Aquatics Service Learning at Lincoln!

 

 

A group of grade 10 students at Lincoln School have continued our aquatics service learning initiative this school year. Despite being a landlocked country, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in Nepal after disease, suicide, and accidents. Our goal as a group is to teach local children some basic swimming skills such as floating on the back and front, recovering to a standing position after floating, treading water, basic water safety, water rescues, as well as some kicking and basic arm movements in the pool. The goal of this service learning project is not only to teach kids how to swim, but allow them be in a pool while having fun with friends, and improving their communication skills both with their peers and their assigned instructors. This helps develop new friendships and improves confidence levels.

Every Friday during advisory, a group of grade 10 students taught these skills and values to 17 kids from Paramount, while working under the guidance of Mr. Luke Davis and Mr. Yubraj Sunwar. This was an amazing opportunity for both parties involved as students from Paramount School got an opportunity they wouldn’t normally receive and, of course, students from Lincoln School had to develop their leadership and communication skills, with language being a barrier for some of our teachers. So far, the grade 10 swimming service project has been able to teach the students floating with an aid on both their front and back, as well as some basic kicking using aids with and without support from their coaches. They’ve also been successful in recovering objects from the bottom of the pool, completely immersing themselves in the water. We hope to continue to develop this program in future years at Lincoln School.

- Oshina B.

High School Service Nepal Video

Combined video of the high school Service Nepal journeys.

Middle School Service Nepal Video

The combined video of the grades 6, 7, and 8 Service Nepal trips.

Grade 12 Service Nepal

Service Nepal was a great opportunity for the senior class to explore the cultures and traditions of our host nation. The experiences and memories we’ve all made will remain with us for years after high school. The bonds formed between us, the students at Bachchhaladevi, and the All Hands Volunteers are stronger than hydrogen bonds, and has made an impact on our lifestyle and perspective. Over 6 days, we accomplished a lot from digging a hole to make the toilets, to pouring the foundations for a school building.

My highlight was:

• "While this trip was exciting and insightful, my personal highlight was when we went rafting. I was able to take a step towards overcoming my fear, by having people who supported and understood me. This trip was insightful because we got the opportunity to explore other cultures and situations, however it was exciting due to the activities we did the last two days." - Sneha.
• "Amidst the daily work that happened on site, the conversations with All Hands volunteers was an illuminating experience, which provided me with ideas of what to do after graduation and during college." - Swopnil
• "Rafting was an enthralling experience that contained a splashy adventure, synchronized collaboration, and a ton of laughs that will stay imprinted in my memory forever." - Norchen
• "The highlight of this trip was to enjoy the last Service Nepal for me and all of the 12th graders, and to be able to put a smile on the students and villagers faces, as well as enjoying the trip and making the most of it."  - Chakkapong
• "My personal highlight was to get to know the All Hands Volunteers and the Borderlands' staff. They’re doing a great job and it gave me a lot knowledge of how to get into an NGO and make a life out of it." - Lisa
• "Taking the cultural walk and being able to relax with an amazing view." - Miles
• "I really enjoyed playing the little quiz game with the third graders about telling time. Even though they already knew the days of the week and months of the year, I was glad we were able to teach them how to tell time." - Yashmit
• "My highlight for this Service Nepal was rafting and swimming in the river. I also enjoyed spending time with my class and being around a peaceful environment. It was much needed!" - Shree
• "My highlight was getting to know the All Hands Volunteers and learning about their backgrounds and their reasons to join All Hands. It was refreshing to see people from different places come together to help others." - Nikhil

I learnt to:

• "From just speaking to a few All Hands Volunteers, I learned that all you really need in life are basically clean water, food, and a place to sleep. With just these three things, they can enable us to have a good, healthy, and happy life." - Kannapat.
• "During the three days we worked with the All Hands organization, I learned how to use tools such as sifters, wheelbarrows, and shovels. Further, I strengthened my stamina due to the walking and working we did." - Sneha
• "I learned that little bits of help, even though it doesn’t look like much, can make a big difference." - Chakkapong
• "I learnt that we didn’t necessarily need our phones to entertain ourselves." - Rahab
• "I learned that during teaching it is important to adjust course content based on the audience that was listening and even to improvise from time to time!" - Swopnil  
• "I learned to dig a hole." - Lisa
• "I learned to use a hoe and shovel." - Norchen
• "I learnt how how you can be really satisfied by the simple pleasures in life. The All Hands Volunteers were a perfect representation of how helping others and being around new people who are all passionate about contributing can be satisfying." - Shree
• "I learnt to appreciate all the little things in my life that are otherwise very normal to me but are considered a luxury to others who are not as privileged as I am. Things like disposable pads, running water, constant electricity, etc." - Yashmit
• "I learned to use a sifter." - Paula
• " I learned to teach others about a subject that they have little knowledge of." - Nikhil

