Namaste

NAMASTE!

MLC YEAR 10 ENLIGHTENMENT PROJECT - NEPAL TRIP 2010

By: Brittany Sheahan, Elizabeth Tiems, Kate Sullivan, Caragh Spencer, Shelley Jiang, Katelyn Torres, Nina Wood, Maree Raad and Kimberly Ong.

Dream

Image: Children who are students at the Dream Centers enjoy playing newspaper dress ups at our Dream Center picnic.

NEVER UNDERESTI MATE THE POWER OF DREAMS AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT.

Nepal Trip 2010 - A trip of Enlightenment

Contents: 2 An Acrostic Poem about Nepal 3 The Environment of Nepal 4 The changing culture in Nepal 5 A traditional Dal Baht Recipe 6 Religion in Nepal 7 The Kumari goddesses of Nepal 8 A traditional folk song of Nepal 9 Western influences in Nepal 10 The exploitation of Children in Nepal 11 A traditional Mango Lassi recipe 12 Industry in Nepal 13 Government in Nepal 14 - 15 Health issues

lorem ipsum dolor met set quam nunc parum

2009

The Current Health Issues Affecting the Community of Nepal.

FOCUS AREA 1: AIR POLLUTION Air quality poses a major threat to the future of the Nepalese community.

Since 2004, due to the thickening air pollution, an increase in Nepali residents have been sighted with facial masks to cover their noses and mouths.

Although, various industry buildings have closed down such as the Himal Cement Factories, thus reducing the amount of air pollutants dramatically, the number of vehicles in the valley has almost tripled, triggering respiratory and cardiovascular diseases amongst the community.

FOCUS AREA 2: CATARACT BLINDNESS Another main issue affecting the people of Nepal is the lack of medical help for those diagnosed with cataracts. Currently, “Nepal has one of the highest rates of curable blindness anywhere in the world.”

In particular, the exhaust of diesel particles is very hazardous for the human health and should be avoided at all times.

Although the source of cataract is still ‘unclear,’ scientists state that life factors such as malnutrition, genetics and exposure to UV sunlight are important aspects that must be taken into consideration. The impact of cataract blindness is severe and often leads to life-threatening consequences.

People who suffer from respiratory disease often experience: • Shortness of breath • Chest pain and, • Fatigue.

Established in 1994, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) was one of the main bodies of the Nepal eye program, which aim was to “support the prevention and control of blindness in Nepal.”

Although there are safe, effective and inexpensive solutions available for the prevention and control of these illnesses, residents affected are often unable to reach help in time and therefore suffer the consequences as hospitals are of high demand.

Today, the government is monitoring the levels of pollution in high-dense areas as well as educating residents about the importance of ventilation and its lifechanging effects.

Approximately 136 000 eye surgeries have been performed and almost 2 million Nepalese have been screened, thus making an enormous contribution to the community of Nepal.

Although it has been over a decade since the establishment of the Tilganga institute in Kathmandu, the organisation is working strongly towards: • Eradicating preventable and curable blindness through high quality care • Education and, • The establishment of world-wide eye centres in particular, developing nations.

An acrostic poem about Nepal

N E P A

amaste - A traditional Nepali

welcome.

nergetic, beautiful people.

Everyone in Nepal is extremely welcoming and bubbly.

atan - 驶The City of Art始. History and culture surround you

everywhere you go when visiting the beautiful city of Patan.

dventure. From crossing the

road to riding in a taxi adventure is something you can never cease to find in Nepal.

L

asting friendships.

The Future Of The

A COW SEARCHES THROUGH THIS RUBBISH PILE FOR FOOD, NEAR THE RIVER IN PATAN.

Environment What could we put in place to ensure Nepal becomes a cleaner, more environmentally friendly community?

Culture vs. Contamination Nepal’s environment has suffered the effects of the spreading of agriculture, deforestation, and contamination of the water supply. Sometimes, when you visit a different country, a new state, or a new city the culture hits you like a rocket. Nepal is definitely one of those places. From the busy streets full of motorbikes and cars to the farming and rice paddocks in the outskirts of Kathmandu. However, one of the main hurdles Nepal faces is their lack of rubbish disposal, lack of hygiene and the routines of their daily lives that influence the community.

Is Nepal’s culture effecting the environment too much?

