A letter to Fourth Grade Parents... May 5, 2015
A quick note to let you know that fourth grade students are slowly but surely getting back into the school routine. We're taking it day by day right now and steadily gaining steam to make a final push to the end of the year. I've listened to your childrens' stories and read their journal entries about their experiences during and after the earthquake and I must admit that I am in awe of their levels of maturity and caring dispositions. On Monday I was a bit apprehensive as to how the students would react this week - I expected neediness, immaturity and discipline issues. What I discovered is that these children are a lot more resilient than we sometimes give them credit for.
After the initial stories of "Where were you...", the conversation turned to community members affected by the earthquake. In particular, they wanted to know how our friend Bijay (school gardener/farmer) had fared. As you know, over the last couple of years fourth graders have established a relationship with Bijay and his family at Okhar Pauwa through our Explore Nepal program. He told me that his family member's homes had been destroyed and the entire area near his farm had suffered major damage. He is working with a committee of local people to gather and deliver food, water, medicine and shelters as well as assistance and material for rebuilding. I shared this information with the students and they immediately wanted to help. When I suggested that we donate the funds raised from our vegetable sales they approved wholeheartedly. Now, I explained that this means liquidating our Fourth Grade Fresh Market assets and that creditors and class B shareholders would not be repaid. (you may recall that back in October we sold stock in our company). I'm happy to say that your children are willing to risk the ire of their shareholders to offer assistance. The total amount is just under 35,000 rupees. If you would like to add to this amount, please send your donation in an envelope tomorrow or Friday. Just to be clear - I approached him - with an offer of assistance. In no way did he solicit our help or ask students for assistance.
Seriously, given all that has happened, I think this is an outstanding way for your children to help. Given the magnitude of the disaster, this is one way that your children can really and truly make a difference in helping Nepalis rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives. I feel confident when I say that your children will remember this for the rest of their lives.
A quick note to let you know that fourth grade students are slowly but surely getting back into the school routine. We're taking it day by day right now and steadily gaining steam to make a final push to the end of the year. I've listened to your childrens' stories and read their journal entries about their experiences during and after the earthquake and I must admit that I am in awe of their levels of maturity and caring dispositions. On Monday I was a bit apprehensive as to how the students would react this week - I expected neediness, immaturity and discipline issues. What I discovered is that these children are a lot more resilient than we sometimes give them credit for.
After the initial stories of "Where were you...", the conversation turned to community members affected by the earthquake. In particular, they wanted to know how our friend Bijay (school gardener/farmer) had fared. As you know, over the last couple of years fourth graders have established a relationship with Bijay and his family at Okhar Pauwa through our Explore Nepal program. He told me that his family member's homes had been destroyed and the entire area near his farm had suffered major damage. He is working with a committee of local people to gather and deliver food, water, medicine and shelters as well as assistance and material for rebuilding. I shared this information with the students and they immediately wanted to help. When I suggested that we donate the funds raised from our vegetable sales they approved wholeheartedly. Now, I explained that this means liquidating our Fourth Grade Fresh Market assets and that creditors and class B shareholders would not be repaid. (you may recall that back in October we sold stock in our company). I'm happy to say that your children are willing to risk the ire of their shareholders to offer assistance. The total amount is just under 35,000 rupees. If you would like to add to this amount, please send your donation in an envelope tomorrow or Friday. Just to be clear - I approached him - with an offer of assistance. In no way did he solicit our help or ask students for assistance.
Seriously, given all that has happened, I think this is an outstanding way for your children to help. Given the magnitude of the disaster, this is one way that your children can really and truly make a difference in helping Nepalis rebuild their homes, their communities and their lives. I feel confident when I say that your children will remember this for the rest of their lives.