Margaret Baker, SI South Lancashire’s Secretary, attended the Charter ceremony for SI Kathmandu, Nepal. Her account of what she calls “a superb privilege” makes fascinating reading.
“I attended the ceremony with Federation President Maureen Maguire, and Director of Organisational Development Ann Hodgson. None of us had been to Nepal before so it was an exciting adventure for all of us.
The Charter ceremony itself was very moving. It meant so much to the members present to have Maureen with them on their very special day – the day they became a true part of our global Soroptimist family.
Their eagerness to find out more about the organisation was surpassed only by their eagerness to get on with their Programme work. They are already involved in several projects but are seeking to expand their work. It seemed at times that we were trying to dampen their enthusiasm a little, so they didn’t take on too much at this early stage in their club’s development!
We were welcomed warmly by the club members and taken to many of the wonderful sights of Kathmandu. But for me the best time was going up into the hills to a village to see a project the club is already working on. They had already picked out several girls in desperate need of their help to continue their education. One small child stood before us in a dirty blue school shirt and grey trousers – the only clothes she had – not the only uniform but the only clothes. Another young girl needed an exercise book so she could tear out some pages and return them to the friend who had loaned her some pages so she could attend school. Their personal family stories were heart-rending and I found it very difficult to sit up on the stage whilst they were talking about their lives, their needs and their dreams.
These were young girls just like our own daughters and grand-daughters – but without the help of the Soroptimists of Kathmandu they are unlikely to see any of their dreams fulfilled. That was a lovely but very difficult day and I left with mixed emotions; but it made so much of our overseas Programme work come alive.
Kathmandu is an amazing cacophony of discordant sounds, mainly horns blaring loudly at unconcerned road users. The country is beautiful in many ways. To get up each morning and see the Himalayas surrounding the Kathmandu valley is astounding. To hear the city come alive at dawn with people going about their business by bus, car, moped or on foot (carrying a double bed on his head in one case!) is memorable. Electricity is intermittent and the pavements are a challenge to the most able bodied. All a part of the amazing experience in a culture so different from my own.
However, to see, experience and appreciate life in Nepal – then to talk with the new Soroptimists and understand that we are all women who care and want to give a voice to our sisters who have no voice – in that, there are no differences.”
Margaret’s full account, and more photos, are on the SIGBI website.