FOLLOW US
Day of Families Commemorated at a School in Saptari, Nepal
Written by Dr. Robert S. Kittel, Director of Education, UPF-Asia; Photo-journalist, Segye-Ilbo
Monday, May 16, 2011
Saptari, Nepal - “I had no clothes for school, so I will buy a new school dress,” said Amardip Ram. Another student, Santosh Sardar, exclaimed, “I will buy a geometry box and pay tuition fees.” Shiva Shankar Khang voiced the words every educator and parent loves to hear, “I will work hard and study more.”
Celebrating the UN International Day of Families, the Universal Peace Federation–Nepal presented scholarships to 40 underprivileged school children. Awards were distributed by the Chief District Officer of Saptari, Mr. Kailash Nath Kharel. Saptari is in southeastern Nepal bordering India and one of Nepal’s 75 districts; Rajbiraj is the capital.
The UN theme was "Confronting Family Poverty and Social Exclusion.” Mr. Santosh Paudel, the Secretary General of UPF-Nepal, explained the linkage between the family, education, and poverty reduction.
One basic principle of UPF is that ‘The family is the school of love and peace.’ Mr. Paudel added, “The family is also the first school, period—our school before school.” Character traits learned in the loving family are brought into the classroom, and important behavior skills are taught, including respect for elders, team work, sharing, and responsibility.
Mr. Kharel shared his feelings after the program:
I really appreciate the philosophy of UPF education based on family values. Also I’m so grateful for the help to these needy students. I am the representative of the Nepal Government and the guardian of this district. We must care for all children as our own children. I found that UPF-Nepal is one of the best partners for transforming society. It is true that the family is the foundation for the prosperity of the individual as well as nation.
The Head Master of School, Mr. Nagendra Mishra, is an Ambassador for Peace. He expressed sincere gratitude to the UPF Founders, Father and Mother Sun Myung Moon, for their tireless efforts for world peace. He was likewise grateful that students from his school were selected for the scholarships.
Mrs. China Maya Rajak, a parent, conveyed her feeling of indebtedness. “My husband died two years ago and I have three children. It is very hard for me to maintain my children’s studies. I cannot express in words my appreciation for this support.”
Another parent, Mrs. Shila Devi Ram, expressed her thankfulness for the scholarship for her child, adding, “Now I will buy stationery for my children.”
Altruistic giving is contagious—that’s the nature and heart of a parent.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Australia
UPF-Australia Convenes Mutual Prosperity Summit
Melbourne, Australia—The Mutual Prosperity Summit focused on “Rethinking Our Economic Models.”