Thank you to Santa Krishna
who made it possible for our princesses to have a little bit of Christmas. (Nepal)

"A Million Rays of Light and Hope"

Introduction

Nepal is located in Southeast Asia, and is situated between China and India. The total population of Nepal is approximately 23 million. It is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Nearly half of Nepal’s population lives below the poverty line. In Nepal, females are still treated as second class citizens. 2/3 of the females in Nepal are illiterate.

The METTA CENTER (MC) is a non-governmental social organization for the total development of a child. We are working towards creating a just society by providing an equal opportunity for all. It is located in Banepa, a rural mountain village about 30 km east of the capital city Kathmandu. The MC provides free housing to orphan girls. The MC also provides free education and training to the orphaned girls, as well as, to impoverished woman living in village.

We encourage the girls living in the MC to become self-reliant by providing them with education and skills training. Additionally, we are dedicated to building a firm foundation for children living in our orphanage, so they can become pillars of society in future.

In brief, the MC strives to protect the rights of children. The MC strengthens and empowers children through education. We are committed to serving the entire community, but are specifically focused on assisting female orphans. Currently, the MC is planning to facilitate a wide range of community educational and social activities.

Currently, the MC houses twelve girls. Very shortly, two more girls will be moving into the orphanage. All the girls share two rooms, but the MC is hoping to expand the girl’s living quarters, so that it can take in more needy girls.

The girls enjoy learning arts and crafts, English, and Japanese at the MC. They also enjoy walks up the mountain side. Last year, the MC sponsored a clothing drive for community members. Recently, the girls had a fancy dress party, where the girls dressed in home-made costumes. The party was held in conjunction with their sister school located in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.