Can you donate to help build a new school (and donate in November)?
During the month of November only, Room to Read has an anonymous donor who will match all on-line contributions. This is huge news. So, if you donate $100, $200 gets credited toward our project. If you donate $20, $40 gets credited. I am very excited about this opportunity, and I hope you are too.
Let’s use the matching opportunity to raise the rest of the funds during November. Could you donate $100 today? Can you donate more? If not, could you donate $25? Everything single dollar helps. Here’s what to do:
To donate and get credited toward the school (this is important), use this link: https://www.roomtoread.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=184&source=PS-Hovland07
Donate by November 30 to double your money-go ahead and make a tax deductible donation today. Once you click the link, select the amount you want to donate, put in your billing and payment information, and you’re done!
Please email me if you donate so I can make sure it gets counted toward the school
Namaste,
Val
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Stories about education from Nepal (spring 2008)
There were five of us crammed into a tiny little white car, journeying a few hours into the countryside of Nepal, just outside Kathmandu. We were going to visit a few schools and libraries that Room to Read has created over the past decade
. ‘We’ included Rajeev, in charge of libraries for Room to Read across all of Nepal, a new Nepali woman in charge of monitoring and evaluating how the schools and libraries in this region are doing, and me. On the way out of town, we drove past gas stations that had lines of cars waiting, occupants waiting almost a day to get fuel. Slowly we left the craziness of Kathmandu and began to see more and more space. Fields of green appeared, growing beans or corn, wheat or sugarcane. After all, three-quarters of Nepalis are dependent on agriculture for their living, so you would expect to see a lot of it.
We wound through one small town, back into the countryside, and again into another town. The paved road became bumpier. Eventually we turned off of the paved road onto a dirt road. Then the dirt road became bumpier. So eventually we stopped and got out on foot. We were on our way to see a Room to Read library. Along the way we saw women working the rice fields, a group from the village all working together in a line, wearing brightly colored dresses, their feet in water. A few boys were nearby, working an ox to help plow the fields.
After walking for another half an hour along the road, ducking into the nearest building for a little cover from the rain shower for a few minutes, we made it to the library. And that is where the little girl in red in the attached picture likes to hang out.
She lives in this remote village, her parents undoubtedly farming nearby. She had access to a school, but until Room to Read helped out, she used to have almost no access to books. Do you remember when you were little and got into reading for the first time? Maybe you were reading in your kitchen to your mom, or outside in the sun reading about an adventurous young girl or boy, or maybe you were engrossed in a book sitting your school library. Now the little girl in red has the same opportunities. The library
had its own small ‘block’ for a building, that being donated by the community as part of the community challenge grant (where Room to Read partners with the community, both parties putting effort into realizing the school or library). Most of the books were in Nepali, but some were in Nepali and English. Hundreds of books had been checked out and checked back in. From colorful ones to engage younger students through technical ones to help the teachers and community members learn more and change the way they do things. Many little things add up to big things. And the sign on the wall with colorful elephants and tigers and a little girl says, “All of the animals are in the library reading books. Where are you?”
In another village, there was a school. A newly reconstructed Room to Read school..jpg)
The old school had been almost falling down. Can you picture going to school and trying to learn in a room where if it rains, the incoming water might make you stop? In global education-speak, the quality environment just wasn’t there. In a country where almost half of the people are unemployed, and almost a third are living below the poverty line, it can sometimes be hard to keep up a school. But the desire to do so is great. And that is where Room to Read came in. In conjunction with the community to help reconstruct the school and with Nepal’s Ministry of Education to provide the teachers, Room to Read built a new school in 2008. It was a primary school, complete with a room for every grade, bright colors on the walls, a stocked library with sections for young kids, older kids, and resources for the teachers. They even thought of little things like having a shorter chalkboard for the first grade class, so the children could reach it and see it easily. And that school is where the kids in uniforms
with the huge smiles on their faces in the attached picture went to school. We were there during a time where almost all other schools were not yet in session as they should be-this was due to a delay in books being delivered to the schools because of Nepal’s national election in April 2008
(resources had been diverted from printing school books to printing election materials instead). So at a time when almost no other kids were in school, these kids were in school. They were lining up to go into the library. They were studying in their classrooms. And as we could see, they were really happy to be there.
