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Bring LEGO® to Nepal

A beautiful project that brings a lot of benefits for your school/FIRST® LEGO ®League team! “LEGO® for Nepal” is a program developed by Volunteer Society Nepal in collaboration with the Edulent Foundation. In this brochure, we present you details about the program and explain how you can go to Nepal and give your students an unforgettable time. In this brochure, we also present you the costs and any safety concerns.

Why a project in Nepal?

You may wonder if Nepal is a suitable destination for secondary school students. Those who are used to living in Prague, Rome, Berlin, London or Paris might find Nepal a bit daunting. However, a project such as LEGO® for Nepal is more than a just going on a journey to a foreign country. Students who go to Nepal as a FIRST® LEGO ®League (FLL) team can share their knowledge and experience about LEGO League with their peers! This way, students learn from each other, while also giving to others! Nepal is in the top 10 of the poorest countries in the world. The quality of education is low, especially in the field of science and technology. Research has shown that when young people come into contact with science and technology at an early stage, they are more likely to develop interest and talent in STEM. In Nepal, however, this also means that Nepali students get better opportunities for the future. By sharing knowledge as a school/ FIRST® LEGO ®League team, a start can be made, in a playful way, in introducing children to the field of Science and Technology.

Because the students are accommodated by host families, they will also experience how different the lifestyle in another country is compared to their own way of life. But, the students will also discover how much they have in common.

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This is an opportunity to learn together and work together in a meaningful project, for themselves and for someone else. Meaningful education, Active Citizenship, 21st Century skills, internationalization and Global Awareness are key goals for the next generation. By making contact with peers in Nepal, they can grow into well-balanced adults who are able to cope in an increasingly international society. Students are also better prepared for their future studies and they may find it easier to find a place in the (international) labor market.

Other benefits are:

• Participation makes students more social; • Participation is an enrichment for the curriculum; • Participation makes students aware of cultural differences; • Participation is good for speaking and writing skills in other languages; • Participation is good for the personal development of the student; • Participation makes students global citizens.

About Nepal

The land of the Himalayas, the Sherpas, monasteries, and the even more beautiful mountains. Nepal is a land of extremes. The country has only been open to tourism since the 1950s, and since then, Nepal has become a huge attraction for people who are looking for culture and adventure. Because it is wedged between India and Tibet, it has a unique landscape. From subtropical forests into the lush hills to the amazing landscapes of the Himalayas.

The inhabitants of Nepal make the country as special as the landscape. In the country where Buddha was born, people are friendly, open and curious. They live everywhere, from busy cities with temples and rickshaws to small villages between the spectacular rice fields. Kathmandu is Nepal's delightfully chaotic capital, full of rickshaws, pagodas, markets and timeless cultural heritage. The capital is dusty and paving is scarce. The people work hard and are poor, but you see no beggars on the street. The culture is perhaps one of the most special in Asia. The country has never been a colony (which is unique for Asian countries). Because of this, it has retained the traditions and unique culture. Everyone finds something to his or her liking in Nepal.

Nepal is also a poor country: 30.1% of Nepalese people live below the poverty line. Most Nepalese people work in the agricultural sector (80%), others seek work in industry and the informal sector or migrate abroad in the hope of finding a job, especially in the Middle East.

Volunteer Society Nepal

The effect of poverty can be seen everywhere in Nepal. The government itself is not in a position to carry through the changes that are necessary. Many organizations are therefore actively involved in various ways to make Nepal a better place. Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN) was founded 10 years ago by Tej Shrestha, with the start of a secondary school. VSN has now also established a kindergarten, a school, a women center and a disabled center. VSN also works together with other projects with the aim of giving everyone the right to education and care. All of this has been realized by volunteers and donations. Volunteer Society Nepal is a local organization without expensive offices outside of Nepal. All the money that is spent remains in Nepal.

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Exchange

An exchange should be mutual. However, it is impossible for Nepalese children to come to a foreign country because of visa issues and the costs involved. However, we want both parties to benefit from an exchange. We do this by allowing the exchange between the students to take place about subjects where both the Nepalese and the exchange students learn from. This is possible when students work together on a subject that they both like, such as science and technology.

