After the SEE graduates' visit to Foundation of Sustainable Technology (FoST) last April, we planned a second visit for seven of the women students. They, along with one mentor teacher, participated in the introductory session where they learned the basics of reusing and recycling the waste material that we create in daily life, working in homes and in kitchens.  After the visit, the students shared the experience of their visit with other students at the Chelsea Center.

“Four years ago, I used a computer for the first time at the Chelsea Center. The simple coding Rahul Sir taught us fascinated me like anything, and I started enjoying coding the most,” said Anupa during her presentation on June 2nd. Srijana, Sita, Rajan, and Ashok shared similar stories. Back then, Ashok was in class 10 and the others were in grade 6.  Now they are helping each other become computer experts!

The team made a formal announcement to start the "IT club" at the Chelsea Center. In this club, one can learn and share skills in programming, coding, and other basic computer skills. 

“When I see a monk, I want to become one; this mostly happens when I see a monk kid.” This was Apsara’s (grade 8) comment upon seeing a group of monk children dressed in their attire.   While not sure of Apsara’s monk pursuit, one thing is for sure: the kids looked adorable in the dress when they joined our trek to Nagi Gumba  Monastery. 

It was a long trek, and the participants were tired, but they made it. Upon reaching the top and witnessing the pride of the victory and the confidence they had gained, it was clear that the efforts were worth it. This was the first of the seven Gratitude Tours we will do this year, promoting the theme of Gratitude for the Nepali year of 2076.

While English language is a challenge for the students in government schools, Nepali is a challenge for the students in English-speaking private schools in Nepal.  At the Chelsea Center we are working on both languages.  On 17th May, the after-school teachers Samir Khan, Sushil Dumre, and Pawan Rai led an activity to promote learning both English and Nepali language. 

This year's Summer Camp Finale was a wonderful presentation of talent and self-confidence!  Led by new Chelsea Center teacher Meenashi, the participants practiced poise and relaxation techniques.  The audience was in awe of the composure displayed by these young women in their final production.  Each of the participants performed a song, dance, recitation, or demonstration to rousing applause of appreciation.

Today's field trip started with a bus ride (two full buses!) to the movie theater to see Captain Marvel!  What fun to experience a 3-D movie and sooooo much better to be inside since there was pouring rain outside!

Books do talk. Book talks have essentially encouraged the young readers, and hugely promoted the book reading culture among many of our students. April 2, board members Liz Early, Elizabeth Early, and Anne McAdden, along with her daughter Alyssa and Alyssa’s friend Charlotte, led Book Talk 2.0. The students were delighted with receiving the books they had requested on the day of the much awaited book talks. The Chelsea Center is grateful to all the individuals who contributed. We are most thankful to this generous group for making this happen as these books are priceless gifts in the lives of our young readers. 

A creative, thoughtful, and humorous interaction among the teachers was led by Saroj and Diwakar, on Redefining Teaching. The two teachers participated in a workshop on Redefining Teaching at Tribuvan University on the 8th and 9th of March, and then shared what they learned by leading their own workshop at the Chelsea Center on March 29. The participant teachers’ involvement was one of the best elements of the workshop.  Congratulations to Saroj and Diwakar for their leadership. They will lead a follow-up interaction in the days to come. 

It’s always an alluring experience to see the women students performing on the stage. We celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March.  This is the third year of celebration at the Chelsea Center. The students performed dramas and dances, did dohori battle, recited poems, and delivered speeches. The acts were full of humor, and the content carried the voice of Nepali women. Dhan Kumari (member of Papa’s House Board) said, “Seeing the women performing on the stage, speaking confidently in front of more than a hundred people in the audience, performing, and enjoying, I felt very good.”