. ‘We’ included Rajeev, in charge of libraries for Room to Read across all of Nepal, a new Nepali woman in charge of monitoring and evaluating how the schools and libraries in this region are doing, and me. On the way out of town, we drove past gas stations that had lines of cars waiting, occupants waiting almost a day to get fuel. Slowly we left the craziness of Kathmandu and began to see more and more space. Fields of green appeared, growing beans or corn, wheat or sugarcane. After all, three-quarters of Nepalis are dependent on agriculture for their living, so you would expect to see a lot of it.We wound through one small town, back into the countryside, and again into another town. The paved road became bumpier. Eventually we turned off of the paved road onto a dirt road. Then the dirt road became bumpier. So eventually we stopped and got out on foot. We were on our way to see a Room to Read library. Along the way we saw women working the rice fields, a group from the village all working together in a line, wearing brightly colored dresses, their feet in water. A few boys were nearby, working an ox to help plow the fields.
After walking for another half an hour along the road, ducking into the nearest building for a little cover from the rain shower for a few minutes, we made it to the library. And that is where the little girl in red in the attached picture likes to hang out.
She lives in this remote village, her parents undoubtedly farming nearby. She had access to a school, but until Room to Read helped out, she used to have almost no access to books. Do you remember when you were little and got into reading for the first time? Maybe you were reading in your kitchen to your mom, or outside in the sun reading about an adventurous young girl or boy, or maybe you were engrossed in a book sitting your school library. Now the little girl in red has the same opportunities. The library
had its own small ‘block’ for a building, that being donated by the community as part of the community challenge grant (where Room to Read partners with the community, both parties putting effort into realizing the school or library). Most of the books were in Nepali, but some were in Nepali and English. Hundreds of books had been checked out and checked back in. From colorful ones to engage younger students through technical ones to help the teachers and community members learn more and change the way they do things. Many little things add up to big things. And the sign on the wall with colorful elephants and tigers and a little girl says, “All of the animals are in the library reading books. Where are you?”In another village, there was a school. A newly reconstructed Room to Read school.
.jpg)
The old school had been almost falling down. Can you picture going to school and trying to learn in a room where if it rains, the incoming water might make you stop? In global education-speak, the quality environment just wasn’t there. In a country where almost half of the people are unemployed, and almost a third are living below the poverty line, it can sometimes be hard to keep up a school. But the desire to do so is great. And that is where Room to Read came in. In conjunction with the community to help reconstruct the school and with Nepal’s Ministry of Education to provide the teachers, Room to Read built a new school in 2008. It was a primary school, complete with a room for every grade, bright colors on the walls, a stocked library with sections for young kids, older kids, and resources for the teachers. They even thought of little things like having a shorter chalkboard for the first grade class, so the children could reach it and see it easily. And that school is where the kids in uniforms
with the huge smiles on their faces in the attached picture went to school. We were there during a time where almost all other schools were not yet in session as they should be-this was due to a delay in books being delivered to the schools because of Nepal’s national election in April 2008
(resources had been diverted from printing school books to printing election materials instead). So at a time when almost no other kids were in school, these kids were in school. They were lining up to go into the library. They were studying in their classrooms. And as we could see, they were really happy to be there.
Friday, October 16, 2009
A different span of a day
5:20pm, Day X: Speeding down the hill from Marangu, Tanzania, no seatbelt in sight, listening to Kenny Rogers in the bus (reminds me of my grandpa, "you got to know when to hold 'em"), getting slightly spit on by the rain coming in through the window, feeling soooo happy to be off of my feet (it was a long hike down 9,000 feet that day), and drying out (again).
5:20pm, Day X-1: Arriving at Gilman's Point, around 18,500 feet above sea level (or so). The steep part of the climb is over, and the first view of the dry, moon-like crater of Kilimanjaro appears. There is only a hint of a glacier across the crater, most of the 'snows of Kilimanjaro' having disappeared in the span of a few years. The sun is low, but still bright, and the ridge to the summit looks fun!
3pm, Day X: Hiking down. From Kibo past Horombo past Mandara, but not yet to the gate. From snow to rock to dirt (no longer dust). From the alpine desert through the moorland and into the forest. It is humid and smells so good (especially those little white flowers). The ferns and moss are thick on the trees. Unfortunately, . . . it just started raining. Again. Like Africa forgot that I already knew what it was like to be wet, hiking down from a big mountain. This time, of course, I was both more prepared and more willing (in a way). The big yellow plastic rain cover comes out (immediately) to cover me and my pack. The sleeves get rolled up past my elbows to avoid the drip when you're hiking with poles. And that part of my pants below mid-thigh? Easily accepted that it will be just plain wet and stick to your leg in that annoying way. My feet hurt from hiking down sooo much today (you know the feeling when you're almost getting blisters on the bottom of your feet?), but other than that, the rest of my body feels good. Sometimes, though, you really really want that last two miles to just disappear.