I enjoyed:

• "Being away from technology was something that was hard for me to picture, as I am so addicted to my phone. But I really enjoyed the nature and the sounds of nature were so pleasing to my ears. I felt like I really needed this trip to get through this stressful time of year." - Kannapat
• "I enjoyed spending time with friends in the eating area and just being away from technology." - Rahab
• "I enjoyed getting out of the city and seeing clean, green nature." - Miles
• "I enjoyed meeting people from the school, especially our buddies. It was fun to interact with the other students and to work with them. Further, I enjoyed spending time with my classmates during the afternoon and evening; our conversations, card games and dancing session were very fun. It was exciting to spend such a long time away from my family with my friends, and I loved this experience." - Sneha
• "I enjoyed the experience of being away from home for several days and gaining a feeling of independence and responsibility for myself and the work that I would be doing. It was a time of inspiration." - Swopnil
• "I enjoyed coming out of my Lincoln bubble and exploring an environment outside of my comfort zone." - Norchen
• "I enjoyed getting out of my dark personal space and actually doing something to help the community. Even though it might not look like much, I gave it everything I have." - Chakkapong
• "I enjoyed being in nature and breathing the fresh air again!" - Lisa
• "I enjoying talking to the All Hands Volunteers about how long they’ve been working with All Hands and what originally made them start." - Shree
• "I enjoyed the free time we got when we played twister or cards or just laying down on the twister mat under the sun and taking a small nap." - Yashmit

A challenge for me was:

• "A challenge was definitely the bridge, which I believed was as high as the Burj Khalifa. Crossing it for the first time was just pure disaster. But as the days went on, I believe that I got used to the height and am now comfortable with it." - Kannapat
• "Crossing the bridge on the first day was the biggest challenge for me." - Rahab
• "My challenge for this Service Nepal was speaking in front of students and mothers in a language that I am not that confident in, especially about topics that are considered taboo in that community." - Shree
• "My challenge was trying to do construction work and teaching while I was feeling under the weather." - Norchen
• "My challenge was to keep calm and be understanding of others' experiences. I’ve been trekking and camping since I can remember, and because of that it was hard to understand some issues people had." - Lisa
• "My challenge was feeling useful because I don’t know Nepali or how to do construction." - Paula
• "A challenge was facing my fear of heights to go canyoning." - Miles
• "It was challenging to make the jump when we were jumping from the large rock. I somehow mustered the courage to jump the first time and had a lot of fun but it was just as scary the second time. I'm glad I jumped twice despite my fear of heights." - Yashmit

I feel better prepared for college because:

• "I got first hand experience getting my hands dirty; something that comforts me before I enter the uncertainty of college." - Norchen
• "I was able to sort out my clothes (dirty and clean) nicely and improve my organization skills." - Yashmit
• "I learnt how I can live with just the bare basics: water, food, and shelter. This experience was a tough adventure, but it prepared me for tougher times to come and for the hardships that college might bring." - Nikhil  
• "I gained insight about college and life in the United States through conversations with All Hands volunteers so I had a better idea of what to expect in the future." - Swopnil

Grade 11 Service Nepal 2017

During Service Nepal week, the junior class participated in a service-learning program at Shree Kalika Primary School in Kalika, Ukhubari Sindhupalchowk. On this five-day trip students spent approximately three days engaging with local primary and middle school students working on two separate projects. One project focused on solar electrification and the other focused on educational lessons in the primary school. Once the service projects were complete, to pursue the goals of self-understanding, coping skills, and college and career readiness, they participated in a two-day kayaking camp. The students camped in tents right along the Sunkoshi River in Sukute. At night students spent their time bonding around the campfire, trust walks to the Banyan tree, and silly skits.

By Class of Grade 11

Highlights from a few grade 11 students:

“The highlight of my trip for me was teaching the students of the school math and art and seeing how excited and engaged they were in class. Teaching them was something new for me. It was fun teaching in Nepali because if you didn’t know a word my team was there to help.” Ritika

“The highlight of the trip was the people I surrounded myself with from Thrive and the Borderlands crew. They made me feel safe and confident. They would always smile and ask if I needed anything.” Prasant

"The highlight of the trip was the campfire every night. It was what brought everyone together.” Sangho

“Kayaking was by far the most fun, especially learning how to do the T-Rescue.” Garrett

“Getting to make a big difference for a community in a short span of time.” Athena

“Kayaking was amazing and it was an epic experience. I wish it was longer!” Hanul

