Yesterday we visited the Newlife Disabled Center (DNC) which is the organization for children with disability that we help both by Rotary and Rotaract means as well as through my own non-profit- TRIFC.org. What a reception we received! I had been waiting a full year for this day to come and it looked like they had too!
There are two new children at the center since our visit last year. Dhiraj is around 7 years old who, like another of the DNC children- Sanjay, lost both of his feet in the cooking fire in their home. You wouldn’t believe it, but he is very balanced and mobile even without his feet. Bimala who is 13 years old had to have one leg amputated due to burns received as a baby. Both of these children come from very poor families and DNC gives them both the medical and educational opportunities that would otherwise not be possible.
School runs six days a week here so Saturday is the children’s only free day. It was bath day for the younger boys and they were enjoying their open-air bath and then drying off in the warm sunshine. The weather in Kathmandu has been unusually warm for this time of the year and the temps have been getting into the 70’s during the daytime and while cool at night it isn’t cold. The kids kept Carey and I constantly busy during our five-hour visit. We played ping-pong with many of them, sat in the sunshine and gave a hug to others, distributed books and small gifts and just enjoyed spending time with each other.
Thanks to Alex Smith and family, we fund many programs at DNC through the Rotary and Rotaract Club of Kopundol. Through Alex’s funds and other funds that are donated through TRIFC.org we fund orthopedic surgeries, physical therapy, funds for college, tutoring and much more!
Later in the afternoon, we ordered “Momo’s” (Nepali chicken and vegetable dumplings) and juice so everyone had a full tummy to bask in the sunshine and relax. What a perfect afternoon….
-Rob.
Hi! I miss them!!!! It just dawned on me that it woudl be a great treat for the parent of these children to come to DNC for parent week or someting like that, for them to see their school work - the best of which will be on display! It could coincide with an Open House so prospective donors can see the value of their contribution and it develops the children's confidence in presenting and speaking proudly of their accomplishments. As a parent, the school exhibits are the best time to show how proud we were of the kids and for them as well to shine. I remember at the UW School of Art Open House, Richard and his peers were always so excited and proud!! It could be part of the Family Reunification Program!!
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