megschildren.org :: 2006

29 08 2006

FAQ

How Long Can I Stay?

You can stay as long as you like, start at your convenience, as long as you notify us at least one month in advance. However, Government rules only allow foreigners to stay on a tourist visa for a maximum of 5 months per calendar year.

How are the facilities at the orphanage?

We have one room at our orphanage that is available to our volunteers. This will be your private room unless other volunteers are staying with us at the same time. Running water and 220V electricity are available, but please note that government power cuts and water shortages are common throughout the entire Kathmandu valley. Unless you prefer the cold ones, showers are usually taken in the afternoon hours since our water is heated by solar energy.

Are there any phone or internet facilities nearby?

In Bhaktapur, a ten minute bus ride from the orphanage there is an internet cafe available where you can check your email, burn pictures onto a CD, or you can use the international phone/fax services.

What kind of food will be provided?

The traditional Nepali meal is known as daal bhaat (rice and lentil soup) and is generally eaten twice a day around 11AM and 7PM. We ask that you join us during our mealtime. In addition to these meals, we provide you with filtered water, black tea, and cookies. In Bhaktapur you can purchase any additional food you may like, such as, fresh fruits, bread, and other snacks. However, don’t expect to find supermarkets with a wide variety of products as you may know them.

Even though I am a volunteer are there any costs or fees I should be aware of?

Since we are a non-profit organization and we depend on national and international subsidies, we only ask that you contribute the small amount of 6000 (Nepali Rupees) per month that is necessary to cover the monthly expenses. This amount can be paid upon your arrival. Included in this amount are the meals we provide, a room in our home, the use of our facilities, and transportation to and from the Tribhuvan International Airport. Excluded are all other costs such as, sightseeing, other transportation, day trips, souvenirs, and additional food and drinks. Considering Nepal is a developing county these extra costs won’t amount to much. For example a one way ticket by bus from Bhaktapur to Kathmandu will cost you about 15 nrs or .20 usd. Please note that the prices of tourist attractions, taxis and souvenirs especially in Kathmandu have a tendency to resemble western prices.

How easy is it to take out and exchange money in Nepal?

Money and travelers checks easily be changed at any bank or foreign exchange in Thamel or just outside Durbar Square in Bhaktapur. Take caution to non-authorized dealers walking the streets, this is illegal. ATM’s are also available at the above mentioned locations. Since it could be a few days before you reach these locations we advise you to change some money upon your arrival at the airport. Both, an ATM and exchange counter are available there. Accurate information on exchange rates can be found at “http://www.?????.com“.

What will be expected of me?

As a volunteer we ask that you help us with our daily activities such as, cooking and cleaning, but above all we expect you to play and interact with the children and assist them with their homework if needed. We also hope that as an international volunteer you are willing to share your culture and international knowledge with us since we ourselves are unable to travel. In return we will of coarse do our best to help you learn and understand about our culture.

Climate and clothing?

The Nepalese climate varies just as much as its environment. Although you will find the high snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the north, the south is known for its flat landscape accompanied by tropical temperatures. So please remember to pack a diverse wardrobe if you plan on traveling throughout Nepal. With an elevation of 1350m the Kathmandu valley has warm summers and cool winters. The dry cold season lasts from October to May, the wet season from June to September. The temperatures vary from 2′C - 28′C, but even in winter the sunny days can often reach 20′C. The months of May and June are the hottest. From mid September to March light clothing is fine during the day. At night and in the morning however, you will most likely need a fleece or sweater. Jeans, corduroy trousers, or skirts below the knee combined with comfortable shoes or sandals are advisable. During the warm months light cotton clothing is a necessity. Since all laundry is done by hand dark colors will save you time and effort. If visiting during monsoon season some rain gear may me handy, save room in your suitcase and buy your umbrella here… if you need one.

What are the visa requirements?

All nationalities except for Indian citizens require a visa to enter Nepal. A visa can be obtained from any Royal Nepalese Embassy or Consulate, upon arrival at the airport, or at the border crossings with Tibet or India. A single entry visa for 60 days will cost you $30 usd, a double entry $55 usd, and a multiple entry is $90 usd. You will need two passport size photos and your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after you leave Nepal. If you plan to purchase your visa upon arrival it is advisable to bring the exact amount. Before expiration, visa extensions are available for $ per month at the department of immigration located in Kathmandu. A tourist visa will be granted to you for a maximum period of 5 months per year. Since these requirements are subject to change, please also visit the website of the department of immigration for up to date information “http://www.immi.gov.np” In addition all passengers of flights departing from Nepal are required to pay the following departure taxes; 1356 nrs for flights to other SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) 1700 nrs for flights to all other countries. For up to date information please call the airport before departure.

