Dinner with the children -Sauraha, Chitwan

Arriving back at the hotel area, we were greeted by the man who had not managed our first arrival very well. It seems he is the representative responsible for organising this part of our trip. And he runs the Children and Women Promotion Center here in Sauraha. It is a registered non-government, non-political, nonprofit organisation that supports economically and educationally under privileged children and women. He showed us his new building and children and he explained the setup for 17 children who, according to the brochure, attend a private school, but I thought he said they went to the government school. He manages the program by seeking sponsors and volunteers. I was not sure of his links with Mr Man form Kathmandu. There are two rooms set aside for volunteers and each had a computer and a wired internet connection, with beds he proudly showed us that had mattresses, 20cm thick. The current volunteer is a young man from Singapore.

We were invited back for dal bhat at 6pm.

The Children and Women Protection Center, Bachhyauli 2, Sauraha, Chitwan was established in 2000 by Mr Sher Badahur, according to the brochure. I find catching names so difficult, the speed and then accent eludes me. But the enthusiasm of this husband and wife team is infectious. Along with they other 'Aunty' who works in the kitchen, they currently take care of at least 10 children. Most were from families who could not take care of them, some were orphans. They attend the local school. Our host told us proudly that in recent years, several had graduated, and at least one was either training to be a nurse, or actually was a nurse. (Again, trying to listen and translate was a dilemma.)

I am not sure how or why children's homes get set up. This one was a 2 storey building. Upstairs there were the expected 2.2m x 3 m rooms, set up with double bunks. I guess I found this unusual because everywhere else family homes have one or two flat beds that are shared by at least three people. There was no writing on the walls but also no pictures. In some homes, the girls put up pictures of Indian movie stars and singers. I need to check the name of one star - he's on all the billboard ads for local Scotch. Along with suggestive comments like, "It's bigger than I looks".

The beds had typical thin solid mattresses, one colourful Korean blanket and a sheet. Now I am wondering who actually uses the yak wool blankets sold in every street and bazaar? In the corner there were some thicker comforter type bedding, rolled and stacked. One wooden cupboard. There were two extra rooms for volunteers,with single beds and a desk with a computer. These mattresses were 25 cm thick. Luxury for the volunteers.

Dinner was dal bhat. But the potatoes were cooked in a more traditional way, outside on a metal dish over a wood fire. The kids set the table with metal cups, plates and cutlery. The juice Ed brought was ceremoniously shared. Dinner began with a prayer. A 4 year old was appointed (seemed like it was his turn that night). He stood on his chair almost singing a few words, and they others responded in chorus. Their lentils were spooned on, but we adults had separate bowls. Some ate about 3 cups of rice, along with half a cup of curry and vegetables. Several lined up for more. subsequently I have found out that breakfast is often a cup of tea, lunch is not much more, so this is the main meal. Kids ate with their right hands, we foreigners got a spoon and fork. I found the lentil soup extremely salty.

This month's volunteer was Amal, from Singapore. His maIn duties were to interact with the children after school. He was clearly well respected. In the 60 minute "screen time / play time" after dinner, some used his laptop for Toy Story 3, others were playing shooting games (and sharing), two worked together at UnBlockMe, a puzzle game on a mobile phone screen and others looked at photos with Ed. Now,this is not the age group I usually interact with, so I had no idea what to do when a 4 year old started to kick at an 8 year old. But the others sorted him out. I guess they really get to be an extended family.

The program depends entirely on voluntary contributions. I do wonder what the adults do during the dayside the kids are at school. They were developing a garden around the house.