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".1 a - ihe Cana'dian 'Chaâmpion, Tueaday Apnil 25, 2000 ~7 Luflr Ave., 878-2881 q 'High school students travel to Nepal By STACEY MASSEY Special ta The Champion arhBreak is typically a relaxation time. But there wasn't much relaxation for Milton District High School students Brendan Coyle, Jay Sakuta and Katie Magee or for student services head Fran Lloyd, who ail travelled to Nepal armed with supplies for the Nepalese people. The trip was put together by an organization called the Nepal School Projects (NSP). Its focus is to build schools in Nepal - one of the least developed Third World countries. The country suffers from overpopulation, with an estimated 22.4 million people in a smaîl land mass similar to the size of Flonida. Il's also under a kingdomship and the people are struggling 10 achieve democracy. Ms Lloyd waa one of three chaperones on the trip, the other two from Burlington's Nelson High School, who escorted a total of 13 students 60 Nepal for three weeks. Ms Lloyd was on two pre- vious trips 10 Nepal in conjunction with NSP. After 32 hours of flying, participants were immersed mbt a totally different world. A grade il student, Katie said they were expecting some poverty, but not t0 the extent that they witnessed. The group had been planning the trip for two years. Ms Lloyd said a group from the area goca every two years. The students had 10 raise $6,000, which was coupled with matching funds from the Canadian International Devclopment Agency. The $12,000 total enabied the NSP to teach Nepalese people the akilîs needed 60 construct the achool. Once the achool is built, the Nepalese govemn- ment will supply and psy teachers. The colt 10. build an entire school in Nepal il the same amnouni for the four locals to ravel there. Ms Lloyd explained the schoola built are one- room elementary schools. The childreni are taught in English and only until grade 5. The group received many donations of cloth- ing, toyî, medical supplies and text books fron, numerous people including members of the Milton Rotary Club and clients from As We Grow. The students also had fundraisers includ- ing a 'Stair A Thon' in November. Pledges wcre made for the students 60 walk the staira on the Hamilton Mountain - the equivalent height of the C.N. Tower - five limes. When the group arnived in Nepal, the real work began. A 10-day trek had been arranged through- oui the mounitainoul terrain in order 60 deliver donations. The group of 16 was accompanied by Plots by GRAHAM PAINE Milton District Hlgh School students Brendan Coylo (lait), Katis Magee and Jay Sakuta along with teacher Fran Lloyd recentlY trav- ouled to Napal to bring supplies ta citizons lMrng ln povorty. 29 porters, who helped carry supplies. Six of the porters were also kitchen workers who orga- nized and prepared breakfast every morning bright and early at 6 a.m. Each day of the trek consistrd of visiting dif- ferent villages where they would hand out sup- plies. The hikes lasted anywhere from two to six hours. One day the group hiked a gruelling eight hours in order 10 reach the rural village. "There's no civilization especially on the trek," Katie said. The Nepaiese don't bave running water. The women sometimes walk al day 10 fetch water. Families live in atone and mud homes wiîh thatch roofs and îhey only grow enough food 10 est. "You realize how lucky we are." in a village the little kida would swarm around. They would spend hours with them. The group made a lot of fniends with the Nepalese people, Most eveninga they would be exhauîted and in bed by 7 p.m. Other nights they spent with porters. A couple had flutes and drums and they would dance and sing. M& Lloyd said the Nepalese people were amazing. "Wonderful people, curious and shy but very generous." The only problemn they encountered oras bouts of ilîneas - predominantly duc 10 contamninated water, which hsd 10 be boiled and then have iodine added. Ma Lloyd waa impressed with how the teens culture. They neyer complained. They neyer whined. They kept moving." The only thing the group may have com- plained about was the food. Jay, a grade 12 stu- dent, said attfiraI the food was interesting but after three weeks of rice, curry and goat's milk, he wanted traditional North American meals. "I just kept thînking about chicken wings," he said laughing. Afler ail the work the 16 travellçrs did, they deserved some fun. So the group went white water rafting, canoeing and rode elephants. Brendan, a grade 12 student, was marvelled by the nature of the Nepalese. "They are so happy living s0 siinply." kilet«% . »ttNCOGECO 14 Programming Schedule - Aprl 25th, 2000 -May 1sf, 2000 *WN - ne g o m a1lslicIn, 1I»aN* om Fllajei tslin, Nos PWMw, I o lOa, 1. Nou ilw6 4M,.pn O P k Mp hidi iluai la Nome Plcge 520,6a0,730pf M* W 53,6e7309m6p PNol 5X,6:30,730pm P5odIn! 43 The LOCOOSm 5:30pn I1o IAc 5198534270,00p o85470F The KUl .K : .P gtoI nswap T V Auto Lie!Mod~ 6- i:3pm G mT