Encouraging news report
The Himalayan Times
26
June 2012
It seems that the Rautes will likely be
facilitated to enjoy healthy life-style in the coming days after reading the
news report “Non-formal education demanded for Rautes” (THT, June 19, Page 2).
It was really exciting to know that the Raute Utthan Parishd (RUP), which is
dedicated to preserving the culture of Rautes, an endangered life-style through the use of audio-visual aid
and other non-formal education methods. RUP deserves sincere appreciation for
this effort.
My working experiences with the rural
communities remind me of miracle changes occurred in their unhealthy living
conditions with concerted effort using various social empowerment tools. It is
possible through commitment and dedication. Several illiterate women groups in
the remote villages of Dolakha and Ramechhap districts had successfully
completed adult literacy classes and other non-formal education. They had
initiated abd successfully implemented several health related activities benefiting
several hundred community people with clean drinking water at their villages,
construction of pit latrines, kitchen gardening, community clinics,
immunization programs and so on. Their personal hygiene had improved so well
that none of the children and old people had to die due to water borne
diseases.
If so, why not these Rautes? I wish RUP
every success in their priceless efforts.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
