Classrooms and culture in Nepal

The Nepal Project has been partnering with the Shree Shiladevi School in Nepal since 2014, with the SIS Spirit Fund regularly making awards to support the project. SIS benefits from cultural exchange on the annual trip to the school, and SIS students get special opportunities to lead classes and see a wholly new perspective on the world. Over the years, SIS has supported the school, raising funds to provide teaching materials and even pay the local salaries of two teachers. In recent years, SIS has supported the wider community around the Shiladevi, promoting and selling bags made from re- and up-cycled materials.

This year's trip saw students throw themselves into the school and community with enthusiasm. The students were also able to visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in the area, including the Boudhanath Stupa – one of the largest and most significant stupas in Nepal. It serves as a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is a hub of Tibetan culture. The stupa features a massive mandala with a prominent dome and a square base adorned with the eyes of Buddha, symbolizing vigilance and compassion.

Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient religious complex perched on a hill overlooking Kathmandu, and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. The climb to the stupa rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The site is lively with playful monkeys and colorful prayer flags, creating a spiritual and serene atmosphere. Swayambhunath represents a harmonious blend of Buddhist and Hindu traditions, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Nepal's cultural heritage.

Back in the school, the SIS students were greeted with a welcoming ceremony before throwing themselves into teaching and other activities. They met with women in the community who manufacture the bags, learned about using Nepalese spices in cooking, and anjoyed time playing with the local children.

The SIS group returned to Stockholm with souvenirs, memories, and some profound thoughts prompted by their busy week. Here are just a few of them.

I had a wonderful time meeting the women in the women's project

I am grateful for having a safe home, 
I am grateful for having a supportive family, 
I am grateful for having the opportunity to go to an amazing school 

I got to achieve a broader mindset about the world, and get a better understanding of how different cultures work.

On my way home from school I was walking with one of the students I had in grade 5-6 today. She shared with me that her father had just passed away and it made me so grateful for my dad and all the special moments we share together!

There was never a dull moment with the children, every activity we did together and every conversation we had was filled with laughter and compassion which made me so happy to be apart of!!

The highlight for me about what we did today was björnen sover! The children thought it was the best thing in the world and it was so much fun to hear the giggles and combining Swedish culture with people native from Nepal.

It was so magical to see Kathmandu for the first time. The busy and chaotic streets and the beautiful temples left me completely mesmerised! My favourite part of the day was hearing the bells ring in the wind of the Bouddist Temple
I am grateful to have the opportunity for a trip where i get to learn and experience such a different culture. 

I learnt about hinduism and buddhism as well as how they coexist in Nepal.

Got to meet the Nepali children we have waited so long to meet. It was the most welcoming ceremony – something I have never experienced before. I learned to connect with people different from my age and language – an unforgettable experience and start to the trip

I am grateful: That I have only a 20min way to school, whilst the children in Nepal walk up to 2 hours back to and from school

Something that was challanging was the language barrier between us SIS students and the Shila devi students although it was quite easy to overcome and show emotions thorugh body language and bonding together. 

This trip had a deep impact on me since it really showed me a different side of the world and how people live so differently in Nepal. It was really eye opening and valuable to understand all the things I just take for granted even if its something as simple as having a toilet in my home or school. Overall this was one of the best trips of my life and it really promoted self growth and i would recommend it to anyone. 
I think students should really understand what they are applying to join. Some may think that its just a vacation to Nepal but its really important to consider that you have to be dedicated to actually interact with the children and ensure that the content and activities you are sharing with them is valuable and relevant since they will remember their week with the SIS students and it can have a larger impact on them than we think.

Gratitude: My house
My family
My experiences
To be able to be here
To be able to go to a concert in September (I'm really excited like really really really)

Spending time at the Shila Devi school showed me how little it takes to make a big difference