As a poor country, Nepal has for many years attracted humanitarians concerned with the plight of Nepal's many needy children. There are numerous orphanages and schools run by charitable organisations throughout the country, which aim to feed, clothe, shelter and provide a basic education for the poorest of the poor.
By these standards, the Gautam children are fortunate - they already have a family, shelter and enough food to survive.
However, as a parent an educator, I immediately saw untapped potential in these children. They are bright, outgoing, curious, and already have a better level of spoken English than the average Nepali child, due to their contact with Western tourists.
Initially my aim was simply to remove the children from an inadequate and abusive school environment, and to find them a better school, which I did.
Over the last three years, as the children have developed, so have my aspirations for their futures.
A good education is only one factor in the development of a child. Other essentials are a healthy diet, personal cleanliness, dental and medical treatment, and clean living quarters. These are basics which we in the West take for granted. But beyond this, personal growth and enrichment also benefit from social activities, day trips, rewards for school success, celebrations and so on. To broaden their horizons, we would like to encourage access to the internet, libraries, and contact with a broad range of people, which is why we welcome visitors and personal involvement with the children.
My longterm aim is now to support the children through their schooling, until they have found suitable employment according to their respective vocations. My hope is that they will be well-educated, well-rounded, happy, healthy and confident young adults, who will positively influence their community, and even the future of their country.
This is clearly a longterm project and, as such, is dependent upon regular and committed sponsorships and donations. Therefore we are seeking more sponsors, donations and visitors to the house, to give the children the best possible future.
