SUPO (Save the Union Poor and Orphanage) Project Description

1. Detailed description of the project and its aims:
   Due to Nepal's current economic and political circumstances (the majority of the population is very poor and Nepal is in the midst of a civil war), there are many children who have no parents. One or both of the parents may be dead, and/or they may have left to find work elsewhere (in India, or the Middle East, for example). Due to the current political strife, the number of orphans is increasing. The aim of this project is to bring children who have been deprived of parents to Kathmandu and give them a home and a family. I want to give them the love that they deserve as children and the education that they cannot get in their villages. Also, because orphans are stigmatized in our society, I would like to legally adopt these children, thereby giving them my name and legitimacy. Caste is of no matter, my only concern is to give orphans the opportunities and care that they cannot recieve elsewhere.
2. How and when did the project start?
   This project is a childhood dream that is being brought to real life with the help of friends. The dream started when I first heard of Mother Teresa. I was moved by her work and would like to continue it in Nepal. It is really now just beginning. I have found a house in Kathmandu. The house needs a bit of repair work. We are doing this now. Next, I need only to begin bringing children home.
   
   Already, there is one child in particular that I want to bring, when the house is ready and when I have the necessary funds. This child is a 3 years old girl from a very rural area. Her mother got ill and there were no medical facilities in the area, so she passed away. After her mother passed away, her father lost his mental capacities and cannot currently be located.
3. Is your project a faith-based organization?
   The project is not faith-based. I, personally, am a practicing Hindu. However, in the same house my close friend is Buddhist.
4. Have you ever had foreign volunteers work at your project?
   1 foreign volunteer is currently helping with various duties.
5. From what sources have you received the bulk of your funding?
   So far, the funding has come from friends' personal donations. However, I am currently trying to find new avenues of fundraising, including a Christmas Card fundraiser in the U. S.
6. Are you currently part of a volunteer program?
   No.
7. How many volunteers would you like and can handle at the same time?
   Currently any number of volunteers is welcome.
8. What time of year (or year round) would you like volunteers?
   Any time of the year is fine.
9. How long can volunteers stay?
   There is no minimum time and the maximun time concerns visa regulations. Generally, foreigners can stay in Nepal with a tourist visa for 6 months.
10. Depending on the mission of the project and its financial resources we often ask our volunteers to fundraise. In an effort to encourage volunteers to stay for an extended period of time, we generally ask that donation amounts are decreased for extended periods of staying. Go M.A.D. aims to match volunteers' many talents and skills with projects in need. We hope you will recognize these skills volunteers have to offer, rather than just their money (although we realize that the money is also vital to the project!)
    
    In your country's currency is fine:
    • Donation amount for 1 week? I can only ask for enough money to cover the costs of housing the volunteer. Living expenses in Nepal are very cheap when compared with developed countries. The volunteer(s) and I should communicate and decide on a donation amount.
    • Donation amount for 2 weeks?
    • Donation amount for 3 weeks?
    • Donation amount for 1 month?
    • Donation amount for 3 months?
    • Donation amount for 6 months?
11. Would you accept a volunteer who can't donate?
    Yes!!! Very welcome.
12. What will you use the donations for?
    Donations will first and foremost be used for the costs of food and other housing expenses. Donations that are given above and beyond that will be used for:
    • housing improvements such as paint, fixing broken cabinets, making the house suitable for children
    • clothing/school uniforms for children
    • school fees
    • stationary (paper, pens, books)
    • toiletries
    • teaching aides
    • sports equipment/games
    • necessary medical treatment/ annual medical exams
13. Would you provide the volunteer with simple food and accommodation? Can you recommend places to stay and eat?
    yes!!! They are most welcome.
14. Who can volunteer?
    Anyone who wants to help orphan children, learn about Nepal, and is old enough to travel to Nepal is welcome. Both men and women, minimum ages 16 and no maximum age, Elders/Aged volunteers we really welcome them.
15. How far in advance will a volunteer have to contact you before they can come and volunteer at your project?
    Please give at least 24 hours notice.
16. Is there a language requirement? What language(s) is/are primarily used at your project?
    There is no language requirement. The native language of the children and the local project coordinators is Nepali. However, we speak English as well. Volunteers will be welcome no matter what language they speak. If they really want to help, language is no matter. They can use other talents in caring for children, teaching arts and music, etc.
17. Is there anyone else, former volunteers, that we can contact (by email) as a reference for your project?
    You may contact Christina Brady at cabst90@yahoo.com
18. Additional comments?
    We are really looking only volunteers who are flexible, willing to work with our local community as a team member. Those that can adapt to a new situation easily, who have voluntary spirit, are physically fit, have responsibility and motivation to live and work with impoverished, local people and have a fun time with orphaned children.