How much did your lunch cost?
Chances are, it cost a lot more than lunches do at Shree Birendra Primary School in Dolakha, Nepal. Yet despite the price difference, most students at the small school were missing that midday meal.
As numerous studies point out, nutrition and education are inextricably linked. Inadequate nutrition hinders learning through decreased cognitive capabilities and a higher amount of missed school days.
But as of this August, the 40 students at Shree Birendra will be getting a daily lunch, and that’s thanks in huge part to you. Silent Mind has taken a portion of the proceeds from the sale of our singing bowls and donated it to the school’s lunch fund. A few hundred dollars is all it takes to provide dozens of students with fuel for their education, and hopefully, their entire lives.
It’s such a simple solution that we’ve decided to do it every year.
We were also very happy to have done so in person. In August 2018, our team traveled to Dolakha to meet instructors and students doing the best they can daily to build a brighter future. Some of the students attending are orphans with limited support outside of their school, while the entire student body relies on community donations in order to keep Shree Birendra open.
Because we know that true nourishment entails much more than a decent lunch, we didn’t come empty-handed. The school now has vital learning materials, including books, computers, medical supplies, charts, and a globe. It’s our hope that the smaller items, such as pencil sharpeners, chalk, erasers, and a clock will make instruction that much easier for the teachers who continue to make the most out of what little the school has.
Silent Mind also couldn’t resist doing a little back-to-school shopping for each student. We filled backpacks with notebooks, crayons, pencils, pens, rulers, umbrellas, scissors, and more for every child.
While each event is a special one for all of us, it only felt fitting that Silent Mind continue to fund charitable efforts in Nepal. After all, the same singing bowl sitting in your home right now was crafted by an artisan here.
This Nepal visit marks our first charity trip since May 2018, when we visited with displaced families outside of the city of Marawi in the Philippines. There, we distributed food, blankets, and personal care items to hundreds of families looking to rebuild their lives following the Battle of Marawi.
We’re looking forward to scheduling more charity events in the future, so stay tuned for more information.
But for now, let’s make today’s meditation all about gratitude. Right at the top of our list of things to be grateful for is you. Not only have you helped us spread the word about singing bowls, but your purchase helped feed a child this year.
What are you grateful for? Whether it’s something very small, like your singing bowl or a simple lunch, we hope it means the world to you.
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?
I thank Silent Mind for the kindness and compassion to the people that are in need of help. You are doing an irreplaciable service. I wish Silent Mind well. Thank you. Shalom.
Thank you for your efforts to help children who have a difficult trying to help themselves. My family was not a rich one money wise but they always provided the necessary food, shelter, clothing and support to allow me the chance to have an education. I have also provided for my family and they theirs. May God Bless all of you as we walk toward the light.
Love you all.
Bill