Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Last night we had our cooking lesson with Chetra,
our host mother. We learned how to make momos which are dumplings filled with a
tasty combination of spices, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, garlic and then
steamed. We also learned how to make Pakharas which are any vegetable on its
own or combination of, coated with chickpea flour. Garlic, ginger, tumeric,
chili, garam Marsala and fresh coriander are added into the flour and mixed
with water to make a breading, deep fried and accompanied by a tomato, garlic
and yogurt sauce. We also learned how to make roti which is flour, salt, water
and a bit of yeast. The dough is left to rise and then they are rolled into
balls, rolled out flat and grilled with the end product resembling tortillas.
We accompanied this with our leftover chili from Sunday. It was a wonderful
change from our Dahl Bhat. Chetra made homemade yogurt and fruit for the
finale.
This lesson was given to the four of us, as we are leaving Saturday. All cooking is done on 2 or 3 propane elements. The kitchen space is very hot and really gave us an appreciation for the daily routine that Chetra must initiate each day. Sweat was pouring off us even though we had just had showers. Never have we all sweat so much. The humidity builds to a breaking point at which the heavens let go with such force.
Our highlight is when the power comes on and we have access to electricity so that the ceiling fans will work until we fall asleep. The power is off and on during the night and then is off again from 6 till about 9 am. Somehow it all goes together and works.
Today we also had a meeting with the coordinators Ruth and Daniel to go over the iPads, functions and programs. In total we have been able to bring down 5 iPads that have been set up to run on Nepali time. Programs have been download and purchased back home so the schools can use them to teach. Through the generosity of many people, we have also been able to have a store credit at the iTunes Store of $1400.00 which will be used to purchase appropriate programs for teaching, reading, art, music, math, etc. We had a sort of powwow to teach and learn how to use these items so they can be used to their full potential.
For most people, the average wage is about $200.00 dollars a month. iPads and computers are not standard items and out of reach of most individuals. Well wishes and thanks of gratitude to all those who supported us either through donations or well wishes. We are so lucky to be able to see the fruits of your labour and experience the gratitude from individuals and communities on all of your behalf.
Today again was more of the same as yesterday as we painted. We also have finally been able to source some of the materials such as large tires, bamboo to make a xylophone, sheet metal to make a slide. Nothing is very simple here. We were looking for clear hose to use as a level and could only find one store which had some. They were unable to sell us what we needed but could supply a small amount.
Another issue we have come across is that for some, the idea of playground equipment is foreign. Their idea of a toy was a wheel, and stick to help propel it across the dirt. When we talk about a bamboo xylophone or parallel bars for the kids with walking issues they have no idea.
Each child at this school is charged 2800 rupees a month. This would equate to about 27.00 dollars. This includes a small meal at 11:00 and then again at 2:00. The morning meal is usually soup with noodle or porridge and the afternoon snack is closer to cornflakes. Bunty has not had to pay her rent as GVI paid for the entire year. This means she will make close to 90,000 rupees a month. Out of this there is no electricity to pay.
Two of the teachers are paid approximately 6,000 rupees a month or $70.00 dollars. The other two helpers which do everything from cooking, cleaning and occupying the special needs kids in the afternoon get no pay. They live with Bunty and family in a home she has which Rhonda, Leanne and Shauna will be visiting tomorrow night for dinner. We think that Bunty does have the needs of the kids at heart but do not agree with how she goes about things. We would not feel comfortable leaving money here as we are not sure it would go where it should. Poverty plays into this as well.