Reliving the Journey to Nepal
Last week, co-founders Harry and Kay along with celebrity ambassador Stephanie March and photographer Michael Crook traveled to Nepal to visit two past Honorees, Douglas Maclagan and Dr. Ashok Banskota. There, they met children who are too often overlooked: children rescued from traffickers, suffering from deformities, and living in the slums of Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Dr. Banskota and Douglas are making sure these children do not slip through the cracks. At Dr. Banskota’s hospital, children treated for clubfoot are learning how to kick a soccer ball for the first time. At Douglas’ JYOTI Vocation Training program, teenagers rescued from traffickers are building brighter futures as electricians, plumbers, and caregivers; and impoverished children in Douglas’ JYOTI Street Project are getting the support they need to raise their voice and change their situation.
“It’s the people on the ground, in the field, living the life that make a real difference,” Stephanie said.
We invite you to relive a fascinating journey to Nepal and meet two heroes dedicated to changing the world, one child at a time. Below you will find several galleries of photos and a recap of each day of the trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
After a long flight, our team landed in Kathmandu, the hub of traditional culture and arts in Nepal. They spent their first day delving into Nepal’s rich history, visiting thousand-year-old temples and touring the city’s cultural districts.
Day 2-3: Visit Dr. Banskota
The next day, Harry, Kay and Stephanie visited Dr. Banskota at the Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children (HRDC), situated just outside of Kathmandu. Children and their families come to the HRDC to receive world-class treatment for everything from club foot to tuberculosis of the spine. Our team got to visit the outpatient clinic, inpatient wards, and prosthetics workshop. Later, they cut loose with some of the young patients, kicking soccer balls and playing outside.
During our visit, Dr. Banskota explained why he returned to Nepal after medical school to help disabled children.
[nivoslider id=”5255″]
All photos courtesy of Michael Crook.
Day 4-5: Travel to Pokhara
Next, our team flew to Pokhara, a picturesque city situated at the base of the Himalayas. They spent two days with Douglas, touring the Child Welfare Scheme’s headquarters, JYOTI Vocational Training Centre, JYOTI Street Project and Asha Health Care clinic.
Children in these programs not only receive immediate attention — like medical care and shelter from traffickers — but also the opportunity to forge a new life with vocational training, confidence building and counseling.
During our visit, Douglas spoke to us about why he keeps fighting for children in Nepal in spite of political instability and corruption.
“Thank you for your willingness to travel here to play with the children, hold them, and give them the love and nurturing they so desire,” said Douglas at the end of the trip. “We are so happy you came to just be with them in such a kind and warm way.”
[nivoslider id=”5297″]
All photos courtesy of Michael Crook.
Day 6: Fly home
After spending a week with Dr. Banskota and Douglas, our team flew home both inspired and proud that the World of Children supported the vital programs of these two heroes.
“Worldwide, children are children,” Kay remarked. “They just want to be loved.”
“These Honorees are endlessly creative and innovative in everything they do,” Harry said. “They find ingenious, determined ways to help these children get what they need and deserve day in and day out. I am in awe of the innovation we saw in the face of unbelievably challenging circumstances.”
Will you take a stand for vulnerable children?
Support heroes like Dr. Banskota and Douglas. 100% of your donation goes directly to programs like the HRDC and CWS, making a visible impact in the lives of children who need it most.