DISABLED NEWLIFE CENTRE REPORT ON VISIT FEBRUARY/MARCH 2007

The visit to DISABLED NEWLIFE CENTRE in 2007, has been for me, the most productive year since I first started supporting the Disabled Newlife Centre three years ago. Many new changes have taken place.

It was decided that the children should take a more active interest and be consulted when changes or new rules are introduced in the organisation. In this regard the following has taken place:

(1) Separate bank account for each child
A separate bank account has been initiated for each child. The funds are placed in the general account. However, records are kept in the office by the Management with the assistance of a President and Treasurer elected from the Children by the Children.

(2) A vegetable patch
A vegetable patch containing a variety of vegetables has been planted. Two monitors oversee the watering and weeding of the garden and ensure the other children do not play in that area.

(3) Small library for kids
Up until now the books appear to be locked away in cupboards in the Library, the suggestion came up that during school holidays the cupboards should be opened for at least one to two hours a day. Two monitors attend to the opening and closing and make sure books are not written in or torn and are tidied away.

(4) Staffing updates
As Shanti, the House Mother has not been given specific hours for her weekly day off, it has been agreed that she does not have to be available until five in the evening in winter, and six in the evening in summer. The assistant house mother will be in charge.

Moni is extremely efficient at house work and washing, however, she is as yet timid and inexperienced with the children. Two monitors have been elected to make sure that the children respect and obey Moni on these days.

(5) Painting competition
This year we had a painting competition for the five most experienced artists. I was one of the judges and also provided the prizes for first, second and third. The excitement was great and we now have thirty children all busy with paint and brushes.

We displayed the paintings in the Library and to date in four weeks some thirty paintings have been sold for the sum of 200 rps each = $4.00 Australian. The children put the money in their personal bank account. Once they have sold a painting they are expected to bank half the amount and use the other half to replenish their stocks of paint, brushes, paper and frames.

(6) Craft production line
We have also set up an excellent craft production line. They have been busy making patchwork cushion covers, bags, key rings depicting felt bears and fish and great knitting of scarves. With the felt we have also been making butterfly broaches and flowers to hold back their hair.

My aim next year is to have an ‘Open Day’ where we will invite many guests to firstly inspect the premises, meet the children, and incorporate an Art and Craft Show where they can display and sell their produce. The idea has gone down very well and they are all enthusiastic, though I am realistic enough to believe that the enthusiasm will wain now that I have departed. However, we have plenty of time to get a good stock if we work hard during the first six weeks of my visit next year. It has been an interesting exercise as both Moni (the assistant house mother) and Recka the Cook have really good skills at the Nepali craft work. I have requested that time be allocated to use both these two women to pass on their expertise to the children.

(7) Recreation
A volley ball and net was purchased and two metal posts manufactured. The children did have a table tennis table but the arrival of the new equipment was much appreciated and each day it is set up and great matches are played. It does not take up much room which is good as space is at a premium. The vegetable garden monitors are on strict alert during the game times!

(8) Education
The learning capacity has greatly improved with the change from state to private schools for the children. Apart from Nepali language study all classes are held in English. This is important as it is essential in the future world to be able to speak good English. At first the children struggled and some of them have been receiving extra coaching to help them catch up. Now all are progressing well which is very satisfying.

Two of the eldest girls are due to leave the Organisation later this year. The task then has to be faced, with many applications for admission, to choose who is the most deserving for selection to a place at DNC.

I look forward to my return to DNC in 2008 and will be working hard to collect items for the ‘Open Day’ Art and Craft Show. I also like to take this opportunity to express thanks to those who send in their donation to support the project.

With kind thoughts and best wishes,
Zandra Eccles
April 2007