InfoAnda - 'Bamboo schools' bring hope to Nepal's poor

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Iraq's neighbors discuss security cooperation | 23 November 2008
FDA Says Diet Drug Can Cause Liver Damage | 28 May 2010
Seoul shares fall 0.2 pct autos, shipbuilders | 6 December 2010

India's Micromax hopes to hit market soon with IPO | 21 October 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : 'Bamboo schools' bring hope to Nepal's poor

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: 'Bamboo schools' bring hope to Nepal's poor AFP - Wednesday, August 26 KAWASOTI, Nepal (AFP) - - When Uttam Sanjel began giving reading classes to street children in the Nepalese capital in the 1990s, he had little idea what his small teaching scheme would one day turn into. ADVERTISEMENT This month, the 35-year-old Kathmandu native who was once an aspiring Bollywood actor opened his tenth school in Nepal and revealed ambitious plans to provide affordable education for all children in the Himalayan nation. Over the past nine years, Sanjel has built up a nationwide network of schools that offer an education for just 100 rupees (1.40 dollars) a month in one of the world's poorest countries. They are built using only the cheapest materials -- earning them the nickname "bamboo schools" -- with funds donated by local businesspeople and charitable organisations. "I want every child to benefit from my schools," Sanjel told AFP after hosting a colourful opening ceremony for his latest addition in this village in western Nepal. "No child should be left out of school because the family can't afford to pay for education. "When the current political turmoil is over in Nepal, we will need educated people to build this country." When Sanjel built his first school in 2001, Nepal was in the grip of a 10-year civil war between Maoist rebels and the army in which at least 13,000 people died. The conflict ended in 2006, but political stability remains elusive and more than half the population still lives beneath the poverty line. Nonetheless, education is highly prized and many families scrimp to send children to fee-paying schools that offer classes in English rather than to the Nepali-language government schools. But a private education remains out of the reach of many in the Himalayan nation, where the average annual income is just 470 dollars. Public education only began in Nepal in 1951, and adult literacy rates remain among the lowest in the region. In 2005 -- the latest year for which comparative data was available -- only 48.6 percent of adults in Nepal were literate against 61 percent in India, 90.7 percent in Sri Lanka and 47 percent in Bangladesh, UN figures show. Sanjel said he wanted to offer a better alternative to the free government schools in Nepal, calling the discrepancy between private and public schooling a major social injustice. "There are two kinds of schooling. The public school students do not know how to speak in English even when they leave school. The private school students can send emails to their parents from grade two," he said. "This is not how it should be. It is wrong because it will create two kinds of citizen." Bus driver Dol Raj Subedi is sending his eldest son to Sanjel's new school, and says he wishes he could have had the same opportunity as a child. "Driving is hard work. I am not very well and my back hurts a lot," said the 37-year-old, who earns 150 rupees a day. "If I was educated, if my parents had sent me to school, I think it would have been different. "All I care about is good education for my children. This new system of education in my village has helped me to get that." Sanjel has won awards in Nepal for his work in the education sector, but he admits he did not excel at school, and says he never considered teaching as a career option. He spent seven years in Mumbai trying to realise his dream of becoming a Bollywood star before returning to Kathmandu where, finding himself at a loose end, he began teaching classes for street children. "I thought only a couple would show up. But around 100 children took part and started learning enthusiastically. I was overwhelmed," Sanjel told AFP. The experience inspired him to start the first of his network of schools -- called Samata, or Equality Schools, on the outskirts of Kathmandu with just 100 students. Now, that school alone educates 3,500 pupils and in all, Sanjel has 18,000 children in his care. "There were hardships along the way," he told AFP. "At one point I hid inside a toilet cubicle for two hours because I did not have money to pay the construction contractors. "I was not able to pay the teachers' salaries for three whole months and it was always difficult to pull together enough money to pay the staff. But if you are persistent, you will succeed." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Big Brother to be axed in BritainAFP - 2 hours 9 minutes ago Bob Dylan to release Christmas album for charityAP - Thursday, August 27 Rapper Santana accused of threatening girlfriendAP - Thursday, August 27 British TV cancels reality show 'Big Brother'AP - Thursday, August 27 Zhang Yuan releases first film since drug scandalAP - Thursday, August 27 Enlarge Photo Uttam Sanjel poses for a portrait with pupils at a school on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Over the past nine years, Sanjel, 35, has built up a nationwide network of schools that offer an education for just 100 rupees (1.40 dollars) a month in one of the world's poorest countries. They are built using only the cheapest materials -- earning them the nickname "bamboo schools". Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Profile of swine flu begins to emerge: study Jackson killed by drugs cocktail: court NASA calls off Discovery launch High bidder 'can't pay' for crypt atop Monroe Oil hits $75 for first time in 10 months View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Afghan bomb blast kills 36: police
