Yesterday was Parents Day at Pegasus school, one of the schools we work with in the Boudhanath area of Kathmandu. Our sponsored kids comprise maybe 20% of the total student body. It’s a big school and I had no idea what an undertaking this event would be. Kinley, the Principal, was busy with details for weeks ahead of time. He has not held a Parents Day for a few years because it is a time consuming (an understatement) and expensive affair. However, after yesterday, I appreciate why it is a wonderful thing to do.

The children had a great time. Running, playing, eating snacks, performing dances and songs and skits for the audience (and parents, if they had any) hooting and hollering boisterously for the performances of friends and classmates and generally having an all-day party. On top of that it was a time for the Principal to shower the students with appreciation, inspiration and awards for their commitment to their education, and to honor the parents support of education for their child.

He also recognized and honored the teachers in a way that was truly uplifting ..and unusual in my experience. Consequently his teachers have been at Pegasus for years. He also honored the staff, down to the bus driver, the cleaners and cooks. THAT was so heart warming. Most maintenance staff are treated as invisible. These were honored for their intrinsic part in helping the school and hostel run smoothly.

Many of our kids won awards for high marks or for perfect attendance or for "discipline" . I was so proud. But I burst my buttons when two of our kids took two of the three highest awards, one of which was the Student of the Year, the very top award in the whole school!

Our sponsored children face many more challenges than typical school kids. They do not have the support of family. They are in boarding, often from a very young age, and often far from home. And there can be prejudice against them due to their humble origins. But they are doing so well. A number of our older kids were "volunteers" yesterday, helping with details, corralling the small kids, passing out tea and snacks. I loved watching them..so polite and poised. One of our older boys, Chandan, who is from a poor village in the south of Nepal and lost an eye to a fishing hook when he was young, is now the School captain, ..like school monitor, a position of responsibility. He helps in myriad ways and is really great with the younger kids. 

Well, I could go on and on. After all, it was an eight hour event! Yes, you heard that right. I was so tired when I got home. And oh yeah, I was the Chief Guest..kinda embarrassing. I had to get up and give a little speech. But I felt touched and honored. It was a day dedicated to the value of education. And together we were all celebrating that.