Volunteering in Sankhuwasabha
                  In early 2009 I spent two months living and volunteering in Loke Pangma, a small village in Khandbari municipality, Sankhuwasabha. This was one of the most memorable and enlightening experiences of my life. During my time in this beautiful district I made many good friends, learned much about the fascinating cultures and saw firsthand the great need that there is in this area.
              I taught English at the local government school in Loke Pangma. The teachers at the school are trying to do what they can, but the resources are limited.  Four teachers are spread over six classes with little support or teaching materials. From what I saw, much of the funding for the school came from the local community with some support from the government. There is a strong community behind the school doing what they can, but they need help.
           The private schools are the best education available to children in this district. Unfortunately, the fees that these schools must charge are often higher than what the students are able to pay. There are programs which help to send these children to school, such as SESF and Helping Hands Nepal.
                  I was impressed with the people I met who are trying to provide better schools and more opportunity for local children.  They could do so much more with a little help.


Trekking in Sankhuwasabha

                   While I was living in Sankhuwasabha, I spent 11 days trekking to Makalu Basecamp. The route takes you through most of this beautiful and diverse district and really gives you a feel for the region. Many locals I met mentioned that I had seen more of their district than they had in their entire lives living there.
              Leaving Khandbari municipality and beginning to follow the ridge through Chichilla to Num, the terraced farmland and villages give way to dense forest and cardamom plantations. Descending to the Arun River between Num and Sedua brings the trail back through the terraces and into an entirely different, forested climate deep inside the steep valley. The bridge marks the last downhill until the return trip and the trail turns steeply up the hill. Passing again through terraces and forest, the trail connects many small Sherpa villages displaying the culture, architecture and lifestyle of these rural farmers. After departing Tashigaon, the terrain gets steep again, cutting up through the high rhododendron forests and above the treeline to magnificent vistas of Makalu and Sankhuwasabha district.
             The entire trek gave me a greater appreciation for this beautiful region of Nepal. I will never forget the people and land of Sankhuwasabha.

Shawn(USA)
E:mail
connollysb@gmail.com