Dear friends of Children's Bright Horizon e.V.
We have been back from Nepal for a few weeks now – and our hearts are still full. We spent two weeks at the Bright Horizon Children's Home (BHCH) in April and would like to take you with us to Nepal, to the children, our projects and our hopes with this report, lots of little impressions and pictures.
A new beginning – new children at BHCH
The new school year begins in Nepal at the end of April. And it is always a special moment: 23 new children have moved into BHCH this year. We were able to watch them take their first steps in this new place. For many of them, it is the first time in their lives that they have their own bed, clean clothes, regular meals – and the prospect of a good education.
In addition, five new day pupils were admitted, who also benefit from the excellent education. We observed, accompanied and welcomed the children. What is going on in their little heads?
Will they settle in quickly? The regular life, the new community, the unfamiliar daily routine – it all takes time. We saw so many smiling faces, open looks. With the exception of one boy, who was still a little reserved, everyone settled in after just a few days. We are full of confidence and look forward to accompanying them as they grow up.
A significant step – saying goodbye after year 10
It was with great pride and also a little sadness that we said goodbye to the older children this year. After the 10th grade, they leave BHCH to attend a college in Kathmandu or to start an apprenticeship. For many of them, this marks the beginning of a new phase in their lives, one that demands courage and personal responsibility.
During the transition period – the certificates for the national examinations are often a long time coming – the young people have a break of several months before they can apply for secondary schools.
Alumni meeting in Kathmandu – a warm reunion
A particularly nice moment of our trip was the alumni meeting in Kathmandu. Originally, we only wanted to meet with the young people who are leaving Bright Horizon Children's Home this year and either starting an apprenticeship or attending college in Kathmandu. We spontaneously extended the invitation and also invited older alumni. In the end, around 35 former students came together in a small restaurant. Some are already working, others are still studying – all are going their own way. It was an afternoon full of laughter, vivid memories and a palpable bond.
Nagarkot – Hike with our older children
Together with six older children – two still at BHCH, four already in college – we hiked from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot. It was a wonderful day full of conversations and moving insights into their world of thought. For anyone who would like to visit Nepal: Nagarkot is a place of tranquillity, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. On a clear day – especially in November – you can see the snow-capped mountains. A soothing break from hectic Kathmandu.
Long talks with the school management and the board
We spent a whole day talking to Youton-Lama, a member of the Nepalese BHCH board, and the school management about many aspects of the BHCH. They told us what's new, what's planned for the future and reported on the planning status of the 25th anniversary celebrations. There is always so much to talk about and we really enjoy this exchange. It showed us once again that we in Germany, Switzerland and Nepal are all pulling together and everyone is doing their best for the children.
Mother's Day in Matatirtha
The BHCH is located in Matatirtha. Matatirtha means sacred place of the mother in Nepalese. The dead mothers in particular are commemorated here. On Mother's Day, Nepalese from the village and from all over Nepal come to Matatirtha to remember and honor their mothers. Around the actual ceremony, there is a large fair with many stalls selling all kinds of things. The market is known for being very cheap and good for bargaining. The children always look forward to the day and anyone with a few rupees buys something sweet or a ticket for the big swing boat.