Foundation Celebrates World Poetry Day in Nepal
Post by: Prabritti Nepal & Harinee Suthakar
“Every poem is unique but each reflects the universal in human experience, the aspiration for creativity that crosses all boundaries and borders, of time as well as space, in the constant affirmation of humanity as a single family,” stated Irina Bokova, Director General, UNESCO.
Rukmini Foundation and the A School for Community (ASC) family gathered to celebrate World Poetry Day on Friday, March 20, 2015. Poetry is the universal human song.
The program was managed by students who showed energy and enthusiasm throughout the day. Two students, Rasmita Balami and Deepika Balami, co-hosted the event. The celebration began with students given one hour to express their creativity through poems. Then, a few of the most electrifying poems were chosen and recited by students on stage. The topics of the poems included friendship, family, technology, womanhood, and Nepali culture and patriotism. The poems, written in both English and Nepali, showcased linguistic diversity and celebrated creative expression.
The celebration was lively and all students participated. This was an entirely different scene and feeling from what used to be a typical school day in Shikharapur School a few years ago. Ever since Rukmini Foundation initiated Project-Based Learning Classes (PBL) in Shikharapur School, students have been more engaged, eager to learn, and enthusiastic about their education.
After the World Poetry Day program concluded, two other students conducted a farewell ceremony for the Canadian volunteers who assisted the ASC in creating a new student computer lab. In addition, students wished Miss Rasmita K.C., a dedicated Rukmini Foundation staff member, all the best as she leaves to pursue her higher studies. Students and volunteers from the ASC and St. Xavier’s College danced and played musical instruments during the send-off.
To conclude the day, everyone welcomed Bandana Aryal, a new addition to the Rukmini Foundation family who will be working as Program Manager to oversee the activities in Nepal. She is going to provide leadership at the local level in place of Dr. Nabin Aryal who is moving to Kenya. Ms. Bandana Aryal is currently a Livelihood Expert in the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) of Nepal. She will be a great inspiration to Rukmini Scholars as she was also brought up in the Pharping area as a great granddaughter of Rukmini. She also studied in the same school, Shikharapur School, as many of our scholars. She has a Bachelor’s in Agriculture from Tribhuwan University and a Master’s in Agriculture from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. Ms. Aryal made the most of the opportunities she had and continues to work diligently as one of the most successful women in the Shikharapur region. She hopes to make sure all Rukmini scholars realize their full potentials, and receive support and encouragement to aim high and achieve their goals in life.
This was a very inspiring event, from the great poems of the students, to wishing a team member well, and introducing a new leader into the organization.
More pictures of this great event on our Flickr page.
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- Meeting new friends, saying thanks, and setting goals – another wonderful Didi program - April 7, 2015
- A Powerful Poetry Session at Rukmini Foundation - March 26, 2015
- A Day Reflection, Fun and Empowerment – Innovative Ways to Address Serious Topics - December 15, 2014
- Laurisa Didi shows Rukmini Scholars that there are many things that girls can do - August 30, 2014
