory infections to kidney failure to scabies to broken limbs to malignant tumors—the list could go on forever.  I learned more than I ever imagined - knowledge that will follow me to medical school next September. In addition to my daily visits with Dr. Shyam at the clinic, I also wanted to create a project of my own in order to make the best of my five months there.  After only one week I realized that health education is the main obstacle to better health in Nepal, and globally, as well.  After speaking with enthusiastic students and teachers, I therefore began a Peer Health Education Program (which I called PHEP!) at the Surya Boarding School in Khandbari.  The 6^th and 7^th grade children helped me to plan lessons, which they then taught to the younger children.  We addressed hygiene, nutrition, first aid, common health problems and solutions, and sexual education (which I taught to the older girls).  I was greatly impressed with how quickly the program developed due to the wonderful and dedicated students at Surya. I know that once I have a white coat, scrubs and stethoscope of my own, I will return as Dr. Kanchhi—the affectionate Nepali nickname I was given, will always hold.”

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Providing Educational Opportunities and Exposure to the children of Nepal.....