My Christmas Champions, and Festive Greetings from Nepal.

It was never going to be easy. Leaving family, friends and old familiar securities back in the UK to travel across the world and work with culturally different communities in the hope that through transferring knowledge their lives may change in such a way that more choices would present themselves.

As I sit in Kathmandu, making ready to return once again to our new home in Besisahar, I reflect on what has happened since our arrival back in July. There have been ups and there certainly have been downs. Yet at this Christmas time, I briefly reflect on those people who have helped turn those downs into ups and are my personal hero's and Champions that have given me motivation and direction.

Our first few weeks should have been spent understanding the cultural diversity that lay before us, and getting a grasp of Nepali language. This was added to by Binuka who wanted help in her small shop, Theki Dairy, where she sells milk from her own cows. One outcome was the development of 'Theki Maid' a semi hard fermented cheese. Five months on the cheese is selling well, flavours are much appreciated by her growing customer base and on the new shop display board ‘Theki Maid’ tops the list of products sold. After years of developing products that take ages to reach customers, if they do at all, Binuka is definitely my personal Hero and Champion for showing faith.

In the early days, Binuka with her new product, 'Theki Maid'

 

The new shop front and advertising board.

Cows are no different to many of us, they like to eat, drink and sleep. Whether they are kept in a large herd or signally these principles apply, if they are to be happy, produce lots of milk and have babies. I was surprised to see that here in Nepal, water is very much an restricted part of the cows ration and so have promoted ad lib ‘paani’ whenever I can. Dhruba has been one of the very few who has grasped this advice and seen his milk output rise by 10% by doing nothing more than offering what is freely available here, water. Let’s hope I can find more farmers who are willing to follow the example of this Champion.

Dhruba and his team crack on with feeding.



He explains some of his plans



Dairying if definitely Team work.
With his wife who also rears the calves.

Kisan Dairy is one of my Partners in Lamjung. A small business adding value to the milk produced by its many farmer owners. The first few years after start-up have been tough with many marketing, processing and milk quality challenges. No different than is the situation for any growing business. I have been helping in all these areas, working alongside a young, new management team. Nira and Sandeep could have easily brushed aside the helpful hints offered by this aged foreigner, but no, they have grasped the initative and created their own ideas, following through with real action and ownership of the business direction. True Champions in the making.

Nira in centre stands next to Sandeep is blue.

 

When times get tough, as it does for all Volunteers working not only here in Nepal but throughout the world, support from someone who can make things happen is essential. Ashlea from the VSOUK office has been that person for me. Her gentle guidance and support coupled with knowing the system have been a life saver for both Judith and I. Not only is she a hero of mine but I owe this Champion a huge debt of gratitude.

 

Finally, the biggest Champion of all is Jude. She came to Nepal as my accompanying partner and has ended up as a full blown volunteer on an established education programme, just to keep us here, when my placement hit the buffers. She describes it as ‘going to party that you don’t think you’re going to enjoy but ending up having a great time’. Hero, Champion describe it how you like, she is all of these and more!



Jude is a natural magnet for kids

At work on her programme, Sisters for Sisters

Jude

 

As Christmas 2014 draws near, we think of friends, family, and all those without whose support, we would not be here working in Nepal. Thank you one and all. Have a wonderful celebration of Christmas Tide. Best Wishes to you all, Simon and Jude.

NB Thanks go to K and V our UK proof readers, honest enough to highlight errors.
First draft written in haste during a brief Internet burst!!