Nuwakot, Nepal - Bangladeshi, Russian, Pakistani, and Nepali youth were invited to Nuwakot in central Nepal for a Religious Youth Service project that included interactive learning opportunities and painting a school June 1-7, 2013. The 30 participants were joined by local students for the educational and service programs.
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Five school buildings were painted, uplifting the environment for the more than 600 students in the school. In addition to making much-needed improvements to the school, the program included leadership training, interfaith visits and dialogues, and cross-cultural learning experiences. Speakers included Dr. Robert S Kittel, Mr. Richard Jalipa, Mr. Narendra Pande, Prof. Shree Ram Upadhyaya, Mrs. Seema Khan, and Ven. Sagar, Principal of the Sree Bhairum Higher Secondary School.
A medical team of Ambassadors for Peace from Russia conducted special health checkups for the students, teachers, and people in the local community.
A catalyst for cross-cultural learning, Religious Youth Service projects create a common platform for all participants despite their diverse backgrounds. The visits to different religious sites helped participants understand each faith. In addition, international participants learned about the Nepalese culture, traditions, and religious heritage by visiting local families and being involved in the community.
The closing ceremony was attended by 500 local people.
The Sri Bhairum Higher Secondary School was established more than 55 years ago. It is the only higher secondary school in this area, and many students come from far away to study in this school. This school has more than 600 students from grades 1 to 12. This school has provided service to more than a hundred thousand students in this area over the years and is popularly known for its service to the community.
Nepal lies along the mountains in the central portion of the Himalayas. This rectangular piece of South Asia has acted as an important bridge linking two ancient civilizations - China in the north and India in the south. Nuwakot is one of the districts in central Nepal. It covers an area of 1121 km with district headquarters in Bidur.
Read reflections by Bangladeshi participants Nitol Chakma and Shehreen Ataur Khan.