VSN will accompany us during the entire period in Nepal. Linda Ris is our first contact person. She is of Dutch origin and speaks English and some Nepali. We will stay with local host families who have been trained and screened by VSN to function adequately as a host family. These host families are experienced in hosting foreigners, and are friendly and caring. They will be our safe haven for the time that we are in Nepal. The exchange takes place in a developing country, so obviously the accommodation will be simpler than what we are used to in other parts of the world. However, the accommodation is clean, safe and comfortable with showers and western toilets. The host family where we stay ensures delicious and hygienic meals. The students will stay with the same host family with up to 5 students. The host families are within walking distance of the VSN office and the school.

If there are more than 10 students visiting, we will divide the group of students into two groups, each of whom will supervise a Nepali student team. Regularly, a meeting will be scheduled at the end of the day to discuss how everything went. At the end of the period, the two teams come together to show what they have learned. Materials such as LEGO ® MINDSTORM NXTs and FLL Challenge Sets will be available but we might ask you to bring or donate extra materials if new sets are needed.

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The school in Nepal (CBIA Nepal)

In 2008, the need for an affordable and quality school in Kathmandu, in the district "PepsiCola" became evident. That is why VSN started a non-profit private school (CBIA). For 20-25% of the children there is a special arrangement; they do not pay school fees as they are orphans or come from families with a poor background. The school finances this with the school fees from the remaining 75-80% students. In this way, all children get an equal opportunity for high-quality education.

This vision and approach quickly turned out to be a huge success. The school grew rapidly, in reputation and in size. CBIA now has about 800 students. The school is now self-sufficient with its current budget, but sometimes there are additional donations needed for school improvement projects. The school's spoken language is English.

FIRST® LEGO® League and Nepal

We offer you a program in which your students can work together with a school in Nepal. The students start their work in their home country. They will brainstorm and make plans together with their FIRST® LEGO® League teammates about how they can help the school in Nepal to improve the knowledge and skills that the students need to take part in the FIRST® LEGO® League in the future. They set up a program themselves and collect materials that can be of service to them. They do this in cooperation with the Nepalese school and in contact with students there. In addition, they raise funds to minimize the costs of the exchange and to purchase any materials.

Safety

Nepal is a relatively safe destination. The greatest danger is natural disasters since Nepal is located in an earthquake-prone area. However, the area where the exchange students will live and the schools they will work at, are both new and have not suffered any damage from earthquakes. Robbery or others sorts of physical violence against tourists are rare. No volunteer from VSN (in more than 200 per year) has indicated that they feel unsafe. However, it is wise not to tempt people to rob you. Therefore, do not wear expensive jewelry and put your money and important papers safely away.

The monsoon season runs from mid-June to September. During this period, landslides and falling rocks most commonly occur. It is, therefore, better not to travel outside the cities and villages during the monsoon. We, therefore, will plan to have this exchange program outside the monsoon season!

Health

Those who pay attention to hygiene will usually not run into health problems in Nepal. If medical care is necessary then it is good to know that medical care is available. Ordinary diseases and some operations can be treated in private clinics in Kathmandu that have high levels of care with well-trained (foreign) doctors. Serious illness or injury may require evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility (Singapore, Bangkok or New Delhi) or back to your home country.

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The American embassy refers to the following hospitals https://np.usembassy.gov/u-s-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/doctors. In most cases we will send the students to this hospital: http://www.ciwec-clinic.com

Travelers are advised to procure good travel insurance. Please note that cash payment may be required for the provision of medical care. In case of hospitalization or when medical specialist care is required, travelers should contact their insurance company directly.

Vaccinations and medication DTP vaccination and protection against hepatitis A and B is recommended. For a stay longer than 2 weeks, a typhoid fever vaccination is also recommended. Many health insurers reimburse the costs of vaccination. There is an increased risk of measles in Nepal. Vaccination is recommended for anyone born after 1964, who has not been vaccinated against measles and has not had any measles and for children who are older than 6 months but who have not yet been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Visitors who take medicines that fall under the Opium Act (such as certain sleeping pills, ADHD drugs and strong painkillers) must have a certified English medical certificate for these medicines. Rabies occurs in Nepal. Contact a doctor immediately if you are bitten by a mammal (for example, a dog, cat, bat or monkey).

