so many thank yous!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 02:27AM I want to take a moment on this blog today to say I am so incredibly thankful for the support that’s come in these last few months to make running Kopila Valley Home and School possible. There are definitely moments when I get worried about how we can sustain all of this and keep growing and expanding and you all constantly show up to cheer us on.
To Dentist Dr. Gaudio of my neighboring town in Chester, NJ and Dr. Warner from San Francisco, thank you for the toothbrushes! Nurse Emily was able to start an in-school tooth brushing campaign. Each of our students keeps their own toothbrush and toothpaste in a recycled container in their homeroom and they all brush their teeth at a designated time during the day. We also had enough funding in the month of April/May to send each and every one of our kids to the local dentist for a check-up. It’s taken a few months but we’ve just about gotten every serious dental situation (boy we had some serious ones) under control.
To the students from Madison High School Interact Club. You all raised enough money for us to totally revamp our science lab. We went on a big shopping spree in Kathmandu this past weekend and picked up supplies to do experiments and labs. We got all kinds of scientific charts, a Newton color wheel, models of the heart, digestive and respiratory systems, and the brain, as well as all kinds of specimens to look at and study. Thank you for all the supplies you also sent over with Bhima and Man Kumari and for all the fundraising you’ve done for Kopila Valley.
To Dr. Sara Mary, thank you for the microscopes! The kids have been putting them to good use. They think they’re the coolest thing ever and I know how much science teacher, Man Kumari appreciates them for her classes too!
To the Brookside Church Community and kids who hosted and performed at the concert. Being that it’s MUSIC MONTH and the kids have really taken to singing and dancing I decided to invest in a set of musical instruments. We got an offer from a local music teacher, (the only guy in all of Surkhet who can read music) to come and teach our students a couple days a week. I really think that quite a few of the Kopila kids some God-given musical talent that they could go places with. Thank you for this really special opportunity for the kids. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.
To many of you who have sent soccer jerseys and cleats. Boy, are they getting their use! Thank you.
To the Long Valley Rotary Group, your grant gave us the money we needed to get some much needed furniture; desks, white boards and cabinets in our new classrooms. Furniture is costly for us but it lasts a life time and we’ll be getting years upon years of use out of it. I have a special place in my heart for Rotary.
To Randolph Middle School, you guys are awesome and continue to amaze me. Your walk-a-thon raised enough money to support our entire 8th grade for the year. It was great seeing you all again while I was back in NJ. I hope you had fun throwing pies at the your teachers!
To those of you who have signed up for monthly subscriptions to sponsor individual students at our school and give on a monthly basis. It is you who make it possible for us to make ends meet each month. Nutritious meals, clean water, electricity, good teachers, medicines, and school supplies. Your support bought new uniforms this month, purchased a couple box loads of books, and planted a garden full of fresh vegetables to fill hungry bellies. Your support is teaching kids how to read and write, sing, dance, do math and write poetry. Your support these last few months has undoubtedly saved some lives, kept kids off the streets, and is creating future leaders who I know will make this world better.
I know I have a lot more people to thank and I’ll try to keep posting here as much as possible. As you can see, your support goes a long way for us. My team and I work really hard to put every dollar of money we have to good use and put all the funds that come in directly into action. We like to keep things moving and shaking around here. I wish I had a little more time and electricity in the day to fully express my gratitude. You all mean the world to all of us here at Kopila and help me to breathe a little easier each day. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Reader Comments (10)
Love the science lab- the kids must be out of their minds with excitement with all these new learning materials. My favorite photo is the kids all brushing their beautiful white teeth. Everything is looking so nice, thanks to alot of generous donors and your amazing staff. Give my best to all!
Cara Valentino - I couldn't believe it when I saw your comment just now as I was just about to write about your pointing us a little while ago in the direction of a site that sells pyjamas. I was going to say that I tried to buy some of those pyjamas but when I clicked to pay, it was rejected because it couldn't accept payment from outside the US.
p.s. just look at those little kindergarten children. Just look at the sheer joy and happiness on their little faces. Priceless. Thank you Maggie for that alone.
I also adore the imaginative and creative little toothbrush mugs that Emily has devised. Genius.
The clever joy: kids at school, one after another.
Hi Sylvia, Thanks for the message. I was not aware that the PJ's for Kopila Kids donation button was not working for international donors... I will check on that with paypal.
Cara
Hi Sylvia, Try it now, I think its working! Cara
Cara, I tried to retrace the details but couldn't find them. Please let me have the details again. Thank you.
Cara, I found it and the deed has been done. What is the position with your order of 250 pyjamas for the school. Have you achieved this?
http://theweek.myrepublica.com/
I really appreciated this.
People who love music like you can also enjoy and teens can think about the richness of the gifts of music.
When people under my department play music I think that life can be enjoyed and honoured...
So good music to you Maggie and all the Kopila people.
Wow! This is all fantastic news. Great post. Love seeing the new developments. And the kids are getting big!