Dear Friends of the Umbrella Foundation:
You may be hearing more disturbing reports from Kathmandu on the world news in the last weeks. Progress towards our long awaited constituent assembly elections has halted with the old political guard haggling over the details. Prices are spiraling, and especially fuel price increases have prompted demonstrations on the streets and these have turned violent on several occasions. As I write this, a Maoist rally is taking place in the centre of Kathmandu (unthinkable a year ago) the capital is once again at a standstill, and we wait and hope for some kind of sustainable peace process to emerge.
August started off too dry and we were all very concerned about water supplies, and therefore electricity supplies, for the coming long, dry season. However, by the end of the month the monsoon had reduced much of Nepal to a swamp. It is sadly ironic that last year’s drought plagued the far west, only to end in floods this year which have displaced thousands of people and devastated crops in the south and east of the country.
And the good news? Well things at the Umbrella are going along nicely. This month we are focusing on ways to reduce our costs by buying in bulk, and by soliciting more food donations locally.
A Day-trip to Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath temple, is the second most sacred shrine in the Hindu world. It draws millions of devotees and visitors every year and is the most auspicious cremation site in Nepal. Now that we have our own bus, each of our houses is sending a group of their children out on day-trips on Saturdays (their only day off school). We suggested the children may like to go to the zoo, but they overwhelmingly choose a picnic at Pashupatinath. It will take many Saturdays for all 208 of our children to make the trip, as only about 25 children and 5 caretakers can go each week, but it’s certainly something for us all to look forward to!
Eliza from Italy
Eliza Ambrose from Verona, Italy, was with us for almost all of August. Eliza stayed in our volunteer room in Annapurna House and was a wonderful calming presence for all the children. As well as taking care of the younger children in the mornings and evenings, Eliza went to Pragya Jyoti School every day with the children, and led play groups for the younger children and art classes for the older ones. Thank you so much for volunteering a month of your time to help our children! We look forward to seeing you again in the near future.
Raju and Rabin
When the Umbrella Organization finally got permission to rescue 45 children who were living in squalor in Dallu Children’s Home, a boy called Raju came with the group. Raju was born with congenital brain damage and knows little much about his past. We do not know Raju’s last name (or if his first name is Raju actually) or his village of birth. Raju wandered into Dallu 2 years ago when we were trying to help out there. He was covered in infections and indeed required several courses of antibiotics and several months to clear them up.
Last month Raju moved into our all boys home called Machapuchare House. He settled in well. however, it soon became clear that Raju needs more assistance than our house parents can give him with their busy schedule and so many other children to look after, so we employed Rabin Nepali as a full time care assistant for Raju. Raju attends a special school and we have considered placing Raju in a special home for special children, but we also feel that Raju has much to teach our children about compassion and about how lucky they are. We also feel, and doctors have confirmed this, that it is better for Raju to live with us than to live only with other special people.
Raju and Rabin get along great. Rabin is disabled, has a wife and baby, and has found it difficult to find work due to his disability. One of the aims of the Umbrella Organization is to offer much needed employment to local people, especially locals who are marginalized by caste or disability.
Welcome Rabin! And thank you for all the extra care you give to Raju.
Madeline’s Summer Project
This summer, Madeline McPherson, known as Maddie to her friends, decided to devote her vacation to raising funds to support the children of the Umbrella Organization. Madeline borrowed money from her mom, and bought beautiful silver jewelry in Nepal and then sold it to her friends and family at gatherings she organized at relative’s homes. Maddie even went to local churches to tell them about our work and raise more funds. What remarkable dedication and follow through for a 10 year old! We are all just so proud of you!
Jen’s Wonderful Art Projects
Jen Fuller, from the USA, arrived mid-August straight from Japan, and immediately began planning all kinds of creative art projects for our children. Working with small groups in the afternoons, and with larger groups at Pragya Jyoti School, Jen is using art and games to both stimulate the children’s creativity and help them improve their English skills at the same time!
Our volunteers give our children the individual attention that all children need, but unfortunately that living in an institution can often rule out. This encouragement is so important for children to develop good self-esteem. Huge thanks to Jen, it is so much fun to have you here!!
Clowns Without Borders
Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! Clowns Without Borders, a wonderful group of incredibly talented clowns from Ireland will come to Sagarmatha House on October 7th to perform for our children. Excitement is already at fever pitch, as we have decided to turn the day into a huge celebration. There will be special food, and every house will prepare a performance for us all to enjoy! If you happen to be in Nepal at this time this is an event not to be missed. In fact, we are delighted to report that Dave Cutler (a member of the board of The Umbrella Foundation, Ireland will be with us at the time making the event even more special for our children. Thank you so much Clowns Without Borders for volunteering to do this---You are just what the Doctors Without Borders ordered!! (Ha Ha!!)
Let’s Get These Children Sponsored!
Around 60% of our children are currently sponsored. If only we could get the remainder sponsored we would could relax a little and focus on improving the quality of the care we give instead of on just how to pay the bills.
If you would like to sponsor a child or know anyone who would like to, please do email us.
