It is with a heavy heart that I write my final blog post. I have loved writing to you and reading your kind messages of support, it has made you all feel like close friends.
And so as my friends, I have some wonderful news to share with you (that definitely makes me less sorry to be home). I was very lucky to get back just in time for the birth of my third grandchild, little baby Ned. He is the most beautiful little boy and I would not have missed this day for the world!
Still it does feel odd to be back in Somerset and, even though Ned has been keeping me very busy, I keep on reflecting back on my time in Nepal.
A favourite bit of graffiti that I found during my first week in Nepal - sums up my placement!
A bit of a shock
I can’t believe that I first arrived in Nepal two years ago. To think I’d only planned on going as an ‘accompanying partner’ for my husband, Simon, who was desperate to fulfil a lifelong dream. I had absolutely no idea that I would soon be a full blown volunteer myself and just as passionate about VSO’s work!
I was also unprepared for the earthquake that was going to hit Nepal early on in our placement, clueless to the fact that I would be using my free time to rebuild schools and offer any additional hands on help I could. These last two years have been some of the most trying, crazy and wonderful of my life. I wouldn’t swap them for anything.
A project close to my heart
There is one project I’ve been working on with Sisters for Sisters that is particularly important to me, and I have been meaning to tell you about it for quite some time. During my placement, I realised that a major issue for a lot of the young girls is personal hygiene. It’s a topic that’s often left silent and a lack of awareness is putting young women’s health at risk. Therefore, I have started, with the help of my colleagues, running workshops to give practical advice and an open space for girls to ask questions and express fears.
A Nepalese doctor told me how urinary infections are getting increasingly common due to the cleaning methods used by young girls whilst on their periods. To find somewhere private to change they tend to hide in paddy fields, and use dirty hands and dirty water to clean themselves. Letting them know how important hygiene is and suggesting easy everyday methods to stay healthy can make such a difference.
Me demonstrating pelvic floor exercises during the workshop
The first time I delivered a workshop on feminine hygiene, I was so nervous. I really worried that the girls would be uncomfortable with the topic and upset about being made to talk about their periods. But by the end of the four hour session they all expressed their delight at having the talk. Everyone had something that they wanted to discuss, many mentioned how they would purposely miss school during their ‘time of the month’ losing out on vital parts of their education. Others spoke about the pain they experienced, and so I showed then a few simple exercises they could use for relief.
I am proud to say that with the help of our wonderful community mobilisers we managed to deliver Women’s Health Workshops to over 530 girls, and Sisters for Sisters is keen to continue this work after I’ve gone.
Breaking stones by the river - a thankless task
Wandering in Nepal
Have you ever wanted to know what Simon and I did when we weren’t working a hard six day week?
Most often, we were hiking. Simon and I have always been keen walkers and so a lot of our time was spent on our feet, wandering around and discovering Nepal. During our meanders, we came across many people whose experiences and everyday living helped us understand the importance of the work we were doing.
A common sight we were met with was people breaking stones to sell for construction near rivers. A thankless task with little reward. However, for people who struggle to have enough money to feed themselves there is little other option. Which is why Sisters for Sisters is vital - by ensuring that young girls receive a good education we are giving them the tools to change their lives.
Introducing Andrea
Soon you will be receiving an update from a fantastic man named Andrea Mari. He is off to Tanzania to help primary schools improve pupils’ education. Andrea is going to be working with a number of different schools helping the teachers find new and innovative ways of studying maths. Currently only around 30% of Tanzanian primary school students manage to pass the exam that gets them into secondary school. A large part of this exam focuses on basic maths - so you can see how important Andrea’s work is going to be. Of course, I am really looking forward to finding out more, and I am sure you are too.
Goodbye
I miss Nepal. My colleagues were truly incredible and the day of goodbyes was one of the hardest I have ever had.
I am pleased, however, to be back living with Simon. Though we were on placement together, a lot of his time over the last year was spent in Kathmandu which was a seven hour bus journey away. It was far too long a period to spend away from my best friend and husband. Now we are reunited, I am excited to know that we will be exploring new plans together.
Despite Simon’s absence, I want you to know that however lonely I felt, and however challenging my placement got, I always knew I was surrounded by your kindness and support. I don’t know what I have done without you.
I hope you are proud of all the work I have done on the Sisters for Sisters project, do you realise that it would not have been possible without your support?
All I can say is, thank you,
Judith
