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Vision 

To give students in Pokhara the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and ultimately broaden their horizons in life after school. 

Mission

To work with the teachers and students by sharing interactive learning methods and integrating existing resources and methods of teaching with newer technology and teaching methods to inspire the students in Pokhara, Nepal. 

The Origins

Project Namaste was borne out of inspiration from an individual’s social work in Nepal. In 2006, one of our founding leaders, Ivy Wong, was introduced to Yang Siew, the founder of Bread n Water - a project that raised S$95,000 with the support of UNICEF and Konica Minolta,  to raise awareness of the plight of children living in Nepal.

 

Sandwiched by two giants - India and China, Nepal is comparatively much poorer. As the country is not part of ASEAN, it didn't qualify for YEP funding and support. There was therefore a lack of student groups heading there for community projects

 

In wanting to make a difference, our founding leaders recruited a pioneer batch of 25 students from Singapore Management University, giving birth to the first-ever Project Namaste. Their successful engagement with the community in Armalakot Village, Kaski District in December 2006 provided the springboard for future expeditions.

 

 

About Namaste

This is a student-initiated project by students of Singapore Management University (SMU). Every year before heading up to Nepal, members of Project Namaste canvas for funds that would be channeled toward various work in Pokhara, Nepal. Such work have included the following throughout the years:

 

  • Teaching English, Mathematics or Computer skills at schools

  • Construction of infrastructure like libraries or roofs in schools

  • Wall painting & mural art

  • Improving cooking stoves for village families

  • Creating a micro-business plan for sustainability in village

 

However, the focus of our time and resources are on schools within the Armalakot, Kaski District in Nepal. The concentration of our efforts in a specific geographical location enables us to better measure the results of our program, thus emphasising on continuity, as well as sustainability. We hope to kick-start individual villages into initiating change and development within themselves, as well as the neighboring communities.

 

Project Namaste believes in cooperation with the Nepalese to give them a sense of ownership of their development. It could be as simple as coming up with a small percentage of funds or providing village hands and materials to help construct the library. Project Namaste wants our beneficiaries to take ownership in our shared projects, so that we help them help themselves.

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