As we walked around the streets of Kathmandu it became clear to us that wherever we went there were no rubbish bins, skip bins or anywhere to dispose of rubbish that would need to be collected. As we walked further and further it became clear that the rubbish piles were getting bigger and bigger and smelt worse every time you went past a different one. Just like the one shown above, they usually had some sort of animal living and/or feeding in it. It is a normal way of life for the Nepali community, and they don’t keep the animals as pets, so they roam free finding food wherever they can.

Pashupatinath is one of Kathmandu’s most holy places, and one of the most confronting. It is the place where most people want to be cremated, right next to the river (which is their main water/drinking source). A truly amazing place, but a hazardous one. As multiple bodies burn for several hours the ash, wood and burning flesh fill the air, and the river. As tourists, it is advised that we do not drink the water, for this reason. The residents of the community don’t drink the water so they buy bottled water, which increases the amount of plastic

bottles that get dumped in the streets. The rest of the ashes, wood and other materials used for the cremations are then dumped into the river. Although it is a part of life for the Nepali people it is still creating contamination in the river, which flows into the River Ganges in India. Bathing in the river is believed to be holy and will wash away one’s sins, but how how much damage is that really doing to a person?

The environment has been effected greatly by the culture that is and was in Nepal. By the people not putting their rubbish in the bins, and not having the rubbish disposal or rubbish collection on a regular basis, it means the rubbish is piling up on the streets. It may be convenient for some, not having to put their rubbish anywhere and just adding it to a pile already existing or just starting a new pile, but it creates this health hazard which makes the hygiene levels plummet. The smell would attract flies and rats in popular tourist areas, making kitchens/restaurants, shops and businesses un-clean and dirty for customers and locals.

1. Educate The Residents Education programs, awareness campaigns could be put in place to teach the community about the uncleanliness and un-hygenic effects that their means of rubbish disposal has.

Signs could be put in place to show the bins and could explain what they are used for, incase people don’t know. It could also be mentioned or taught at school, just briefly, to explain the new way they would be able to deal with their rubbish.

2. Introduce Rubbish Bins The community would need to be educated about the introduction of rubbish bins and rubbish dumps so they know they can use them. Instead of the dumping of the rubbish in the rivers and on the streets the rubbish bins would be there for them to put their rubbish in, however bad habits are hard to break.

3. Collect the Rubbish As a result of the rubbish bins being introduced, the rubbish would need to be collected to stop the bins overflowing and even to stop people dumping in the street. If people still dump in the street and are not sure about the rubbish bins, at least someone is picking up the piles of rubbish that are forming. This would, hopefully, decrease the amount of disease and pollution.

The dust content in the air of Kathmandu is considered to be three times higher then the acceptable safe level.

Another being the E Coli in the water which comes out from the public distribution system, which has been said to have 4,500 organisms per milliliter, where the acceptable level is only one per milliliter.

Nepal has some of the most incredible places to see, has some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Going there is an experience itself, the environment and all.

It’s a way of life in Nepal. It’s how they live.

The rubbish, pollution and mess just makes it Nepal.

Elizabeth Tiems

JUST SOME OF THE POLLUTION IN A RIVER IN PANAUTI, THIS IS WHERE THE RESIDENTS BATH AND WASH THEIR CLOTHES IN.

NEPAL

LIFE CULTURE

Fun and Games:

SPIRIT

Some MLC School girls were lucky enough to have picnics organised through the Mitritaa Foundation. The students are seen with the Mitritaa girls playing running, informational and singing games.

What is life like in Nepal, and how is it changing?

Life in Nepal can be one of wonder and excitement, if you are birthed into the right situation.

Secondly, once a child is born there is the obstacle of where they are living. Both financially and logistically; the area or economic situation that a child is born into will affect the qualify of, and how accessible education is to the child.

Firstly, there is the issue of gender.

If you are to be born a girl in Nepal, you are already disadvantaged. Girls are seen as trouble financially for the family, as they require a dowry to be married. If a girl isn’t married, she will lead her life as a social outcast as marriage is seen as the most important milestone in a woman’s life.

“The Nepali life is one bursting with hope, dreams and spirit.”

