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

A television celebrity visit's our children home

During the long long summer holiday, because of all the political riots in Nepal, just another boring Friday afternoon became a party, when all of a sudden VIP Santos Panta, know from movies and the famous telly program hijo aja ko kura ma came by in our children home Hamro Niwas.
René arranged this secretly after he coincidentally had bumped into him several times. All the children looked their eyes out. Quickly all the floor mats came out and everybody got seated, staring at the miracle which unattended rolled in to their home. And this time not via the screen, but live!

One by one, Santos asked all the children different questions: “What is your name?”
“Which grade are you in?” “Where did you live before? Ooh there! I've visit that place before.” etc, etc.
He had a joke for everybody. Some children became very shy!
Surendra and Darnidar where being challenged to sing a song for him. Full dispossession they began to sing a beautiful Nepali song. When they lost the lyrics for a moment Surendra pulled out, but Darnidar finished the song bravely!

After everybody had his or her turn, questions could be asked. But what to ask such a celebrity? The man you see on the telly every day. Even Puja normally very outgoing, couldn't think of one thing to ask.
Some one came up with a better idea; dancing! The children showed their best dancing performance. Santos was very impressed and clapped his hands on the rhythm of the music. The children had lots of fun!

Before he left, Aunty gave him a beautiful Khata (a silk scarf, to be given as a sign of thankfulness and good luck). Our smallest little girl Boenoe, took her change and quickly made a picture of this big hero.

After this all, the children where looking for their most beautiful self-made picture and bracelet. Once outside all the children wanted to give their presents and rushed around Santos. Laxmi, little Puja, Madan and also a beautiful Buddha art from Lal switched from owner.

Boenoe knotted a beautiful self-made bracelet around Santos his arm. So it happened that wrapped in bracelets and loaded with drawings he got into his car. He waved one more time to the children and the curious neighbours who came out of their houses and then the very surprising and above all much succeeded afternoon was over.

Dorien de Boer,
Volunteer at Hamro Niwas children home, Kathmandu, Nepal.