 
 
|
    |
|
We awoke to another day of pouring rain and set out to explore more of Kolti. The rain had turned the road into a muddy paste that threatened to pull off our shoes with each step. As we trudged along the path, Sarina pointed out various erosion control measures that CARE and the local community had put in place to keep the road from washing away completely. "We've planted tree seedlings at regular intervals to help stabilize the soil and surrounded them with wooden borders for protection from grazing animals," she said. "And, where small streams cross the path, large stones were placed to hold the soil in place."
 | | These green fields are testament to the recent rains in Bajura, usually a drought-prone area. |
As we passed lush fields filled with wheat, millet and maize, I found it hard to believe that this region ever suffered from drought. However, less than 20 percent of families cultivate enough food to feed themselves throughout the year. On average, a family in Bajura produces enough food for about eight months, but in low-caste households, this figure drops to less than six months. Farmers often are forced to sell livestock or to find seasonal employment in nearby India to make ends meet.
To help families cope, CARE has introduced higher-yield, drought-resistant seed varieties, encouraged the planting of fruit trees, and promoted "kitchen gardens" for families to grow nutritious vegetables including pumpkins and mustard greens. CARE also has trained key farmers in each village, who in turn provide ongoing training to their neighbors. Through this network of trained farmers, the project has introduced heartier breeds of chicken and goats, improved local veterinary services, and promoted improved farming techniques such as composting.
 | | In Nepal, only 25 percent of girls attend secondary school, but these rates are even lower in Bajura. |
After navigating the muddy road for another half-mile, Sarina and I reached the village of Kuru, where curious children peeked down at us from the windows of every house. We headed for the village development committee office, a simple wooden building located in the town center. VDCs, as they are commonly called, are the cornerstone of each community. They serve as the local government unit for each village and surrounding area, and are important players in the community development process. Through the Remote Area Basic Needs Project, CARE has helped 17 of Bajura's 27 VDCs carry out community improvements.
The local VDC secretary, who described his community's work with CARE, greeted us warmly. He recalled, "A few years ago, very few people here had toilets or clean drinking water, and our children suffered from related diseases such as diarrhea. With help from CARE, we've developed a five-year plan to build latrines and improve sanitary conditions. We'll build 352 latrines in total, and we've already finished 200. We also have installed three community water faucets, and these provide clean water to 88 families, about 600 people," he said proudly.
We were joined by several members of a local women's group, who were eager to tell me about their activities. The women -- who ranged in age from 30  | | CARE supports women's groups which carry out health and agricultural activities and take part in literacy training. |
to 60 -- were a lively bunch, shouting good-naturedly over each other to make a point. Five years ago, the group formed with support from CARE and the VDC. Since then, they had each enjoyed adult literacy classes, health education, and training in leadership and group organization. As a group, they have carried out a number of community improvements, such as cleaning up trash in the village, planting fruit trees, and educating other women about good health and nutrition.
When I asked them to name their greatest community problem, they unanimously singled out a lack of educational opportunities for women. About 95 percent of women in Bajura are illiterate, compared to half of men. Although the women's group members did not receive a formal education themselves, all of them chose to send their daughters to school. Through the project, CARE has helped provide basic literacy classes for women and girls, including those in underprivileged lower castes. The women were effusive in their thanks to CARE and to me personally for talking to them. They gladly posed for a few photos before Sarina and I headed back to Kolti. As we walked along the path, Sarina told me how her greatest motivation came from helping women like those we had just photographed. According to her, the challenges of working in such a remote area were small compared to the rewards of bringing about positive change.
Continue to Day 6
|
|