Stichting Veldwerk at Nepal

Secretariaat: Stichting Veldwerk Postbus 163 1850 AD Heiloo The Netherlands

Tel:+31 (0)72-5339585 veldwerk@wlink.com.np IBAN nr. NL51ABNA0543703266 Attn. Stichting Veldwerk, p/a Egmond Binnen Bank: ABN-Amro 543703266

Guitar lessons for our children……

Sometimes, not that often, I drink a small beer at the end of a long working day. My preference goes out to the Up-stairs bar. This bar is not that far from the children home and on my way home to my room in Thamel. So very easy!
On Wednesday and Saterday evening there always plays a band called Cadenza, one of the best Afro Jazz bands in Kathmandu. And on the picture the famous Max Lolo is playing as a special guest from Benin, Africa.


This band also played during the opening of the Jyoti Job-training centre in Pokhara. And I already informed the band Cadenza that I like them to play on the opening of our new house as well. We still have to start building this home but now they already know about the plans. The name of the bass player of Cadenza is Chi, and besides the fact that he plays the guitar extremely well he is also a very nice and friendly guy.

On one of my evenings in the Up-stairs bar, Chi asked whether it would be possible for him to give the kids in Hamro Niwas guitar lessons. Well, and that is of course an extra finishing touch to the children's lives! They get everything what they need including love and attention but these extras are of course more than welcome!


So you can imagine that I really didn't have to think about this offer. Although it was difficult to find some time in the busy agendas of the children. But it all worked out, Chi is now coming every Sunday around 5 o'clock and teaches 2 x 45 minutes, in total 6 children. On the question who wanted to learn to play the guitar about 20 hands went up in the air. The little wants are of course still too small for even holding the guitar so they will not be able to learn anything right now. For the other 15 children we draw lots and Chi was the one to pick 6 lots. Among the lucky wants we have some boys as well as girls.

Then one more problem. Learning how to play a guitar without having a guitar is a little bit difficult so the question was, how can we arrange a guitar?
And even better, how can we get 2!
Chi knew a store where I bought two good acoustic guitars from a donation made by Veronika Barendregt and her mother. Veronika has paid a visit in our children home and brought an amount of money with her, from herself as well as from her mother. So this was a perfect match! And with the guitar of Chi three kids can play at the same time.

So we are extremely pleased with this opportunity. And especially now because with the many bandas here because of the political rumour the kids are compelled to stay at home. Now these 6 children can practice on the new guitars in turn.


And for Veronika and mother Barendregt, a big kiss from all of us, and the greetings from Kathmandu,

René.