“[A] society may claim that its members are free to make choices, but deny the education that would enable them to assess their situation rationally and truly understand their options. In this instance, although the ability to make choices freely is available, a person may not function in a way that takes advantage of this freedom if other capabilities, such as education, are not available.” Nepal, landlinked between India and China, and home to Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), is a nation rich in culture, spirituality and ancient traditions. Political instability and a ten year civil war has left this new democratic republic’s economy struggling and the Nepalese people eager to emerge from their “Least Developed Country” status.
J I W A N K O S A AT H I H A R U : Jeremy Saxe Foundation for Education and Development, Inc.
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Our Inspiration Jiwanko Saathiharu honors the life of Jeremy Saxe who experienced a transforming semester abroad in Nepal through the School for International Training/Nepal Culture and Development. He fell in love with the spirituality of the culture, and the warmth and generosity of the Nepali people, but as his eyes bore witness to the gross disparity in resources that exist in our world, he became “livid.” This powerful experience propelled him to commit his future to help level the playing field for the disadvantaged and work toward alleviating poverty and injustice through international development.
We are proud to partner with ASC, a grassroots Pharping NGO (non-governmental organization) made up of hardworking, extremely progressive, honest people, eager to lead Nepal into the 21st century while preserving the rich culture, traditions and heritage of their people. J I W A N K O S A AT H I H A R U :
Jeremy Saxe Foundation for Education and Development Inc. 501 c(3) US Non-profit
Our vision for Jiwanko Saathiharu, “Friends of Jeremy/ Friends of Life,” is to become a strong international team based on enduring friendships, built on mutual respect and shared values, working together to inspire global action, connecting people across borders, and building community through educational and cultural programs that create dialogue and transform lives by engaging hearts and minds. We hope that the lives of our donors and volunteers will be touched as deeply as the lives of our recipients when they witness their investment coming to fruition, making our world a better place. 1952 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06517 heidi.saxe@jeremysaxefoundation.org
Tragically, on September 4, 2008, Jeremy died suddenly and unexpectedly of an undiagnosed heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
"[I] realized the richness of community and spirituality in Nepal. [I] look at quality of life in a different light. Spirituality became real, social interactions important, life not all about material possessions and capital gains, however these things, as Aristotle posited, are means to achieving greater happiness, empowerment and agency.” Jeremy Saxe
A natural leader with abundant positive energy, tremendous integrity, insightful intelligence, compassion and good humor, Jeremy inspired all who knew him. Jeremy’s spirit, inspiration, and mission live on through the work of his legacy foundation: providing quality education and development initiatives in Nepal. In Nepal, Jeremy is known by his Nepali name, Jiwan (“Life”). Jiwanko Saathiharu means “Friends of Jeremy/ Friends of Life.”
J I W A N K O S A AT H I H A R U I S P R O U D T O A N N O U N C E C L A R A’ S C H I L D C A R E C E N T E R , C C C A joint project of Jiwanko Saathiharu: Jeremy Saxe Foundation for Education and Development, Inc. and ASC, A School for Community.
Clara’s Childcare Center is the first early childcare center in the village of Pharping, Nepal!! School Building Project Plans: Jiwanko Saathiharu Sikshyalaya “Friends of Jiwan/Friends of Life Place of Learning” Open to all and community based, this "School for Future Leaders," with American-style education similar to the education available to Nepali elites and foreigners, will teach critical thinking and analysis early and consistently with rigorous academics to create global citizens while fostering a love of Nepal which encourages students to build a better future for Nepal.
Open to All and Community Based: • Proportionate representation of ethnic groups and castes as well as proportional representation of the smaller villages of the Pharping VDC. • 50-50 partnership with local grassroots organizers and community members. The village donated land and will provide donated labor, materials and volunteers. • Pull-out date for Jeremy Saxe Foundation determined after the school is operating on goal and close to self-sustaining.
Quality Education: • American volunteer teachers will team with Nepali teachers for a one-year assignment and will home stay with Pharping families. • The school will have the most innovative technology, curriculum, and science labs, as well as sports, arts, drama and music. • The students will grow the food for their lunch and eat in the cafeteria. They will have required service hours that will benefit the school and community. • Student government by elections will steep the students in democratic principles.
"Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development . . . Acquiring literacy . . . is essential to the education of girls and the empowerment of women, the most effective tools we know for development across all society.” Kofi Annan
C L A R A’ S C H I L D C A R E C E N T E R Clara’s Childcare Center honors the life of Clara Sokoloff (1920-2010), Jeremy’s grandmother. Clara, an avid reader and successful businesswoman, felt very fortunate to have prospered due to opportunities she received and would be honored that her legacy empowers women and their children through quality early education. OBJECTIVES:
• To empower women of the Village of Pharping through education and literacy by providing childcare for their young children while attending Women’s Community School • To provide quality Montessori early education to increase school readiness of the children • To develop as a model childcare center
CCC Inaugurated During International Literacy Day Celebration Under the auspices of UNESCO to promote & encourage literacy for all September 7, 2011
A Community Resource: • Disaster relief center for the residents of the village. • Library and auditorium will be open to the residents of the village. • A cultural center will inspire the students, attract tourists and generate revenue to aid sustainability. • Earthquake-resistant, green-built, and beautiful, with traditional Nepali architecture similar to the elite Rato Bangla School in Kathmandu (shown in picture above). • Jiwanko Saathiharu Sikshyalaya will be a source of pride for the community and everyone involved in this project.
Jeremy’s Nepali sister, Manisha & JS Foundation Director, Christina Monson
International Literacy Day Parade Pharping, Nepal