extends reach into Arab world with Maktoob buy
Oil hits $75 for first time in 10 months
British PM upbeat after talks with Israel's PM
High bidder 'can't pay' for crypt atop Monroe
Frenchman hurt by 'exploding iPhone'
Israel's Netanyahu says seeking settlements formula | International |
Analysis: Iraq's premier must work to keep job
Yahoo to launch Arabic portal with Arab partner
Russia says nothing suspicious found on Arctic Sea | International |
Diplomats: Iran's enrichment program stagnates
Britain threatens to cut Internet for online pirates
UK, Israel warn Iran over nuclear program | International |
Iraq recalls envoy to Syria over truck bombings
Biel tops Pitt as 'most dangerous' celebrity on Web
European court raps Italy over G8 Genoa protests | International |
Iran resumes mass trial of opposition figures
UK proposes cutting Web access to file sharers
Head of troubled Darfur peacekeeping force resigns | International |
Karzai ahead in early Afghan election results
Qaeda-linked group claims bloody Baghdad attack
Netbook pioneer Asustek eyes recovery; bets on China
Iraq suspends decision to pull down blast walls
White House, Congress projects record deficits
Remains found in Alaska could be 1,000 years old
NKorea report says a senior military official dies
Transients board locomotive in Colo., get arrested
NKorea invites US envoys for talks, report says
Union wants ban on lithium batteries in cargo
Calif. school still closed after pipe bomb attack
Official: Explosion hits southern Afghan city
Official: Huge explosion hits southern Afghan city
Obama reappoints 'bold' Bernanke as Fed chairman
Pakistani Taliban say chief Baitullah Mehsud dead
Chinese president visits restive Xinjiang region
China mine blast kills 14: govt
3 dead in barn after standoff in northeast Tenn.
Karzai, Abdullah at 40 percent in partial returns
Man convicted in brutal slayings of Tenn. couple
Malaysian court puts caning of woman on hold
Hikers rescued in Alaska after journey into wild
Papa John's founder finds his beloved 1971 Camaro
Russia, Mongolia create uranium joint venture
HCL Technologies quarterly profit surges 110 pct
Daewoo to make $1.7 bln investment in Myanmar
Jessica Biel tops list as most risky star in cyberspace | Entertainment |
Pete Townshend plans new musical Floss | Entertainment |
Canada police know woman with accused model killer | Entertainment |
Orthodox Church condemns Madonna gig in Bulgaria
Los Lonely Boys to release 1969 tribute EP | Entertainment |
Bulgaria's church deplores Madonna concert
Caillat has a 'Breakthrough' with sophomore CD
LaToya Jackson appearing on '20/20' next month
Budget impasse forces Shyamalan movie from Pa.
Q&A: After `300,' Gerard Butler is still battling
Head of troubled Darfur peacekeeping force resigns
Russia seizes Norwegian yacht: border guards
North, South Korea hold rare talks on split families | International |
US ranks 28th in Internet connection speed: report
US inches toward dialogue with NKorea
Zimbabwe's Mugabe treated in Dubai hospital: paper | International |
NASA calls off Discovery launch
New ETA arms caches found in France
Iraq focuses bombings blame on operatives in Syria
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
Profile of swine flu begins to emerge: study
GM still wants to sell Opel: sources
Top reformist confesses in Iran political trial
YouTube to share ad money with more video makers
U.S. limits visas in Honduras, stepping up pressure | International |
Sony unveils new e-reader in Kindle challenge
Oil price hits ten-month peak at 75 dollars
Indonesian police arrest suspect over hotel blasts | International |
Australia Aborigines ask U.N. for refugee status | International |
Multitaskers distracted by everything: study
Iran puts leading reformers on trial over unrest
Chavez threatens break with Colombia | International |
Armstrong twitters up Dublin bike ride
Bomb kills 40 in Afghanistan's Kandahar: police
The Pirate Bay back online after fine threat
German prosecutors seek life for 'veil martyr' killer
Argentine farmers call new anti-government strike | International |
Iraq and Syria recall envoys over bombing claims
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
Sony unveils new e-reader in Kindle challenge
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival | Technology |
YouTube to share ad money with more video makers | Technology |
Attorney: Alleged Iowa coach shooter incompetent
