Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Desperate Nepali Youth
The Next generation of Nepal is facing a serious crisis due to lack of opportunities. There are not many who see a shining future ahead in Nepal. The whole situation is the result of worsening economic condition of the country due to Maoist insurgency and political instability. So the best they can see is to get out of the country to some distant land where they can start without much of unwanted hindrances.
In fact there is a whole chain of youth movement within and beyond the country border. Those who are living in remote villages are migrating towards district headquarters. They do not have any other option. Not doing that simply means joining Maoist rebels either by choice or by force. Now those who reside in small towns and suburbs are moving towards major towns or the capital city where they see more safety and order. Education is also any important factor that is driving the youth of Nepal away from their home. In the outskirts of Nepal, there are not many educational centers. Teachers, like anyone else, hesitate to go to such places so there are not many educators. And Maoists they have been using students to carry out their jobs like digging trenches and carry their provisions.
Well... about the youth of Kathmandu, their first option is to fly abroad (usually to US or any other country). And why not, after all studying in US has been set as a benchmark in many big organizations to get a job. It also raises the social status of a person. Nepal Blog does not deny that people learn a lot in US and many also develop their personality but it is not applicable to everyone. Anyhow, queue of Nepalese people applying for US is increasing day by day. In fact, the rate of applicants for students visa is accelerating so rapidly that at present, the TOEFL registration has exhausted out. (The author of Nepal Blog was also in the queue few days earlier.)
US seems to be the best but not the only destination. UK and Australia are popular too and are usually targeted by upper middle class of people of Nepal. Various other Asian counties like Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Korea and Taiwan are preferred by those, who want jobs that earn them more than they get in Nepal. Similarly China has evolved as a doctor-degree providing nation for many.
The worst thing is that many of these Nepalese people, especially young ones, do not want to return back to Nepal and settle abroad. Nepal Blog just wants to relay the message that "Over there you may not have an identity and may be lost amongst millions but over here you can make a difference. Even if you are abroad, never forget that your motherland is expecting for your help in her difficult times."
Comments:
I generally don't comment on stuff. But after reading ur blog, i just couldn't help it. Coz I totally agree with u and I love the image u'v posted. One of my fav shows currently is Desperate Housewives and walla u come up with Desperate Nepali Youth. Very nice.
Btw I was also in the TOEFL queue. Did manage to get a date. But couldn't get a suitable date for GMAT, darnette. Man Oh Man, seems like every Tirtha, Dev and Hari is going to the US :)
Ya its natural for us to want to go abroad-land of opportunities. Its not easy here and its not gonna be easy over there either. But it seems e'one just wants to risk it, get outta here and all ready to face come what may.
Just wanna say good luck guys. Be mentally prepared, its not gonna be a joyride, maybe more of a roller coaster ride. But hey, roller coasters are fun.
When u become "thulo manche", don't forget where u came from and help Nepal by contributing in any u can. Nepal needs u.
Thanks for your comments. Glad you liked the post. Well going abroad has become the ultimate destination .... hasn't it?
I got the date for TOEFL and for GRE too. Think the registration will soon open and there will be plenty of empty dates due to the current close down. So just start preparing. I guess GMAT is not that easy either.
Well Best of luck for your tests.
Cheers.
Sorry I couldn't read the content of your blog since the required font is not installed in my machine. Can me tell me which of the nepali fonts is required to view your blog.
Anyway, the blog looks great and I guess its about poems and articles ... right? I got few of the post which were in english.
Continue the great work
Cheers.
It's not that I don't want you to live here, you are welcome to if you want to, but in the spirit of Mahayana I think you will do more good for the world to return and help those "left behind".
Take from us the spirit of feeling like you can do almost anything when you have determination, a positive attitude, sprituality, and creativity. Take the best parts of our "culture" and blend it with the best parts of yours, and leave the rest behind.
There are those that are enlightened that are working to improve your country in many ways. Look for them as they build doors that you can open if you choose. We are moving closer to being one human race and farther from being scattered countries all thinking they are better or less equal than others.
Peace
I am a grad student and I am getting ready to write my thesis on just this topic... well, mainly about the effects that the war has had on education for Nepali youth- not just at the fault of the Maoists but also the government- not providing substaintial education for villagers... making village kids afraid to even be moibilized to attend school (since most of them have to travel to other villages it can be dangerous).... etc... anyway, if you have any good resources that would be awesome.
I was a teacher in a remote area in Myagdi and it was an amazing experience. Working in a Pun-Magar/Gurung community most of the boys aspired to be british army or to work in gulf countries... this is such a dilemma as well because if all the work force leaves the country it may bring in money for the country, but will also limit the ability for the country to develop within... catch-22.
I do know one man who has a greencard to the states but has chosen to develop village life throughout the area by increasin educational standards etc... which is an amazing selfless sacrifice- he could make money and just worry about his own family, but then he realizes it is better to consider his whole family of Nepal.
Its really great to hear that you are teaching at remote village of Myagdi. That really is inspirational. In fact, I met an american named Robin, few months ago, who was also working there (on some wireless technology stuffs ...).
Yes... young people from Magar/Gurung community find a lot of charm and economic benefits in joining British Army. The attraction has been there for long and in times like this, its obvious that they see it shining more brightly.
And about the man you mentioned, who sacrificed his own prosperity for the society and the nation.... Please convey my regards to him.
Right now I do not have any specific resource for your thesis but I will certainly post it in your blog as I will find it.
Keep up your great work
Most part I agree with your statement but sounds like you are trying desperately to come to USA yourself and same time telling Nepali youths do something in your own country. This sounds like a Nepali story "A "jackal and a grave" where jackal has not been able to find any food for days and finally one day runs to the grave in the wood. Jackal was happy. But grave was out of reach for jackal and it began to jump higher and higher. Finally starving Jackal couldn't able to jump anymore and reach the grave. And Jackal was just looking at grave with mouth full of saliva. Here came some other animals and Jackal disappeared into wood with his loud voice, "Grave is very sour!!!, Grave taste terrible!!!"
Does it make any sense to you?
I would appreciate any support or insight you may have on this - please feel free to forward this to friends or family who would be happy to talk to me.
You can reach me via http://imediate.org.uk/contact.php
In peace
Caroline
photos for your blog
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