Children born in Nepal, a country 10,000 kilometres away, high in the Himalayan Mountains, are faced with a life of challenges most of us can't even imagine. They are brought into a world of mass poverty, with poor nutrition and sanitation, inadequate housing and the absence of medical care. They are forced to grow up with a lack of clean water and unequal access to education. Due to these limitations, many Nepalese children suffer from physical and mental health issues, including an extremely high infant mortality rate and a short life expectancy.
A Nepalese mother and her daughter
Kelowna’s IWEN, a local non-profit organization which provides access to education for girls in Nepal, encountered these shocking circumstances during their first visits to the country. They knew they had to provide education, not only to the children in these rural Nepalese villages, but also to their mothers. This educational need was not just academic; basic health issues and hygiene practices also needed to be taught. These lessons would help prevent treatable illnesses that could be cured with personal cleanliness and basic medicines. Mothers also needed to be informed about the difference between "traditional healers" and certified medical personnel so that proper care could be given in certain situations.
Shirisha, 6
IWEN began to act on the need they saw and offered workshops and programs to educate Nepalese woman on personal health. The average cost of one workshop is $300, However, this cost varies depending on location and availability of medical personnel. Donations of any amount can be earmarked for IWEN’s Health Education Awareness Program. IWEN coordinates with other NGOs in the field and organizes health education workshops or dental clinics once funds are in place.
Helping mothers and their children live longer, healthier lives. That is Stuff That Matters.
Nepalese mothers and children
To donate to the Health Education Awareness Program
https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/8639
To become a volunteer
http://iwencanada.com/Become-a-Volunteer.htm
To buy a brick to “Build a Future”
http://iwencanada.com/buyabrick.php
To buy a scarf to support the Nepalese mothers and communities
KelownaNow is committed to its alignment with IWEN and are dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of their organization. Our intention is to be a media resource about Stuff That Matters to the people of the Okanagan Valley.
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