Priveledged

Anecdote:

My dad met today with the president of Bakery Cafe, Shyan Khakshupati. Bakery Cafe's are plentiful around Kathmandu, and have become successful on the basis of good, consistent food and youthful atmosphere. Shyam is also responsible for the large proportion of deaf individuals working as wait staff in his restaurants.

Shaym mentioned that his daughter recently hosted a couple of American friends. One morning, the Americans wished (understandably) to take a shower, but were informed that there was no water.

"But...how can that be? How is that possible?" they asked.

They then learned of the electricity situation here as well, and I can only guess that armed with this further knowledge, they sunk further into confusion and vague despair.

It's cliche and unfair to say that, as Americans, we are spoiled, and take far too much for granted. After all, if things like running water and electricity are plentiful and serve to ease and enhance our lives, why should we not take advantage of them?

That said, the disparity between societies that are granted this freedom of resources and those that are not is stark, though sometimes it is difficult to see.

Today, my dad and I traveled with Sita and Nirmala out to Banepa to visit the deaf school there. Rotary had provided funds to the school very recently, and already the school has gone out and purchased two brand new computers (the first computers the school has ever seen), as well as some proper kitchen equipment, so that the staff may cook lunch for 40 children on more than one kerosene-pump burner.

As computers are largely a visual medium, they are perfectly suited for use by those with hearing impairment, and yet, there are few deaf schools with adequate facilities for computer training. I won't extol upon the virtues of computer usage here, for those are tired words.

But on the other hand, seeing the light and joy in the faces of the children as they thanked us for the simple and, to us, common joys of computers and proper cooking equipment was something that one can never grow tired of.

I've posted a few photos, some related to this, and some following other small tales of our trip today. Enjoy!

Another Visit to Kavre Deaf School

-Carey