Why help?

January .2011

Dear NAG Sponsors and Supporters

Looking back on 2010, we're very happy to report that NAG continues growing and now provides 610 children with a chance for the future. Sadly the political situation in Nepal has still not been resolved. No new constitution has been passed and in the resulting chaos of strikes, demonstrations, corruption and poverty, any progress is hindered. Despite these constant challenges and thanks to your loyal and generous support, the children within the sanctuary of NAG continue to flourish.

In 2010 -28 NAGers passed SLC (School Leaving Certificate) most continuing living in NAG while pursuing higher studies in Kmd. Some of the X- NAGers, having completed their education and now living independently, have returned to work at NAG as teachers. Another NAGer has been accepted as a medical student in Bangladesh, where our first medical student is now completing her2nd year studies. Both students are being supported by Swiss Doctors. As, in any family, there are always "highs andlows" and we've had some serious health problems, which were luckily solved in hospital plus additional treatment in NAG by our trainee nurses. Unfortunately Ashish's condition is deteriorating (He’s 9yrs and has DMD) He’s now entirely wheelchair dependant however his NAG"family" are making his final years as happy as possible.

11X-NAGers have found jobs in various countries abroad, somecontinuing further studies there. Of these fine young people, some saved their very hard-earned money to send donations back to their “Home” NAG They wanted to contribute and help other street children have a chance for the future, as they did! It’s very rewarding to realise what providing the basic human rights of food and education can achieve… even in a country where the average literacy rate is48.6 % (Males 62.7% females 34.9 %)

Last year NAG was fortunate to have many innovative volunteers with a variety of skills which they shared with the NAGers in free time. Their “workshops” providing the childrena chance to discover their special talents. These include carpentry, mechanics, music, magic, acrobatics, cooking, creative handwork ect. Sports also play a major role in the home, including taekwando, table tennis, cricket, football and basketball. Every November NAG hosts the yearly “Jeeten Memorial” interschool basketball tournament.

For the NAG “book-worms” we’ve now been able to complete and furnish the new library, which includes a variety of donated books from Switzerland, transported (along with other essentials) by trekking groups to Nepal. These groups visit NAG and experience sharing lunch with350 hungry NAGers! Many individual travellers are also welcome visitors and this personal contact and resulting PR has proven most helpful, increasing awareness of the necessity of our home for the futures of so many street children.

The past year we were able to complete building our additional Sawasati House, providing various extra rooms including a science room, library, quarantine sick bay and special living quarters for handicapped children. NAG nursing students pass on their practical experiences to others in the home. Also a much needed generator room is installed (local electricity sometimes being cut for 18hrs daily!)

Space being limited in NAG's school, we are now continuing to support students in our local schools of Toka, Samakoshi and Phutung. This ensures that these underprivileged children, instead of ending on the streets, also receive a chance for the future. This helps our integration into the local community, where our football teams are now allowed to practice on their fields.

We are most grateful for your very loyal support which we receive in a variety of ways. Welcome donations from schools and churches, firms and foundations plus innovative fundraising events and many private donations from people remembering NAG in times of happiness and sorrow. This ensures that we’re able to continue maintaining our goal of rescuing and helping the underprivileged children of Nepal.

Nicole and her NAGers send many thanks, greetings and best wishes to all for a HAPPY NEW YEAR in 2011