Malaria does not occur in Kathmandu, not even in the other areas where we go. Therefore, you do not need to bring malaria tablets.

General Information Take airy, cotton or linen clothes with you. A raincoat or poncho can come in handy. Also pack a (fleece) sweater or cardigan for the cooler evenings and for use in the mountain areas.

Fees

The fees for this trip are € 550, per person - This includes:

• Airport pick up and drop off • Food and accommodation from the moment of landing at the airport to the final day of your

placement • In depth cultural and language training • Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu • 2 day all-inclusive hike around the Kathmandu valley • Arranged transfers to and from your placement • Fully trained host families • 24hr availability of VSN Nepal staff for emergencies • Assistance with visas and pre-departure support • Fundraising support • A contribution to the LEGO® for Nepal project • A contribution to the school

Note that airfare is not included. This will be between € 600, - and 700, - depending on the time of year and the country from which you leave (based on Europe). Also, the time of booking (how long in

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advance you book) affects the price. We will book the flight tickets as a group through a travel organization. In addition, the costs for the visa are about €20 and the vaccinations are around €100. The visa must be used within 6 months, the length of stay only starts at the time of entry into Nepal. Many health insurance companies reimburse the costs of vaccinations and the consultation. Finally, each person personally has control over their own extra expenditure, such as on souvenirs, and soft drinks.

VSN also provides a 3-day all-inclusive excursion to Chitwan (A) or Pokhara (B). This will be an additional cost of € 150.

The students can reduce the cost of this trip by looking for sponsors themselves and setting up campaigns to raise money. There may also be subsidies available for international exchange projects.

Price Calculation

Program (VSN) € 550,- Extra costs for excursion € 150,- Travel costs € 600,- (variable) Visa (15 days) € 20,-

Total € 1320,-

Sample Program

Volunteer Society Nepal has a lot of experience in receiving and guiding groups of students from all over the world and has, therefore, designed a program.

Day 1 Arrival, Pickup by VSN at the airport, receiving VSN t-shirts, Introduction to host family.

Orientation 10:00-10:30

Nepali language training: 10:30-12:00

Sightseeing: Pashupatinath and Bouddha Stupa Day 2 Visit school, first meeting and introductions

Sightseeing: Visit to Bhaktapur Day 3 Introduction games, Start "LEGO MINDSTORMS® introduction” program

Sightseeing: Visit Monkey Temple together with the Nepali teams. Day 4 "LEGO MINDSTORMS® introduction” program

End of the day exchanges between teams Day 5 Start "LEGO MINDSTORMS® introduction” program

End of the day with exchanges between teams

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Day 6 Two days hiking in the valley: 1 night in Nagarkot

Day 7 Hiking in the valley Day 8 Start "LEGO MINDSTORMS® introduction” program

End of the day with exchanges between teams Day 9 Both teams get together and have a small competition

Excursion Two options: Chitwan(A) or Pokhara (B) € 150,-

Day 10-A - Chitwan National park visit - Drive to Chitwan - Reception, welcome drink and room - Briefing - Lunch - Cultural Tour nearby village and visit primary school - Sunset by the river - Tharu stick dance - Dinner

Day 11-A - Breakfast - Canoe trip and to the elephant center - Lunch - Jeep Safari - Dinner

Day 12-A - Tea / coffee - Bird watching - Breakfast - Departure to Kathmandu

Day 10-B - Pokhara City and Bergen visit, hotel New Future Way - Drive to Pokhara - Reception, welcome drink and room - Briefing - Lunch - Sunset at the lake - Cultural dance - Dinner

Day 11-B - Breakfast - See the sunrise (30 minute drive) - Local village and school visit - Lunch - In a boat and hike to Peace Pagoda - Supper

Day 12-B - Breakfast - Back to Kathmandu

Day 13 - Complete project "LEGO MINDSTORMS® introduction” program - Farewell ceremony with the schools

Day 14 Free day shopping etc. until departure

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More information

For more information please contact: contact@volunteersocietynepal.org or stichtingedulent@gmail.com

Or visit our websites: www.volunteersocietynepal.org or www.stichtingedulent.wordpress.com

The LEGO® for Nepal project team