Load shedding has increased to 12 hours a day (no electricity for 12 random hours throughout the day). Apparently, as the year goes on the hour amount increases! Someone told me by December it might be up to 23!
I can only think to ask how can a developing nation develop if they only have electricity 1/3 of the working day! And when that comes on, internet is still infrequent!
I cant believe I have been here for a month now! And each day is still an adventure!
Ive been working with Shakti Samuha, an NGO working with anti-trafficking programs and with victims, for the past two weeks trying to get a grant proposal turned in. Its funny, we havent progressed any and now that the deadline is around the corner, the pressure is on and there seem to be less breaks for tea and laughs about no electricity/internet!
Its frustrating not bein productive, but I guess its worth it for me to even just "hang out" in the office when Im literally waiting until 3pm or whatever that days hour is for electricity, to do some work. I met with a lawyer that previously worked as the legal support for Shakti Samuha.
She is now working in the "internal" side of exploitation or the trafficking industry.
Internal- girls currently working in cabin, restraunt, dance bars
External- victims of trafficking
This lawyer has different cases for the girls that want to get out of the entertainment business. She is the first person I have met that is actually doing a job I can see myself doing. Though her english wasnt that strong, I think I just need to call her and she will show me around one day. Hopefully I cna go with her to "investigate" some of these bars.
Its amazing the types of bars they have here. Kathmandu does not have a specific red light district, but theres one area in the touristy area where theres bars of all extremes, from dance bars where the girls are dressed to shower bars where girls are taking a shower on stage to bars with full sex shows.
I have been informed of a team that goes on Tuesday nights to these areas and talks with the girls to see if anyone wants out. This Tuesday evening I hope I have the opportunity for that.
Other than working with Shakti, on April 3rd for two weeks I will be going to a village area called Nuwakot. Its about 60 miles NW of Kathmandu. My Nepali friends in NY connected me with Upama, who lives here and connected me with the college. She works for Family Planning. It is like an umbrella org and they have an anti-trafficking project in Nuwakot for the next 5 years, so Ill be able to go there and observe and experience that. Im very excited to leave the jungle for a little bit!
Recently I have had an overwhelming joy of being here, and I cant express how grateful I am for everyones support and encouragement for being able to have this opportunity!
dont miss the bus!
how to change a billboard Nepali style
something I will never get to try since my one and hopefully only visit to the ER has made a great enough impression to avoid any and all sort of street food for my remaining time here..its a pity, really.
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