Educate Nepal Mission Teams: Mission Team Update Nepal 13th APRIL

Desperate Girls

The Badi Girls

Between 7,000 and 12,000 young girls, aged 9-16, are trafficked each year from Nepal; mainly to India. According to Nepal Monitor/On line journal, 2007, there are more than 200,000 Nepali girls in Indian brothels.

The Dalits(untouchables) are the lowest level in Hindu society, and the Badi community, in Western Nepal, are the lowest of the low. As a displaced hungry people group the Badi community has made sexual subservience a way of life. Young girls from this group “serve” other groups. This has become a tradition and means of livelihood. Many girls, even when they are unwilling, are forced to serve as sex slaves. Family members knowingly sell their daughters to traffickers.

Though prostitution is illegal in Nepal, the industry reportedly has links with highly ranked officials and political leaders. Large groups of girls are taken across the border with many police and government officials being in collusion with traffickers and brothel owners.

Traffickers and related criminals are often protected by political parties, and if arrested, are freed using political power. As a result, there is an underlying distrust of police that has led people not to file cases against traffickers.

Domestic action involves activities of NGO’s and other volunteer groups. These groups are playing a major role to address girl-trafficking and sex slaves issues. Some NGO’s are playing a very important role to improve the situation. From creating social awareness to rescuing and rehabilitation, they are providing services (and relief) to those that need it the most – the likely victims as well as the rescued ones. The Lighthouse foundation is one of these.

*See Chandra Kala’s story on this blog site.

Tuesday 14 April 2015

Mission Team Update Nepal 13th APRIL

Team devotions.

Monday the 13th was a wet and cool day. A maximum of just 15 degrees with showers saw the locals selling brollies from every corner.
We welcomed eleven additional team members overnight which has filled the guest house with chatter, laughter and more. Great to have everyone here.

Vivienne and Lalima

Vivienne has been working with the school leadership team and today after class they took a trip down town complete with Vivienne as a pillion passenger on one of the motorcycles in the motorcade, quite a sight.

Look out Boudha road here they come!

Ready for some fun after a big day.

***

With a new team we took them for a walk to find their bearings and begin to get familiar with the area in which they reside for the next few weeks. Here are some shots of some of the sights we encountered.

Netra checking the day planner.

Farming Nepali style..

Peter was a sight not always seen for the locals with his luscious beard and he drew plenty of long looks.

Photo opportunity at a hostel visit.

Nepali Ergon in action.

Traditionally Nepali mens attire.

Sidewalk dress sale!

There is a buzz around the town as people everywhere prepare to welcome in the Nepali new year. 2072 kicks off as of Wednesday. All manner of decorations, bunting and lights have been set up and people will enjoy meals together, music and a general period of socialising. Let you know how long it lasts soon!

Below our neighbours are getting set for a double celebration as they add a wedding to the party plans. Check out the amazing light show we enjoyed last night through our kitchen windows.