Semi-Permanant Classroom Handover Ceremony (2 Months Tzu Chi Nepal Disaster Relief): Bagiswori, Sarraswoti LSS, Janapremi LSS

Today marks two months since Tzu Chi has been in Nepal for the April 25th, 2015 earthquake disaster relief. Time has flown by and progress can be clearly seen all around Nepal. Tzu Chi came to help out only 3 days after the earthquake hit and has never left. There has been 9 disaster relief teams with multiple rotations.

A quick summary:

9 teams of disaster relief volunteers (276 people)

Donations from 38 countries

Cash-For-Work Program: 2,473 people

Hot Meals: 78,850 people

Free Clinics: 11,366 people

Tents/Temporary Shelters Distributions: 7,000 people

Solar Energy Kits: 10

Total Relief Goods Distributions: 78,983 people

I was correcting the english version of our handover ceremony's brochure for the reporters. 

I was in charge of the VIP section of the ceremony. I explained to many different reporters about who we are and what does Tzu Chi do all over the world. They were all very impressed and eager to learn more about how they can get involved in the volunteer work Tzu Chi is doing in Nepal. 

Public school teachers are in pink uniforms and private secondary teachers are in turquoise uniforms.

We conducted a tea ceremony to let the students show their utter most respect for their teachers and the principal. I was very touched by the students's patience and efforts, because the day before, they practiced over and over again to get every single detail just right. Thank you guys so much for making today so special for everyone involved! 

The teachers were all very touched by their student's gestures and all commented that this type of way to pay respect is really good, as well. Normally in Nepal, the traditional way of paying respect to elders is giving someone a Khada or for the highest level of respect is by kneeling down and touching that person's feet. 

Traditional Newari dance! They clothed themselves in black and red patterned costumes complete with the traditional accessories: a red flower, macasi earrings, thick hollowed-silver ankle bracelets and a gold headpiece.  This dance told a story, had a philosophy, and every gesture, stance and glance had the deep meaning and knowledge of our true being behind it. This is a type of dance that mirrored the deep religious and cultural aspects of Nepal. 

Traditional Nepali dance. The girls wore traditional Nepali costumes,  Gunyu (Saree) Choli (Blouse) Patuki (Cloth Pouch) to perform for us.   

Ribbon cutting handover ceremony time!

The principal was so kind to have asked us to stay for some snacks. PB&J sandwich, Nepali yoguart, a hard boiled egg and some fruit. What a treat!

~ Sarraswoti LSS ~

It has been a long while since I've last seen these things (A Melodica)! How adorable. The pink and blue combo really reminds me of my childhood! Oh jeeze! What a mixture of colors huh?

I've asked the children to pick up all the trash in the court yard. The incentive? CANDY! When every child heard the word CANDY (they say "Chocolat" here) they ran like crazy! Going to every single corner to pick up garbage! It was quite a sight! I told them that the whole ground needs to be completely cleaned before anyone gets any candy. And on top of all of that, I informed them that I DID NOT want to see ANY candy wrappers on the ground afterwards either!

What an amazing job and what a huge difference ten bags less of trash can make to a school ground!!!! It was as if the school was reborn again. I made sure to teach the children to always remember to put the trash into the big trashcan they have at the school. It always seems a lot worse when the trash gets accumulated over time, and much harder to clean. It was for the great good of everyone. It is also a great way to let the children bring this kind of education back to their homes and neighborhoods. The children did a wonderful job and I hope that the principal and teachers will continue this kind of education once we leave. Keep up the good work kiddos! 

We had the teachers pass out the candy to each of their class. It worked out really well.

I talked to the children about the Bamboo Bank spirit and how these uniforms and textbooks came about. We wanted them to know that over 38 countries have donated their love to Nepal and that this accumulation of Great Love is eternally in their hearts. To always remember that many people love and care about them, so they do not ever need to feel alone. We hope that they will cherish their uniforms and textbooks and to pass on their own love to others who are in need, as well. 

I am so grateful that I get to be here in Nepal to witness all of these positive changes and be a part of the cycle of Great Love.