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Nepal: A Week in the Field, Supporting Home of Hope
From April 29 to May 6, 2024, Patrik Lööf, Christian Brandt, and Carl-Johan Brandt embarked on a journey to Home of Hope. Their purpose was to assess the ongoing progress with the children’s development, education, and the overall condition of the home. Additionally, they engaged in discussions with the board members regarding the potential admission of more children in need.
Day 1: Arrival and Anniversary Celebration
Our team arrived at Home of Hope today to kick off our 5-day visit. We’re here to see the amazing progress the children are making in their education and the overall improvements in the home. Today, we had productive meetings with the board to discuss the possibility of welcoming more children in need.
Event: Enjoyed a special dinner with alumni, Shyam, and monk Pema to celebrate the 9th Anniversary of Home of Hope.
Highlight: Celebrating this milestone with a delicious cake alongside the Home of Hope alumni was truly heartwarming.
Day 2: Exploring Local Sites and Arrival
Today, we visited the stunning Monkey Temple with monk Pema and 6 nuns. Following this serene experience, we embarked on a 5-hour car journey to Home of Hope with Shyam.
Challenges: The journey was an adventure with multiple stops and navigating through poor road conditions.
On the Way: We had the pleasure of meeting Purna, who is completing her Grade 12 exams in another village.
Evening: We finally arrived at Home of Hope, enjoyed a lovely dinner, and celebrated with another cake.
Day 3: School Visits: Understanding Local Educational Needs
During our school visits, we focused on assessing the needs of the schools and the children from Home of Hope who attend them. Ensuring that these schools can provide a quality education is crucial for the children’s development.
Shree Ratankot Basic School: This school is just 10 minutes away and serves grades 1-8. The children from Home of Hope attend this school. The principle has noted that the Home of Hope children are well mannered, and excel in their schooling.
Shree Koldong Secondary School: Located 30 minutes away, this school serves grades 9-10 and is also attended by students from Home of Hope. All the students walk to school every day.
Day 4: Home Visit – Potential New Student
Patrik and the Home of Hope board, which includes local elders, visited homes and schools to identify children in need who could benefit from living at Home of Hope. Our primary focus is on education, life skills, financial management, and the safety and well-being of the children. Home of Hope can accommodate up to 16 children, and we are continuously identifying those in need.
Home Visit: Kaushal’s Story
We visited Kaushal, a bright 10-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother. Kaushal’s mother is missing, and his father has passed away, leaving his grandmother struggling to support him financially. Kaushal’s home is 35 minutes away from Home of Hope, and he passes by it every day on his way to school. Given his educational, social, and medical needs, Kaushal would greatly benefit from living at Home of Hope.
Home of Hope Board Meeting
The board meeting was an opportunity to discuss our current initiatives and plan for the future. We reviewed the list of potential new students and strategised on how best to support them.
Home Visit: Anita’s Journey
We visited Anita, a dedicated student who is on the path to becoming a nurse. She will receive her nursing license in 5-6 months. Anita expressed her deep gratitude for the support from the Lööf Foundation, which has been instrumental in her educational journey.
Shopping for Essentials
Shyam and Patrik went shopping for clothes, medicine, and kitchen accessories for Home of Hope. These items are essential for the daily functioning and well-being of the children.
Home Visit: Preti’s Grandparents
During our visit to Preti’s grandparents, they shared their heartfelt gratitude for the support provided by Home of Hope and the Lööf Foundation. Their appreciation reaffirms the importance of our work and motivates us to continue our efforts.
Day 5: Home Visit
Continuing our home visits, we met with more families to understand their needs and how Home of Hope can support them.
Day 6: Home Visit and Shopping
Our final day involved more home visits and another shopping trip to ensure we had all the necessary supplies for Home of Hope.
Through these visits and interactions, we aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in need, ensuring they have access to education, healthcare, and life skills that will help them thrive.