Once a woman is married, she is pressured to fall pregnant and give birth to a son. ‘Kitchen fires’ are very common in Nepal, and are often an attempt of murder. If the wife does not give birth to a son, ‘Bride Burning’ is more common than the average westerner would believe.

If a child is brought into a very heavily agricultural area, the likelihood of receiving a solid education is lessened. Simply put, if a family cannot afford the price of school books and a uniform (let alone the cost of transportation); then that child will not be attending school.

THE FUTURE:

Finally, once in school, there is the issue of the quality of the education being received. Public and private schools in Nepal cannot be contrasted to that of Australian schools. If a child attends a public school, they are already disadvantaged as classes are taught solely in Nepali; whereas private schools tech in both English and Nepali, and universities teach solely in English.

Donate now!

Sponsoring a child through the Mitritaa Foundation guarantees them a place in a private school and basic medical coverage; providing the child with tools they can use to have a successful future. www.mitritaa.org bec@mitritaa.org adam@mitritaa.org

As for the future of Nepali life, the direction in which it is currently headed is heavily reliant on western influence. Nepali people moving from agricultural areas of the country, to city regions. This is because the chance of being able to access a job in the tourism industry is much higher in the larger cities as opposed to the remote farming regions. Many Nepali people rely on tourists as a steady, plentiful source of income; even though there are many other developing industries that would provide just that, if they were to be properly developed. The pashmina industry in Nepal could be huge, as there is the perfect conditions for the raw materials to be cultivated.

However, the Nepali farmers for example, do not know that their goats’ wool could be more valuable than the meat, and sell the goats to local markets. The Mitritaa Foundation is heavily involved in the development of this industry, and with proper, controlled expansion, it could become a reliable source of income for many Nepali people. The Nepali life is one bursting with hope, dreams and spirit; the people of Nepal are friendly and accommodating in every single way, but it is the development of industry that will shape the future of the Nepali people.

DAL BAHT RECIPE DAL BAHT - TRADITIONAL NEPALI FOOD DAL BAHT IS A MIXTURE OF LENTILS IN A SOUP AND BAHT IS SIMPLY BOILED OR STEAMED RICE

Ingredients 1.

10 tbsp mixed lentil

2.

2 chopped tomatoes

3.

1 medium onion

4.

Chilli, coriander, garlic, ginger garam masala to taste

5.

For the baht - Washed rice stood in cold water

Method • Boil the lentils with 5 cups of hot water, until soft • Mash the lentils and add the spices (to taste) • In a separate pan, fry the inion, garlic and tomato • Once they are fried, add them to the lentils • Add a handful of coriander to the soup • Cook rice from cold water. Pour dhal over the top of rice

• Enjoy!

Hindu and Buddhist symbols: Some popular religious symbols in Nepal.

Religion in Nepal Upon visiting Nepal, one will be struck by the cultural dualism of life there. On the one hand, there is the push for westernisation, the overbearing collage of advertising billboards set up above houses and plastered against dilapidated flats, the broadcasting of Akon and Justin Beiber on the commercial radio stations. On the other hand, religious and cultural thought and conventions permeate the everyday lives of Nepalis who follow Buddhist and Hindu teachings to seek spiritual enlightenment rather than material wealth.

Although Nepal today calls itself a secular country, Hinduism and Buddhism constitute the religious core of Nepali spirituality. Buddhism in particular bears special significance in Nepal as the great Siddharta Gautama himself was believed to have been born in Lumbini, an area east of Kathmandu, located in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Approximately 80.6% of Nepalese people are Hindu while another 10.7% are Buddhist. But because of the coexistence of Buddhist and Hindu culture over so many centuries, the belief systems of the two religions have become even more closely related than ever before. Hindu gods have now become enmeshed in Buddhist faith,

which has adopted the many gods, goddesses and and ascetics as well as the mythologies that surround them.

Nepal is the site of many of the Buddhist and Hindu world’s most sacred temples and historically significant sites. Among the many are Boudhanath Stupa (the biggest stupa in Nepal and also the center of Tibetan Buddhism - thousands of monks make their pilgrimage to this stupa every year), Pashupatinath Temple (located next to one of the holiest rivers in Hindu culture, all Hindus wish to be cremated next to this body of water) and Kumari Ghar (the home of the little girl who is believed to be the incarnation of Hiduism’s Durga and therefore a living goddess).