3pm, Day X-1: We're on the way to the summit. We being me and Alex, my local guide on Kili. The national park requires that you have a guide, and mine was great. Especially since he suggested changing up the typical approach toward when we climb, which is why we are here now. Most people climb up to Kibo hut (15,400 ft) on one day, then rest for a few hours, get up at 11pm, leave at midnight for the summit, and get a sunrise view from the top. Problems with this approach: 1) your sleep schedule is disrupted, 2) you are climbing when you are sleepy, 3) you have less energy in the middle of the night, 4) on your return, you only get to sleep a few hours before descending to a lower altitude, ... but the biggest problem is 5) everybody and their brother goes at this time. And the hidden problems that we actually didn't know about until the next morning: 6) a storm will roll in that night putting snow and ice on the route (not making it dangerous, just more of a pain), and 7) a huge lenticular cloud with its associated high winds will descend on the mountain, masking the views of the 'sunrise' anyway. Fortunately, instead of the traditional approach, Alex suggested that since we're fast (strong like lioness), that we rest for a few hours at Kibo, then continue on up to Uhuru (the summit) on the same day. Unfortunately (for some reason), Africa likes to hail on me at 16,600 feet. Just like on Batian climbing in the Amphitheater. So it is hailing on me. Let's put on the coat and pack cover and give it an hour (it'll stop, I know it will).
12pm, Day X: Hiking down, just below Horombo. You've left the snow and lenticulars behind, and have had a last lunch at the huts at Horombo (and even used Alex's cell phone to update the blog, but are tired of typing in 10-digits).
12pm, Day X-1: Almost ready to sleep for an hour. At Kibo hut (15.4k), there are 12 bunks in your room (and yes the 5 that are filled will all wake you up in 12 hours time when they are going for the summit). You've just eaten your lunch, and are changing and packing for the summit push. Packing while ensconced in your sleeping bag of course, because it is cold in here, and your fingers have a tiny tingle due to the cold and altitude.
9:15am, Day X: Hiking down, at the "last water point," around 14,000 feet or so. The snows used to reach down here, but now it is dry from here to above Gilman's point. There is a crew of three building a new toilet facility (upgraded from the pits), listening to music.
9:15am, Day X-1: Hiking up, at the "last water point." The morning started with a good breakfast of an omlette, tea, avocado, and toast. Say "Jambo" and dance a little with the construction crew.
...
6:20pm, Day X: Back in Moshi, at the Kilicrane hotel. Your feet are finally up, done hiking for the meantime. Time to relax.
6:20pm, Day X-1: At the roof of Africa: Uhuru point, 5895 meters, or 19,340 feet. The summit of Kilimanjaro. The sun is just about to set, and has its characteristic strong orange glow. A glacier is to the left. The last ridge from Gilman's point was fun: you alternated between "speed racer" when the ridge offered a down section, and "well, faster than a snail, but..." when the ridge went up. But in total you made good time from Kibo (4:15). An awesome part about the climb is that it was just you two--no one else on the mountain at all; a treat. Right now, though, it is getting colder, starting to snow (it'll keep it up the whole way down), and it is time to head down. Back home.
5:20pm, Day X-1: Arriving at Gilman's Point, around 18,500 feet above sea level (or so). The steep part of the climb is over, and the first view of the dry, moon-like crater of Kilimanjaro appears. There is only a hint of a glacier across the crater, most of the 'snows of Kilimanjaro' having disappeared in the span of a few years. The sun is low, but still bright, and the ridge to the summit looks fun!
3pm, Day X: Hiking down. From Kibo past Horombo past Mandara, but not yet to the gate. From snow to rock to dirt (no longer dust). From the alpine desert through the moorland and into the forest. It is humid and smells so good (especially those little white flowers). The ferns and moss are thick on the trees. Unfortunately, . . . it just started raining. Again. Like Africa forgot that I already knew what it was like to be wet, hiking down from a big mountain. This time, of course, I was both more prepared and more willing (in a way). The big yellow plastic rain cover comes out (immediately) to cover me and my pack. The sleeves get rolled up past my elbows to avoid the drip when you're hiking with poles. And that part of my pants below mid-thigh? Easily accepted that it will be just plain wet and stick to your leg in that annoying way. My feet hurt from hiking down sooo much today (you know the feeling when you're almost getting blisters on the bottom of your feet?), but other than that, the rest of my body feels good. Sometimes, though, you really really want that last two miles to just disappear.