Car bomb blasts in Afghanistan kill at least 41
Tongans hold funeral service at sea for ferry dead
Chicken owner shoots own leg while hunting opossum
Taiwan FM offers resignation over typhoon blunder
Indonesian police arrest suspect over hotel blasts
'Drats!' Valve trouble postpones shuttle launch
US inches toward dialogue with NKorea
Most China organ transplants come from death row
Obamas visit top adviser's home, then go to dinner
Rocket launch: SKorea fails to contact satellite
MEMO FROM MARTHA's: Chief golfs with his chef
Karzai, top rival run about even in Afghan returns
LA school board approves school choice plan
N.Korea may invite U.S. for nuclear talks
New park offers X-rated views of NYC hotel guests
California Catholics try TV to draw churchgoers
Video allegedly shows 'executions' in Sri Lanka: report
Workers at home where chaplain fell criticized
Drunk man found at grocery store eating avocados
China Life first half profit up 15 percent
Toyota to cut production capacity at Japan factory
Toyota to slash world production capacity: reports
Seoul shares up 0.4 pct; NCSoft, Korea Beral spike
S.Korea Aug consumer sentiment hits 7-yr high
Air China sees first half profit more than double
Chris Brown sentenced in LA for assault | Entertainment |
Korea Hot Stocks
Sale falls through on crypt above Marilyn Monroe | Entertainment |
Seoul shares open up; NCSoft, Samsung Techwin gain
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Epson pleads guilty to price-fixing, to pay 26 mln dlr fine
Extract distilled from human stupidity | Entertainment |
India says Delhi talks aimed at building WTO consensus
NJ court appearance for comic Artie Lange delayed
Sale falls through on crypt above Marilyn Monroe
Chris Brown sentenced in Rihanna assault case
Ga. judge: Accused Miley Cyrus stalker 'a danger'
Billboard names Beyonce as 'Woman of the Year'
Argentina legalizes personal marijuana possession
Abdul to host 'VH1 Divas' Sept. 17 concert special
B'way's 'West Side Story' has a minor lyric change
Paisley, Underwood return as hosts of CMA Awards
Karzai widens lead in Afghan vote
French hostage in Somalia freed 'without violence'
Karzai leads in Afghan poll, run-off indicated | International |
Google Maps tracking traffic flow
German firms most bullish since crisis began
Russia admits mystery ship may have had suspect cargo
Advertising giant WPP profits slump in first half
Toll in Kandahar bomb at least 40: police
Abbas to call election if talks with Hamas fail | International |
Singer Chris Brown sentenced for Rihanna assault
Iran's Khatami says trial confessions invalid | International |
Bomb kills 40 in Afghanistan's Kandahar: police
Iraqi Shi'ite party leader dies, successor eyed | International |
Swelling US deficit threatens Obama reforms
Forensic experts unearth 60 Bosnian war victims | International |
French hostage escapes from rebels in Somalia | International |
Russia eyes landmark purchase of French assault ship | International |
Madagsacar leaders still deadlocked over top job | International |
Pakistani forces launch air attack on Taliban | International |
US-TECH Summary
Nokia to launch mobile financial service | Technology |
Nokia bets on Linux in iPhone battle: sources | Technology |
House gets guerrilla ad treatment | Technology |
IBM, Indian outsourcers win services deal from BP | Technology |
Official: Dalai Lama to visit Taiwan
Thai tennis star launches new herbal Viagra
Malaysian opposition wins bellwether vote
Kennedy successor to be chosen by special election
Upstart party has already changed Japan politics
Sen. Kennedy's death leaves 1 Kennedy sibling
Hope, reality collide in post-Katrina New Orleans
Ted Kennedy: Senator, family patriarch, dead at 77
Koreas to hold first Red Cross talks in 2 years
Text of Obama statement on Kennedy
UN says ex-rebels breached Nepal peace agreement
Israeli PM resists US pressure over settlements
Interrogation probe steams those on right and left
Most lawmakers and analysts welcome Bernanke news
Russia deploys air defence over N.Korea missile tests
AP IMPACT: Politics can drive stimulus priorities
Schwarzenegger mourns loss of `Uncle Teddy'
Pakistani Taliban seen as regrouping
House gets guerrilla ad treatment | Entertainment |
Taiwan dollar ends slightly lower on outflows
CNOOC says 1H profit down 55 pct on lower prices
S.Koreans most upbeat since 2002 but president cautions
Thai interest rate unchanged amid recovery doubts
Japan trade surplus rises for second month
Pakistan's medium-term outlook still fragile
SKorea to ratify EU free trade deal soon: Speaker
Indonesian police detain suspect in hotel bombings
Disputed time in Jackson case could be key
'Prince of Jihad' arrested in Indonesia: police
Mongolia tax repeal clears way for $4 bln mine
Peter Horton: 'thirtysomething' lacked big 'but'
Vietnam says inflation slowing
US race row raises questions over Bollywood spin
Seoul shares post highest close in 13 months =2
In greying Japan, youth may turn out to rock the vote
Mexico players fight for pre-Hispanic game site
'Bamboo schools' bring hope to Nepal's poor
Lee Young-ae marries businessman in US
"Extract" distilled from human stupidity
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01