Will I be picked up at the airport?

Yes, we will be waiting for you at the airport providing you have sent us your correct flight itinerary. If we happen to miss each other, we ask that you take a taxi to Hotel Red Planet. We will contact you there and refund your expenses for your transportation.

29 08 2006

The Children

Sagar Magar

Sagar in September 2006 - photo by Deb Parker

Name	Sagar Magar
Age	14 years
Address	Rukum District
Father’s Name	Dil Bd. Magar
Mother’s Name
Hobby	Basketball
Aim	Doctor
Best Colour	Yellow

He is the youngest son. His father is very old and his mother unwell. They lived in a remote village with no chance of an education.

Updated March 2007
My name is Sagar Magar. I am 12 years old. I was born in Rukum, Nepal, into a big family. When I was 5 years old my parents had to send me to the children’s home because of poverty. First I stayed in Jossa-Nepal that was not nice place. I just had to stay there because of my poverty. One day Bikash-brother came to children’s home and many things changed. These days I live in Meg’s Children Home and I am very happy about that.

About Sagar (from Bikash)
Sagar is very much loving and caring to all. He is very good story teller and can tell story the whole day and small kids can listen his story with out food. If he is telling story we have to say, now kids it is our lunch lets have a break. He is equally good in his studies he stood second in his class. Mostly in the holidays I ask Sagar to tell stories when I am too tired to play with small kids.

22 08 2006

The Children

Titus Rasaily

Titus in September 2006 - photo by Deb Parker

Name	Titus Rasaily
Age	13 years
Address	Morang District
Father’s Name	Kapiraj Rasaily
Mother’s Name	Kalpana Rasaily
Hobby	Football
Aim	Engineer
Best Colour	Black

After his father’s death, his mother was unable to cope. She left him in an orphanage where he stayed for 3 years.

Updated March 2007
My name is Titus Rasailee. I was born in a family that was very poor and uneducated. There were 8 members in our family but I don’t know what has happened to them. I’ve heard that my father is dead. My uncle took me to Kathmandu and after staying one week in his house he took me into children’s home. First I stayed in Jossa-Nepal but it was not good there, that’s why I came to Meg’s. It is really happy life here and I have learned many things. Bikash, Bibechana and Nanda are providing a good life for me here.

About Titus (from Bikash)
Titus is good in his studies and he is big boy among all the little boys. He is quite shy boy. He loves to play and he loves to ride bicycle. In the beginning he was little aggressive to the small kids but now he is very much change and he loves them. He likes to help small boys with homework.

22 08 2006

The Children

Chiring Sherpa

Chiring - 2009

22 08 2006

The Children

Sonu Sharma

Sonu - 2009

Sonu - 2002

Name	Sonu Sharma
Age	14 years
Address	Khokana District
Father’s Name	Hari P Sharma
Mother’s Name	Laxmi Sharma
Hobby	Badminton
Aim	Doctor
Best Colour	Blue

Her father has died and mother remarried. She was left alone and had no other choice but to leave to go to an orphanage.

Updated March 2007
My name is Sonu Sharma. I was born in 30th of October 1991. My father died when I was 6 years old. My mother was not working at that time and she couldn’t provide me a good education. She found a place for me from Children’s home through relatives. Since then I have lived in children’s home. First I was in another place but I didn’t get good treatment there. When Bikash appeared into my life and established a new home many things changed. I enjoy my life in Meg’s Children home and I think I am very lucky to be here. Meg’s home is the most precious home which is full of happiness and bounded by love wall. Meg’s home has given me a true love and new family with home environment. Today I am here with successful education and happiness by the help of Meg’s home. I never want to be far from my sweet house Meg’s Children home.

About Sonu (by Bikash)
Sonu has also very sharp brain. I think her best friends are books and copy. She always focus on her studies and she gets good result. Also in her free time she works in the veggi garden.