The small state bordering two of the largest Asian
powers – China and India, the giants of modern
times – Nepal hosts the world's highest peaks,
traditionally considered the abode of the Gods
and a stopping point for traders, travelers, and pilgrims.
Despite being the birthplace of Buddha, Nepal
is predominantly Hindu (a polytheistic religious belief
practiced by 8 out of 10 people). When it comes
to religious beliefs, Nepalis are surprisingly flexible,
pragmatic, and tolerant; religious tensions are
virtually nonexistent in the country. Dominant
concepts in Nepalese culture are strongly tied to caste and social status, both part of a rigidly defined system based on hierarchy and respect. Caste determines an individual's social status, career, marriage, and interactions with others.
Despite rapid urbanization, this beautiful country remains extremely poor and rural: one in five people lives below the poverty line, with an income of less than one euro per day. In addition to this, there are alarming statistics regarding further conditions of poverty due to low literacy, gender, and ethnic inequalities, which are major contributors to a significant increase in violence. According to police reports, the country sees between 2,000 and 4,000 crimes against women and children annually, including murder, human trafficking, rape, kidnapping, and acid attacks. Data extracted from actionaid.it.
Project Ananda proposes an intervention in Nepalese society starting from schools: through extracurricular activities, it aims to raise awareness of gender and ethnic differences and promote a tendency towards equal opportunities, respecting the valorization of individual differences.
Through an educational and interactive program involving children in Nepal, the project aims to create an inclusive and long-term educational environment that promotes gender and social equality, encouraging mutual understanding and celebrating diversity as a strength rather than a discrimination.
Ananda will be implemented through collaboration with the U.S.-based organization Educate Children-Nepal (https://www.etc-nepal.org/), at schools located in remote villages of Nepal. The Ananda project will primarily come to fruition thanks to the donations received through the fundraising campaign launched in December 2023 (https://gofund.me/f9c20f29).
The Calathea association aims to carry out continuous education involving Nepalese, Italian, and American children through the activation of a network of contact and correspondence with schools in other countries, aiming to raise awareness of inequalities on a broad scale. The correspondence will be based on comparative topics to stimulate openness in children towards "the other," despite profound differences in geographic, cultural, and social aspects. To achieve these goals, the association will rely on the reference adults present in the various territories.
The working method of Project Ananda involves the realization, over a continuous two-week period, of workshops structured as extracurricular activities and lab proposals for children. Extracurricular activities are an essential part of education not only for new goals compared to traditional schooling but also to increase children's motivation and sense of belonging.
Recommended Reading - Article written by Lisa Lyons, director of ETC-Nepal
http://campaignforeducationusa.org/blog/detail/extracurriculars-arent-just-extra
Photo credit ETC/Save the Earth staff
Suggerimento di lettura - articolo scritto da Lisa Lyons, direttrice di ETC-Nepal http://campaignforeducationusa.org/blog/detail/extracurriculars-arent-just-extra
The project involves the presence on-site of two Italian operators, Michela Sole - developmental psychologist and president of APS Calathea - and Giorgia Risso - professional educator. Over two weeks, between October and November 2024, the involved children will participate in structured and laboratory activities aimed at creating a product that will be the subject of a concluding exhibition (with photographs, children's creations). Association volunteers, as well as the language interpreter, will be active for all proposed workshops to make the experience as comprehensive as possible.
APS Calathea is a non-profit organization and, therefore, relies on donations from those who share our cause. The association is committed to offering psycho-educational workshops in Italy, aiming to enhance differences and counteract inequalities starting from the youngest. We believe that our projects can be effective even in countries where access to education is not a duty for all but a privilege for some. Even just one euro can contribute to our mission, and by staying updated on our projects, you will find evidence of your valuable contribution!