While Christians are promised a heaven or hell, Hindus and Buddhists are promised an afterlife on Earth - a process of reincarnation. Reincarnation presents a rather Platonic view of the human soul in that the soul is interpreted as the essence of the human form. The soul is separate from the body and, in Hinduism and Buddhism, lingers in the cosmos after death ready to be judged and made to pay its karmic debt by being placed into the body of either an animal or human being.

While Nepal remains in the meantime suspended in political instability, religion continues to bring morale and substance to lives of the Nepalese people.

Sadhu (pictured top, left) Sadhus, yogis, or ‘holy men’ aim for an existence closer to the gods.

Sadhus abandon their family and belongings to lead an ascetic life in a bid to train the mind to be disciplined and cosmically aware, and therefore enlightened. Sadhus worship an individual Hindu god. It is not rare to see a sadhu ‘stoned’ on cannabis or attempting a grueling feat in a bid to contact the holy or practice discipline.

Requirements In order to become the kumari, girls must fulfil certain physical and emotional requirements

The Kumari Devi is dressed elaborately each day and is always attended to by her caretakers

The girl must come from the correct clan The Kumari candidates are selected only from a specific clan in Nepal, called the Shakya clan, which is a very small community of goldsmiths Respectable family background The girl’s family background must be impeccable with a religious reputation. The candidate will be studied by a committee to judge whether she is calm or poised enough She must possess ‘physical perfection’ The candidate is required to possess all 32 ‘lachchins’ (characteristics) of physical perfection. Some of these lanchchins include; unblemished skin, black hair & eyes, thighs like a deer, small moist tongue, crystal clear voice, dainty hands and feet, small sexual organs and a set of 40 teeth.

Appropriate horoscope The girl’s horoscope must match that of the King’s Composure at the sight of gore The girl is sent into a dark room, filled with 108 decapitated buffalos lying in a sea of blood, while men wearing frightening masks dance around and attempt to scare her. She must walk clockwise through all the carnage, and she must not display any sign of hysteria or fear, or she is disqualified immediately FInal test As one final test, the girl must be able to choose the clothing of her predecessor

A living goddess...

Among the many gods, goddesses, deities, Bodhisattavas (near Buddhas), avatars and manifestations in Nepal, there is a special figure who is worshipped, and this figure is the Kumari Devi. The name, which literally means ‘virgin’ is presented to a very young, premenstrul Nepali girl who, after being selected from a group of potential candidates is then said to be the reincarnation of the Goddess Taleju.

However, at the first sign of menstrual blood, the spirit Taleju is said to have fled her body, the girl is no longer considered a goddess, and she must be returned to where she came from, most probably a small rural farm.

Tradition vs. rights Although the worship of the Kumari is a centuries old tradition, modern times have brought about controversy. Many people oppose the tradition because of the child’s lack of rights. The girl is isolated from normal society, then after a number of years of growing up indoors and being attended to constantly, when she begins her first menstrual cycle, she is thrown out. This sudden departure is often very traumatising and psychologically damaging, as the child is forced to quickly adapt to a completely different world.

Members of human rights groups and the newly elected government even proposed that the Kumari be abolished for good, citing that the girls suffer psychological damage and have their basic rights violated. The girl is selected at a very young age, and so the choice of whether she will be taken away and go live in the Kumari House in Kathmandu is up to the parents, who usually desire the prestige that comes with having a Kumari in the family.

However, in August 2008, the Nepalese SUpreme Court asked the government to guarantee basic child rights to the living goddesses, as guaranteed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. AFter a long debate about whether keeping a child secluded as a livign goddess was an infringement of her rights, the court decided that the Kumaris should not be restricted from going to school and enjoying healthrelated rights. With this order, the Kumari gained some freedom and rights in that she was allowed to be educated, unlike previously where the Kumaris had been evicted back into the world without an education.

It would certainly be a large loss for Nepal’s culture if the age-old custom was to be ended, and due to Nepal’s strongly religious culture, the Kumari does add a sense of value to the country’s heritage and prestige, and many people in Nepal do believe that the presence of the Kumari is financially beneficial. Although traditionally associated with the throne, the Kumari remains an important symbol of hope in the eyes of many Nepalis,even after the abolishment of the monarchy in Nepal, and an extremely important issue here is whether tradition should take precedence over basic child rights.

