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<p><span style="color: #00ff00;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">******* All donations go directly to the charity and the school. Nothing is deducted for overheads, travel or anything else *********</span></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #008000;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #000000;">This July I will be spending a month in Nepal and volunteering at the<br />Samata School in Kathmandu, a bamboo-built school located in the city’s<br />back streets which offers essential education to over 3,000 children, many<br />of whom are orphans or have been separated from their families during<br />political upheaval.<br /><br />During my time here I will also be raising money for the school by taking<br />part in a ‘Kora’ Charity Challenge. In Buddhism, a ‘Kora’ is a pilgrimage<br />or journey around a sacred site. This challenge will involve a 50-kilometre<br />bike ride around Swayambhunath and Bodhnath, two important stupas (Buddhistplaces of worship) in the Kathmandu Valley.<br /><br />I hope you can help me raise as much money as possible for this worthy<br />cause.<br /><br />Samata School: <br />Founded and run by Uttam Sanjel, a young and visionary philanthropist,<br />Samata School was built in 2007 and provides a safe and harmonious<br />environment for local children. It consists of rudimentary<br />bamboo-and-plaster classrooms, as well as very basic sanitation and kitchen<br />facilities.<br /><br />For many of Samata's students, the school is home and their only chance of<br />gaining an education and social skills. Others simply rely on Samata School<br />to provide basic medical care and a meagre lunch, which usually amounts to<br />just a handful of rice.<br /><br />All lessons at the school are conducted in English and learning this<br />language is the most important education a Nepalese child can have -<br />without it they cannot take public exams. The school also pays special<br />attention to the spiritual development of its pupils, giving a sound<br />education of Nepal, the country's needs, the importance of honesty, peace<br />and caring for others.<br /><br />The main emphasis for volunteers at Samata School is to help with the<br />teaching of English, particularly amongst older children who already have<br />some knowledge, as well as empowering the staff through example, guidance<br />and best practise.<br /><br />Saga's Charitable Trust have agreed that all the money I raise will go to<br />my chosen projects in Nepal. Any donations you give will go towards<br />improving this vital school. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast<br />and totally secure. Your money will be sent directly to the charity and<br />JustGiving make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a<br />UK taxpayer.<br /><br />So please dig deep and donate now.<br /></span></span></p>
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