Saving the children of Nepal
By SGT Matthew Pitts
Physical Training Instructor, SGT Matthew Pitts, has a heart for Nepalese children. Last year, with the help of RNZAF personnel, he raised $3,900 for Save the Children projects that are currently active in Nepal. SGT Pitts then took leave and supported the projects, first-hand. What follows is his experience in Nepal.
Circle of action
Together with members of the Save the Children organisation, I visited two projects—one in Lekhani Village and the other in Baglung Town. I was unsure what to expect heading in, but what was clear, was that the Nepalese are a proud, hard-working and generous people. I stayed with a family in Lekhani and I will never forget how warmly I was welcomed, despite their limited resources.
Our role in Lekhani was to enhance their grasp on the English language by conducting lessons. The aim of Save the Children is to have 100% school attendance from the village children, a goal that has since been achieved. The next objective for Save the Children is to build a high school so the children don’t have to walk three hours to town, to further their education.
Being a Physical Training Instructor, it didn’t take me long to grab a ball and take the children for their first Physical Education (PE) lesson. Growing up in a sport loving nation like New Zealand, we can take sport for granted. However, due to a lack of equipment, the children of Lekhana Village never have PE lessons.
In Baglung Town, I was fortunate enough to meet Hom Bahador Thapa. Hom is a severely disabled child who, up until two years ago, no one knew existed. Now, with Save the Children involved, not only does Hom get an education, he also supports himself by making picture frames and pencil cases.
On behalf of Hom, and all the Nepalese children who now have educational opportunities, I would like to thank you all for your generous donations and support in helping the children of Nepal—you can rest assured that your money went to a worthy cause.