Song ‘Resham Piri Ri’ is a popular, joyful Nepali folk song.

NEPALI VERSION:-

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:-

Chorus: Resham piri ri, Resham piri ri Udeyra jaunkee dandaa ma abhanjyang Resham piri ri.

Chorus: My heart is fluttering like silk in the wind I cannot decide whether to fly or sit on the hilltop

Ek naley bunduk, dui naley bunduk, mriga lai takey ko Mriga la mailey takey ko hoeina, maya lai dankey ko Chorus Kukur lai kutti kutti, biralo la suri Timro hamro maya priti dobato ma kuri Chorus Saano ma sano gaiko bachho bhirai ma, Ram Ram Chodreh jana sakena mailey, baru maya sanghai jaun Chorus Koda charyo, makai charyo, dhan chareko chaina Pachi, pachi na au Kanchi, manapareko chaina

Chorus One-barelled gun, two-barelled gun? Targeted at a deer?

It’s not the deer that I am aiming at, but at my beloved Chorus To the dog it’s puppy, to the cat it’s meow meow Our love is waiting at the crossroads Chorus The tiny baby calf is in danger at the precipice I couldn’t leave it there, let’s go together, my love Chorus Millet is planted, corn is planted, but not the rice Don’t follow me little girl, because I don’t like you

Western Influences on Nepal

BRITTANY SHEAHAN

The impacts of Western influences on Nepal NEPAL TRIP 2010 When myself along with 8 other MLC girls and Ms. King went to Nepal, I was surprised to see so many products advertised that were quite western, some even to promote being looking ‘western’.

mainly the older generations that still wear this clothing as everyday clothing.

Additionally, I noticed, as we were driving to and from destinations, that there were so many villages of lower class families and ruined homes with giant colourful billboards in the middle advertising materialistic things such as touch screen mobile phones and laptops. It was almost like a denial of the state of Nepal, trying to develop it into something on the other end of the spectrum. The impact of not developing the country step by step is that it is not practical to try and drastically change the way of living with Nepal, the living standards will never improve without the middle steps of creating infrastructure.

Above: An advertisement of a product called ‘Fair & Lovely’ which essentially bleaches your skin white - In Nepal the common stereotype is that the whiter you are, the more beautiful you are. Majority of advertisements on billboards have women who are paler than the average Nepali/ Indian woman. When I asked a local why this was he told me ‘because it’s better’

lorem ipsum dolor met set quam nunc parum

2009

When we all went to Bal Mandir - a Children’s home in Nepal, I was talking to a 14-year-old girl called Sebatri who told me that her generation (inclusive of herself) does ‘not like wearing traditional Nepali clothing’ (Kurthas and Sarees) and ‘prefers western clothing’. Sebatri told me that it’s

Above: An example of advertising materialistic things in a district that probably has bigger things to worry about We were staying in the main tourist district, Thamel. In Thamel there are lots of

restaurants, however many of which aren’t tradition Nepali cuisine eg. italian, French and Mexican cuisine. this loses the cultural experience for tourists in Nepal and also eliminates Nepali culture.

In the private schools of Nepal, all classes are taught in English. this is a very positive western influence as it makes it a lot easier for those individuals to get a good job as it a very good skill to have in a place that is largely supported by tourists. This skill also gives the individual of Nepal the flexibility to move to a different country, which speaks mainly English, with different/more opportunities. Also on a professional level, it is useful to be able to speak English in order to access big international trades such as doctors, dentists and lawyers.

On the other hand, strong culture is also effected by the loss of traditional languages and dialects.

Nepal’s future looks very westernised, the cultural experience of Nepal could suffer from this.

The exploitation of children in Nepal.

Currently, in Nepal over 40,000 children are forced to work in many different industries.

Domestic workers The issue of domestic workers in Nepal raises many questions in response to the issue of social welfare as well as the continued maintenance of the basic human rights for the younger people in Nepal.

One of the main reasons for the high numbers of cases of domestic workers in Nepal is the increasing level of poverty in and around the Kathmandu valley. Many families cannot afford to bring up and educate their children, especially the girls, so they are sold to richer families as young as 3 or 4 years of age. The families receive money in return and are not obliged to provide the child with anything.

