We would like to thank our "Hutschn-ambassadors" Antje and Toni Grassl from the Outdoor Club Berchtesgaden, who personally handed over our donated HUTSCHN to the Shanti Leprosy Relief Kindergarten in Kathmandu during an expedition.
Being allowed to swing, be free and be a child at ease? What we in Europe usually take for granted is a privilege and a great exception in Nepal: to be allowed to grow up sheltered and well cared for in a kindergarten. Many children have to help out in the fields or at home from a very early age, and it is not uncommon for them to be used as cheap labour in factories. At Shanti, all children are allowed to be children and play until they are ready for school at the age of 6 or 7.
But even then, playful learning is emphasised in the school, which is inspired by Waldorf education. The children receive medical care at the Hape Kerkeling Clinic.
Shanti has two kindergartens: one in the station in Kathmandu-Tilganga, and one in Budhanilkhanta. Twelve children are lovingly cared for there from 10 am to 5 pm while the mothers go to work or engage in one of the employment programmes.
We in the Hutschnteam have decided to increasingly support such projects from now on. More about that soon.