3pm, Day X-1: We're on the way to the summit. We being me and Alex, my local guide on Kili. The national park requires that you have a guide, and mine was great. Especially since he suggested changing up the typical approach toward when we climb, which is why we are here now. Most people climb up to Kibo hut (15,400 ft) on one day, then rest for a few hours, get up at 11pm, leave at midnight for the summit, and get a sunrise view from the top. Problems with this approach: 1) your sleep schedule is disrupted, 2) you are climbing when you are sleepy, 3) you have less energy in the middle of the night, 4) on your return, you only get to sleep a few hours before descending to a lower altitude, ... but the biggest problem is 5) everybody and their brother goes at this time. And the hidden problems that we actually didn't know about until the next morning: 6) a storm will roll in that night putting snow and ice on the route (not making it dangerous, just more of a pain), and 7) a huge lenticular cloud with its associated high winds will descend on the mountain, masking the views of the 'sunrise' anyway. Fortunately, instead of the traditional approach, Alex suggested that since we're fast (strong like lioness), that we rest for a few hours at Kibo, then continue on up to Uhuru (the summit) on the same day. Unfortunately (for some reason), Africa likes to hail on me at 16,600 feet. Just like on Batian climbing in the Amphitheater. So it is hailing on me. Let's put on the coat and pack cover and give it an hour (it'll stop, I know it will).
12pm, Day X: Hiking down, just below Horombo. You've left the snow and lenticulars behind, and have had a last lunch at the huts at Horombo (and even used Alex's cell phone to update the blog, but are tired of typing in 10-digits).
12pm, Day X-1: Almost ready to sleep for an hour. At Kibo hut (15.4k), there are 12 bunks in your room (and yes the 5 that are filled will all wake you up in 12 hours time when they are going for the summit). You've just eaten your lunch, and are changing and packing for the summit push. Packing while ensconced in your sleeping bag of course, because it is cold in here, and your fingers have a tiny tingle due to the cold and altitude.
9:15am, Day X: Hiking down, at the "last water point," around 14,000 feet or so. The snows used to reach down here, but now it is dry from here to above Gilman's point. There is a crew of three building a new toilet facility (upgraded from the pits), listening to music.
9:15am, Day X-1: Hiking up, at the "last water point." The morning started with a good breakfast of an omlette, tea, avocado, and toast. Say "Jambo" and dance a little with the construction crew.
...
6:20pm, Day X: Back in Moshi, at the Kilicrane hotel. Your feet are finally up, done hiking for the meantime. Time to relax.
6:20pm, Day X-1: At the roof of Africa: Uhuru point, 5895 meters, or 19,340 feet. The summit of Kilimanjaro. The sun is just about to set, and has its characteristic strong orange glow. A glacier is to the left. The last ridge from Gilman's point was fun: you alternated between "speed racer" when the ridge offered a down section, and "well, faster than a snail, but..." when the ridge went up. But in total you made good time from Kibo (4:15). An awesome part about the climb is that it was just you two--no one else on the mountain at all; a treat. Right now, though, it is getting colder, starting to snow (it'll keep it up the whole way down), and it is time to head down. Back home.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sunset from the roof of Africa
Yesterday afternoon, we bucked the trend & climbed to the summit of Kili (instead of climbing in the night)! We were rewarded with a mountain entirely to ourselves and a beautiful sunset ... & light snow the whole way down. Back to Moshi tonight. More later!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The sun is setting at Horombo
And it is beautiful. It has the alpine feel of up high on mt rainier,
... except for the fried bananas, veggie and beef dinner, German,
norwegian and Italian hut mates, and flush toilets. Ah the life!
... except for the fried bananas, veggie and beef dinner, German,
norwegian and Italian hut mates, and flush toilets. Ah the life!
Monday, October 12, 2009
On Kili!
I made my way to Tanzania and started climbing. I am at Mandara huts
~9300 ft and enjoying the jungle, blue monkeys and hot cocoa. On and
up tomorrow!
~9300 ft and enjoying the jungle, blue monkeys and hot cocoa. On and
up tomorrow!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Images#3 from Kenya
-727499.jpg)
-729479.jpg)
-731719.jpg)
-733283.jpg)
Me at our bivy around 16,300 feet. We rapped until it got dark, then bivied
Karsten rapping in the morning
We successfully climbed up Point Peter early before hiking out
The full group of us 5 and our porters and cook
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)