Although domestic workers in itself is a major issue, another aspect that is equally as shocking is that many of these young boys and girls are victims of sexual, emotional and physical abuse where, more often than not, these cases go un-reported and therefore unresolved. The damage inflicted unto these young innocent children is irreparable and can last years before the child is forcibly removed from the family by a charity run organisation and even that is of a rare occurrence. As a result of this continual abuse the children develop shy and submissive personalities and consequently, when they are returned to ‘normal’ civilisation it is hard for the charity organisation to talk to them and educate them further about their situation and the difference between what is right and what is wrong.

Alternatively, there are many cases of domestic workers where the child is welcomed into the family, given clothes, food, an education, shelter in return for some ‘chores’. So, this is why it is so hard to respond to this issue in such a way that benefits all parties because the children who are treated well, in several ways have a better life than if they were to be removed and subsequently returned to their families.

Sex trafficking The sex trafficking industry in Nepal is one that creates many issues for, mainly young Nepalese women. Each year, hundreds of thousands of young Nepalese women are taken from their family in the naive hope of moving to Kathmandu to pursue their dreams and become educated. It is only after they have been taken from their families that they discover their true purpose. It is then, that that are

transported over to India to work as prostitutes in the many brothels that operate throughout New Delhi.

These women work in terrible conditions and are the regular victims of physical, mental and sexual abuse as well as many of them suffering from malnutrition and malnourishment. That which is the most common practice in these types of situations is that the women stay in India until they test positive to HIV, at which time they are kicked out of the brothels and left completely isolated with no money or means of supporting themselves. These women are scared to return to their families or husbands because of the lie they have been living, in some cases, for as long as 10 years but obviously cannot return to the brothels.

The way forward The way forward for Nepal on a whole, needs to be the implementation of continual education for all citizens. The reason why these problems continue to manifest is because although to us, as a western society, we see any type of abuse as wrong and something that is, ultimately, punishable by law, in Nepal however, they do not have the same concept as us of what is right or wrong. It is a culturally accepted practice to take advantage of your servant, or to beat them if they do not complete their job to your utmost satisfaction. That is why education for both elderly and the younger citizens is important because without this knowledge there is no way in which we can change their mindset and traditional ways of thinking.

Because without this, there is no way in which Nepal can move forward and grow into a prospering country.

By Caragh Spencer.

Year 10. Sutton.

MANGO LASSI RECIPE Ingredients 6.

4 ripe mangoes

7.

3 cups Greek-style natural yoghurt

8.

1.5 cups of honey

9.

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

Method • Peel mango and cut cheeks close to seed • Place a third each of the mango, yoghurt,

water, honey, ice cubs and cardamom in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth

• Pour into a large jug • Repeat with remaining mango, yoghurt,

water, honey, ice cubes and cardamom in 2 more batches

• Cover with plastic wrap and place in

fridge for 2 hours to chill

• Enjoy!

Industry in Nepal

Photograph of Patan

Nepal has many natural resources that would allow for a great industry and providing a sustainable future.

However the transporting of Nepali products isn’t very reliable and there is almost no where to produce and process the products that could be made from the natural resources. Thereby the products and resources of Nepal end up benefiting India’s and China’s economy and industry.

This is now starting to change through the Pashmina Industry. Pashmina is not something that is commonly known, however is able to be the foundation that Nepal needs for a sustainable industry and development in the future.

Pashmina is a fine-quality wool, high end cashmere, that is made from goat’s wool. Not all goats produce wool for pashmina production as the wool used is from the undercoat that the goats grow when they live above a certain altitude. To develop the best quality, the undercoat is combed off the goat.

At present the wool that is taken from the goats is sold to China for processing.

However China then sells the processed wool back to Nepal at a much more inflated price.

The Mitrataa foundation (a non-profit organisation based in Nepal) is working with the people of the Pashmina Industry to create the first ever internationally recognised trademark of Nepal. The Nepali Government has recognised the importance of the Pashmina Industry and is supporting the project, which is extremely helpful for the development of the trademark.

They trademark they are creating is going to be like the Australian Woolmark.

Those factories producing the trademarked pashmina’s will have to comply with a code of conduct. There will be working conditions, such as no child labour, environmental and

animal conditions, such as no animal cruelty.

