VaaO episode 12: 25/03/2017- 'Let's plan for the future!'

We continued the movie from where we left off- it’s almost finished now! Today our aim was to call Mr. Bhavendra Thamsuhang- (the Director of Loving Home- the orphanage we go to) so we could discuss a few things with him at the orphanage. We’re coming towards the end of our service category in the bronze award so we wanted to discuss a few things with him such as:

• If children at the orphanage need any further help besides just our classes e.g. Books, uniforms, etc.
• If there is anything our parents could do to help the orphanage e.g. donations, etc.
• What is the thing that is lacking at the orphanage.
• How many total children are there at the orphanage.
• We told him briefly about the highlights of the activities we have done.
• Day out next to next week to Boudhanath.

We were planning to take all the kids on a day out to Boudhanath (famous tourist destination  in Nepal- it’s a monastery!) and have lunch after that. We needed to take permission from the orphanage to take all the kids. Guess what… we got permission! So next to next week we will be taking all the kids to Boudhanath!

After getting a positive response about the trip he also told us things we could do to help the orphanage:

• Do as much as you can- discuss with your parents!
• It would be great if all the kids could get a uniform for their new session which will begin in mid April.
• Books and stationery for all the kids for the new session would be great.
• We provide them food and clothes so that is not an issue, basically pretty much you can do to help- as much as you can.
• Also, we all were happy to hear that he appreciates what we all are doing at the age of 15 for orphans!

Lastly, he’s a nice guy and we all were happy to meet him. It was indeed a crucial and an important discussion we had with him. Next week we will be visiting the orphanage again, also we'll plan more in depth for our trip!

VaaO episode 11: 18/03/2017 - 'Movie time'

Last week was Holi (festival of colours celebrated in India, Nepal and other neighbouring countries) so we couldn’t go and visit the students. This week we decided to do something more entertaining with the children and something that they don’t probably get to do as often. We came to a conclusion to show them a movie. This idea worked very well and all the children were engaged and enjoyed watching “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” (a Hindi movie of 2013). I was delighted to see the happiness and joy in their eyes, seemed as if it was something they always wanted. When we told them today we are going to watch a movie then they all quickly arranged the table to sit and watch the movie- I just don't have any words to describe their excitement. I felt satisfied to see them happy & excited and once again it reminded me of how privileged I am and don’t even realise the importance of having a laptop to watch movies whenever I want. Later after an hour and half we gave all the kids colouring sheets and books to read. At 1 pm we finished off! Today was fun and the kids seemed to have enjoyed! Hope to see them next week again. 

 

VaaO episode 10: 04/03/2017 - 'Shout UNO (card game)'

There was gap in visiting the orphanage because of our school’s sports day, but we went this week :) Today we didn’t have anything special, besides teaching the children how to play card games such as “UNO” as well as showing along with teaching them card tricks- shuffling/magic. After doing this activity for 30 minutes we gave them printed sheets to color and coloring pencils. I am actually very happy to see the joy on their face when they see coloring sheets to color, probably because that is something they do rarely. This reminds me of how privileged I am and why I shouldn't be wasting or misusing resources along with reminding me the significance of it. Later, we gave them books to read and we read with the children who weren’t as good in reading or maybe they were just learning. They actually enjoy reading books, and look forward to us to bring them books so they can read it. Towards the end, some of the children started playing football and mini drills of football in small groups, it was pleasurable to see them being creative and doing exceptionally well. They all seem to have benefitted from us today, which is positive and inspiring for us! Another good thing is I also benefit when I go there because it makes me realise the the second type of life, what I have- if I am using it efficiently and I thank god for giving me birth in a privileged family. We’re looking forward to doing another new and interesting activity with the children next week!

PS: We forgot to take pictures/videos today, sorry! :(