This month’s Peel Heritage trust meeting was unusual. We’re not so
insular that we don’t occasionally stray to other parts of the Island but Nepal
…! How did that come about?
John ‘Dog’ has spoken to us before, usually on things Manx, such as
making bumbee cages and the like. However, we knew that he was much involved
with the Pahar Trust which builds, staffs and runs schools for impoverished
peoples in Nepal, often with the help of Ghurkas. Since 1993, over sixty
schools have been established.
A former head of Kirk Michael School, Howard Green is much involved, to
the extent that Kirk Michael is now officially twinned with Ghamrang, one of
the areas served by the Pahar Trust. You’ll see the road signs as you enter the
village. A similar sign has now been erected in Nepal! As we saw in one of the
slides, this is in a far more precarious position than a Manx roadside!
John said that he was very honoured to open Ghamrang School in 2013. He
had raised £9 000, half of the total cost, by selling copper bracelets made
there and other Nepalese goods. This is truly remarkable. We invited John to
bring some of his sales stock with him and there was a brisk trade in the
interval.
It transpired that John had to struggle with a virus on his last visit
but despite this, put a brave face on things and managed the walking, travel
sickness and inability to eat for the two-week trip. However, we did see a shot
of him tackling the local millet beer, so that must have sustained him. It says
a great deal for the total commitment of John and his colleagues who
accompanied him.
Travel seemed to be an excitement in itself. We particularly liked Yeti
Airlines. Perhaps they might like to start operating direct flights to the
Island. This might take our minds off the loss of UK destinations such as Luton
and Blackpool! Most of the roads seemed to be precarious, earthen tracks
covering everything in fine dust. Presumably these become even more exciting
when turned to mud.
Surprisingly, there’s some hi-tech gear available, including rickshaws
with electric motors and solar panels on the roof. These would soon be put out
of action in Peel by our incontinent seagulls! John was surprised when one
little girl he’d shown his smart phone to, flicked through the photo’s and then
raced around other apps John didn’t even know he had. Clearly, children
outsmart us adults, worldwide!
It’s no good opening schools if there are no teachers, so these have to
be trained and resourced and the consumables for the schools provided. Unlike
so many countries, girls and boys are educated equally and all look smart in
neat uniforms. How they manage to keep shirts so white in such primitive
surroundings is a testament to the commitment and determination of these
charming people as much as those who work for the trust.
Particularly poignant was the school for the blind. We saw one boy,
born without eyes and cast out by his family because they had no means to
support him. With the help of boarding, he has become a star pupil and is on
his way to a worthwhile career. This presentation must give our much more
fortunate children pause for thought.
Everywhere the Manx party visited the welcome of food, music and
dancing was overwhelming. The happiness of people of all ages, despite what we
would regard as deprivation, was striking. A lesson for us all!
It is worth noting that 97% of all monies raised is applied to the
schools. Labour costs are minimal as the locals provide the labour for free.
There were many questions in the second half of the meeting and a very
thoughtful audience departing. Our thanks and good wishes to John and all his
colleagues.
Our next meeting is at 7.30pm in the Centenary Centre on Wednesday the
19th November. This is billed as, ‘an electrifying experience’.
Ashton Lewis is going to be a luminary on electricity in the Island. This will
spark some interest!
Do ring Corrie on 843502 if you’d like to come to the Christmas dinner
on the 9th December. It’s filling up nearly as fast as we will be on
the night!