They are trying to brand the industry and not just the product produced.

A logo for the trademark is being created and the marketing campaign is being finalised, to launch Nepal’s product of Pashminas. This will allow people to distinguish between the real pashminas and the fake ones.

Mitrataa and the Pashmina Industry’s goals are to the raise awareness of the farmers about the value of their goats in the higher regions. Many farmers are uneducated in this respect and tend sell their goats for meat, when they could get more money by selling their goats for wool.

Building more wool processing factories in Nepal, so the wool and money earned stays in the country and improves the economy.

Rejuvenate the image of Pashminas and educate the world. Pashminas used to be the sign of wealth and royalty and this luxury end is being created and advertised to improve the quality and standing of pashmina.

This last goal is being achieved as two designers have agreed to promote and use pashmina in their work on the global market. A fashion school in France has agreed to design a assessment for the students there that involves pashmina. A documentary is going to be launched showing the process of the development of the pashmina, from the goat to the consumer.

The Pashmina Industry and the Mitrataa Foundation have almost finalised all aspects of the trademark and the marketing campaign. They will launch their pashmina products within a couple of years.

The Pashmina Industry will help the sustainability and development of industry and Nepal.

By Maree Raad

Other Industries: Following the lead of the Pashmina Industry other industries in Nepal are starting to Trademark their products.

The Tea and Coffee Industry This industry is just starting the process that the Pashmina Industry went through as they are going to create a trademark for their industry.

Electricity Nepal has some of the largest natural water generators. However both the electricity created and money goes to India and Nepal get’s no profit. Now Kathmandu has regular blackout because they system that it has been forced to use can’t take the high demand for the amount of electricity, or officials shut it off so it can catch up.

People from Nepal go overseas to find work and send money back Though this might work in the short term it is not sustainable and will not help with the development of Nepal.

Tourism Mount. Everest and the Himalayas are the some of the only icons that Nepal is recognised for, it should be acknowledge for more rather than just maintains. Nepal has extensive history and culture that surrounds you and should be noted. Tourism does however bring in many tourists and money and is a very large and competitive industry in Nepal.

Government

Below: The next generation and a an royal building being used for government administration.

BY KATE SULLIVAN

Before I went to Nepal, I had no idea of what type of government they had had.

I didn't know if they had a Prime Minister, President, King and Queen or even a General.

Nepal is a communist country, that until 2007 also had a royal family. Now the palace buildings have been turned into government administration buildings.

There is a political group of communists called the Maoists. Nepal was a commonwealth country, until December 2007.

In February 2005 King Gyanendra suspended

2009

parliament, appointed a government led by himself and enforced martial law (a military government involving the suspension of ordinary law.)

In November 2005 the two main political parties of Nepal, the Seven Party Alliance and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) agreed to memorandum of understanding for peace and democracy. This act stimulated the people of Nepal into action, they took to the streets and protested against King Gyanendra's autocratic

rule for 19 days. Basically the Nepali people wanted a democracy, they wanted to choose their leader and have the laws be made in parliament rather than by the King.

By 2007 there was an agreement made to for the monarchy to be removed and for the country to become a republic with the Prime Minister becoming Head of State.

In April 2008 there were federal elections and the result was that the Communist

Party of Nepal (Maoist) had won the election. Many people say that this was because of intimidation and fear. In May 2008 Nepal became a republic with ended 240 years of royal rule in Nepal.

The current political situation in Nepal is that the political parties are attempting to write the constitution. Their time limit was 2 years, the constitution was meant to be written by February 2010.

Whilst I was in Nepal I spoke to a few people about their opinions on the political situation. A taxi driver said, "I think that things were better when the royal family was in power." I asked him why because he was the first person I knew who liked the royal family. "Because

things were stable, now it's not stable, the Maoists are violent and we have lost hope in the current government. Everything's taking too long." The majority of people I spoke to disagreed with this man and said that over throwing the King was a great thing and that their country can move forwards. But the government it is still corrupt.

In the future I can see the government of Nepal continuing to create a peaceful democracy but I don't think that they will succeed until a new generation of people know how they can make a difference to Nepal and it's political status. With the help of Mitrataa the younger generation of Nepal will be able to do this. I believe that it all starts with education

and unless people are educated the wheel of progress cannot move.