I have now been in Dhading for a few months and I am really starting to settle in. My time here is feeling slowly more and more like everyday life, and just like back at home it can be as challenging as it is rewarding. I am fast learning how to deal with the little everyday frustrations.
One of my personal gripes is the libraries, they are filled with beautiful, immaculate books donated by the charity Room to Read. However, they are only immaculate because no one uses them, people just don’t seem interested. I am going to make it my personal mission to get the girls reading and teach them the joy of entering another world through a book.
I’m going to need to have a good think about ways to entice them, let me know if you have any ideas!
Some of the little sisters spying on one of our planning sessions
My fellow community mobilisers
My role as a Community Mobiliser for Sisters for Sisters is shared by a few fantastic Nepali men and women. Together we work hard, each focusing on about two or three schools and communities. Our range of work can vary quite a lot, whether it’s training the big sisters, visiting schools to check on progress, or monitoring the relationships between the girls. We are constantly busy keeping an eye on things and reporting on any issues and developments within the community.
When I first started, I’ll admit, I found our different work ethics frustrating. Initially, my fellow community mobilisers weren’t always eager to help with projects that weren’t related to their work, they’d happily sit and do nothing rather than offer to assist others. However, with some patience and even more good humour, we have begun looking at ways to work together through our projects and the results have been fantastic!
I have been helping the community mobilisers discover the best ways to run meetings and to build working relationships with teachers. Even during my short time here, I have seen such a massive change in their self-confidence, and I feel so proud. In return, they have shown me how I should approach my various areas of work through their amazing insight about these communities and their strong knowledge of the country. Sisters for Sisters would not be able to run without them, and I feel privileged to work with such inspiring young women.
Jewellery Workshops
The proud owner of some new jewellery
One person would hold the threads tight, whilst their partner would tie the other end to a pencil and twist
Ever since I arrived in Nepal, I have fallen in love with all the bright colours. Everywhere I go I find myself staring at the beauty of the decorations. Colour is obviously an important part of life here and it’s becoming so for me too. I thought it would be fantastic to do something that reflected the amazing colours I have seen here in Nepal, as well as rewarding the girls for all their hard work. Back in the UK, hands on arts and crafts sessions are always a great way for people to bond and so I decided that we should spend the day making jewellery.
Having the little sisters and big sisters partner and work together for the session was a great way to foster their relationship. It is so important that the young girls are able to trust and work well with their mentors.
The girls quickly lost any shyness, positively stating which colours and styles worked best. One of the issues with schooling in Nepal is young boys are encouraged to give their opinion, whilst girls are not. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to help the girls feel comfortable expressing their point of view.
The girls absolutely loved the workshop and I also enjoyed seeing what inventive creations they made. But the best part was that before my eyes I could see the girls increasing in self-assurance, forming firm relationships and feeling more confident about speaking up.
Glimpse into a classroom
I get so excited seeing the lessons and watching the girls improve so I couldn’t resist filming a snapshot of one of the classes I took part in yesterday. I hope you are as impressed as I was by their enthusiasm– though please excuse my bad editing.
Plans for the future
I’m currently planning a very different kind of workshop. I’ve been working hard with the community mobilisers and we’re hoping to start sessions soon. I’m positive that all the creative skills the girls showed with their jewellery will come in handy whilst making reusable sanitary towels!
It is shocking how something as natural as menstruation can have such a drastic effect on girls’ lives. I was saddened to hear how much education young girls lose out on just because they are maturing. On top of this, the way they handle their periods actually risks their own personal health. From talking to the girls, community mobilisers and doctors I have found that it is common practice for them to use bulky cloths that they will then clean in dirty water, risking a urinary infection.
Judith, a past VSO volunteer, worked hard running talks teaching about feminine hygiene and I want to continue her work by teaching the girls how to make hygienic and reusable sanitary towels. This is an area where I know I can make a difference, I can’t wait to tell you how it goes.
Thank you for your support, it is so weird living in Nepal after spending the last nineteen years in one place. It is a comfort having your messages of support, knowing that you are reading my posts.
Thank you,
Eunice
