DISABLED NEWLIFE CENTRE REPORT ON VISIT FEBRUARY/MARCH 2008

During this final visit to Nepal a great deal has been achieved.

(1) “Open Day – Art and Craft Show” at Disabled Newlife Centre

Last year it was decided to hold an “Open Day – Art and Craft Show” at Disabled Newlife Centre in 2008. A lot of work had already commenced during 2007 so things were in motion for the great day. This was a two fold decision. Firstly to join the Rotary Clubs supporting their logo during 2008 as “The Year of the Disabled”. Secondly to invite as many Nepalese as possible to visit the centre, meet the children, and realise that to be disabled was not the end of the line. With care and attention these children can graduate as able bodied as physically possible.

My arrival saw a flurry of activity in many differing areas. Children were organised into groups. A vegetable garden was dug with beans, cabbages, onions and spinach being planted. This year it was decided not to plant cauliflower as it had not been a success last year. I think it was too late in the season.

The flower beds were dug over with plenty of kitchen refuse mixed in with the soil. Bedding seedlings and many potted plants were both sewn and placed in strategic areas of the garden.

The Computer Room was painted, a new carpet laid and arrangements for four computers to come online so that the children could be supervised as to the programmes they were accessing, rather than them going to the Cyber Café without any adult being present.

Bedrooms, the library and Physio room also received a fresh coat of paint as did the kitchen and portico.

New sheets and pillow cases were supplied to each bed and each room received new curtains.

The children’s work on their art and craft was magnificent. Mani Didi, the Assistant House Mother created wonderful crochet, embroidery and kitted items, these were readily sought after.

On the day itself the children were rostered into groups looking after visitors, each stall, and generally talking and communicating with the visitors. I had thought that they would take turns at the stalls, but not so, they all stood their ground for the full five hours the Centre was open.

The day was a resounding success with many visitors. They included many Nepalese, overseas volunteers and friends. I am pleased to report that the proceeds of the day amounted to 54,000 Rps which is approximately $1000.00 Australian. The children learned a great deal from the experience.

When the children were asked what they had gained over the two month preparation the answers were varied. They ranged from a shuffle of the feet and shrug of the shoulders, to “I have learned how to keep the place tidy”, “I have learned how to wear underpants”, “I have learned how to make money” ----- I think the most satisfying answer to me was “I have learned that, despite being disabled, I have a good brain and can achieve anything I want in life”………………….

(2) Other events

There were other events that took place during my seven week stay. A dinner was organised again to raise awareness of the Centre. This was held in the most beautiful setting, “The Garden of Dreams”. The dinner was excellent and a most moving power point demonstration with pictures of the children being flashed to the music of “That’s What Friends are for”, was shown. I do not think there was a dry eye in the house. It was produced by Fran and her brother Michael, the English couple who have done so much for DNC, having set up a Foundation in England which has purchased a block of land, and is now undertaking the building of new premises for DNC.

Other events included a Magic Show. I must admit having found the magician’s advert in the newspaper, I was not sure what to expect. The standard of his performance and act was exceptional, Komal had us all guessing and I think the most rapt person in the audience was the Centre’s Manager, Raju. The children were enthralled and did not move from their allotted seats for the whole 2 hour presentation.

Michael had a farewell lunch prior to his return to England. They children always enjoy the slight departure from their regular diet of rice and vegetables, with lots of lovely meaty pieces added in this instance, the food disappeared very rapidly. Michael had invited several of his friends who were visiting from Malaysia. The children always get very excited when there are new visitors and climb all over them, chattering all the time like little sparrows.

A visit was also made to Jorpathy where the Rotary Clubs, under the auspices of Robert Rose from the USA put on an excellent afternoon of entertainment for disabled children with face painting, dancing, good food and a variety of activities to be undertaken.

It was with sadness that I finally left Nepal, but at the same time felt that, particularly with the experience of the “Open Day,” the children have learnt a great deal, and will continue to hold such an event every year. I wish them luck in their endeavours and a happy future.

Zandra Eccles
March 2008