A visit to the orphanage- a new symbol of peace

Although we glimpsed the new Phase 1 building at the orphanage through gaps in the buildings along Hill Cart Road last Saturday as we reached Darjeeling, we visited it today for the first time. It is wonderful. The outside of the buildings has been painted a deep bright yellow ochre, a colour which Pema Bante told me is symbolic of non-violence and peace. It absolutely glows.

Although some work is still going on – bathrooms are being finished and railings put in place around the balconies – the rooms are light and airy, and the quality of workmanship and finishes impressive. Two views of the building below show how work has progressed. 

Excitement at the orphanage is mounting and two days ago Nima, Major Wangdi’s wife, called all the boys together and instructed them in cleaning windows, floors and anything and everything else that needed it! They then unpacked the new cupboards and put the new bunk beds and tables in place. Apparently though she had trouble stopping them running around trying to decide which bed they would occupy and which cupboard and desk they would share! Hopefully all will be ready for the opening ceremony on November 4th.

If you have doubt that you are changing lives by your donations then think no more. Seeing this is a huge incentive to carry on fundraising for Phase 2. This will provide the staff and administrative accommodation but especially new dormitories for the girls which will ensure they too have a healthy and safe environment.

It is a steep hill to climb. We have about 10,000GBP left in the bank and the need to raise another 180,000 GBP. Pema Bhante is also fund raising hard - for Phase 1 he managed to raise a third of the total cost of 90,000GBP which is a significant achievement in India.

It is stunning that by working together we have been able to accomplish this. An enormous thank you on behalf of the children for your continuing support.

Trustee report from the town

Darjeeling is in festive spirit. The Dusseera puja has recently finished and Divali, the festival of lights, will be on us in two days’ time. Strings of lights hang from shop fronts and are strung across the main shopping street through town. Meanwhile in Chowrasta, the town’s main square where both tourists and locals like to sit in the sunshine and hang out, is festooned with flags. A large stage has been erected and every evening for about three hours the audience is treated to a special cultural festival of song and dance put on by local communities. It is noticeable how much pride and enjoyment all age groups take in both participating and supporting the various acts.

We were drawn into the event on our first evening here when we were spotted in the audience by one of the organizers, ushered to front row seats and our names taken and then a short time later taken onto the stage and honoured by the presentation of khata scarves around our necks – infamy indeed, especially as the event was filmed live on local tv!

But the main business of our visit concerns the children that DCT supports. Preparations are in full swing for the children’s festival on November 2^nd and we have provided an audience for a song and dance rehearsal of some of the sponsored children with Rajib, our music teacher. The children are excited about the festival and are working hard to make it a great day.

At Mahatma Gandhi School DCT has funded the replacement of the roof to the school hall which was previously leaking significantly. Students from that school are dancing two traditional dances and were practicing under the keen eye of Tshering, our travelling librarian. Below, a group of trustees views the roof repairs at the school along with staff and supporters.

Throughout all this the weather continues to clear after the monsoon and the days are fine and sunny. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain dominates the horizon and glistens with its white snows seemingly overseeing all our activities.

We are promised our first view of the new Phase 1 building on the boys’ orphanage site tomorrow; another post will follow soon!

The chance to dance for Darjeeling

The construction work continues in Darjeeling apace in order to get as much work done as possible before the cold weather of winter sets in. The photos below show the progress in the boy's accommodation block: wooden ceilings will help provide additional insulation (important in the mountains and during the monsoon), and the bathrooms have been tiled and plumbed in.

Excitingly, a group of trustees and supporters are heading off to Darjeeling at the end of the week to visit the site and see progress for themselves- more photos and updates will be on their way very soon!

There is exciting news in England too with the date for the second Bricks & Mortar Ball fast approaching. This black tie event is a fundraising ball to help raise the money to move forward with phase 2 of construction: it will be a night of great food, great atmosphere and great entertainment and will feature the opportunity to bid on some top quality prizes that you can't get anywhere else, as part of our live auction. It's being held in the V&A Museum of Childhood, a fantastic and appropriate venue for a top night out.

If you'd like to attend- and it will be a really great night!- please email events@darjeelingchildrenstrust.com and reserve your space. Hurry as tickets are selling out fast!

Here are a couple of photos from last year's event to whet the appetite:

Photos copyright of Arron Leppard