Grade 10 Service Nepal 2017

For the 2016-2017 Service Nepal trip the grade 10 class traveled to Nuwakot, visiting Bachhala school to help with construction alongside the organization All Hands Volunteers. This trip was very engaging and required our class to dedicate their full energy to the tasks at hand. From working on the construction site, to hikes back to the campsite, for many of us sleep came easily. But the trip didn’t just give our 10th grade class a few blisters, instead we are left with memories that will last so much longer than the blisters on our feet. Our class got to teach other students, in lessons that vary from arts and crafts, to geography and menstruation. Each of these lessons not only taught our students the struggle of teaching, but also forced many to learn how to work around communication barriers, a skill which is getting further useful in a globalized world. It also allowed us all to bond with our fellow classmates and the students at the Bachhala school through a buddy system and cultural walk​ and also the volunteers of All Hands. In fact, whether it was bending rebar, painting, tying wire or shoveling gravel, we all had someone guiding us through it. We all learned new skills during the three days of construction work. As one student explained, “I learned how rebar support goes into buildings for concrete to be poured. And I learned how everything comes together to make a nice building.” Another student said, “ [I learned] what it really feels like to be dirty for 5 days in a row, and how much fun it is even though it may be tiring to be working on a work site with other people.” One student reflects on their interaction with their buddy as, “Though we’d only known our buddies for a short period of time it was easy to form friendships with our buddy. Talking with my buddy I got to see her village through a new perspective, and I especially enjoyed our short cultural tour with our buddies because it was unlike anything we’ve done in previous trips. It was an emotional farewell on our last day.” From these experiences the class of 2019 picked up more than a handful of skills.

Beyond working and hiking, the 10th grade class also created many great memories as a group. Some of these experiences, no matter how small, will never be forgotten by our class. These experiences ranged from the campfires every night, where many of our classmates told scary stories about backward feet ghosts, to joining in sing-alongs from Disney to hip hop; these nights were definitely worth looking back on. One of the most memorable moments of our trip was the 11 kilometer hike and subsequent arrival at the long awaited Famous Farm. And that last night, singing and dancing, and experiencing Mr. Anuj’s madal playing skills, his Nepali songs, and crazy dance moves was a highlight.

The class is definitely walking away with memories we’ll all remember. From things as simple as the animals in the area, to donating Bachhala our excess supplies and watching the amount of joy they got from something so simple, to learning how construction really works, to knowing that this school in the making has been impacted by us, we all took away experiences that were special to us in one way or another, and we are confident that these memories will shape us both as individuals, and as a class. See you next year!

By Tapashwi Karki and Connor Swanson
Noor Bajrachaya, collaborator

Grade 9 Service Nepal 2017

Twenty-two hungry and tired kids got off the bus at 6:30 PM as they reached their desired destination, Ratnanagar Gothauli Chitwan. There was a lovely ceremony that included the presentation of tikkas and flowers to welcome us, along with a traditional Nepali meal, which we helped prepare. Over the next four days, we helped local Nepali farmers build bio-domes, so that they could have a sustainable resource of gas for cooking. It was a long but rewarding process. First, we had to measure and dig the dome about ten feet across and six feet deep. Then, we had to lay bricks down, as well as make a wall of bricks around the circumference of the hole. Because the cement had to dry for a couple of days before we could make the dome, we went to another house to finish their dome. Once the template of dirt for the dome was complete, we proceeded to cover it in cement, with the engineer’s much needed guidance.

Apart from the building of domes, the class also took part in learning traditional Nepali fishing, late night dance classes, both Nepali and swing, and even a ride into the nearby village on ox carts. We were also able to take a traditional canoe ride to view wildlife that included:  crocodiles, spotted deer and the rare one-horned rhino. On the last night what looked to be the entire village came together to watch traditional Tharu dancing which In which we participated. I do believe that no one will contradict me when I say that it was one of the best Service Nepal trips ever!

By Maiya Justice

Our first sunrise on the plains of the Terai

Although the seats were hard, and the roads were rough, as Mr. Nielsen said, “It gives you character.”

Many people put their blood and sweat into digging this hole.

We can officially cross building a dome off of our bucket lists

An afternoon canoe ride filled with Rhinos and crocs

The ladies and gents dolled up in traditional Tharu clothing

The ladies and gents dolled up in traditional Tharu clothing

Grade 8 Service Nepal 2017

For Service Nepal, Grade 8 went to Chitlang using the cable car station in Chandragiri. We were there for five days, staying in a place called the Chitlang Organic Village Resort. One of our main objectives in Service Nepal was to help Swochhanda School build their library by painting, installing insulation and carpeting, building book shelves, and donating over 500 books. Most of the books were donated by the Roots & Shoots community in Lincoln School. In the school, we also taught lessons about topics like geography, mathematics, English, plastic pollution, art, and personal hygiene. There was another school that we helped, called Mahalaxmi School where we also donated books and interacted with the children. A memorable experience was farming with the villagers and communicating with them about their lives in Chitlang. We learned more about the lifestyle many people have in Nepal outside of the city. On the third day, we went boating in a lake called the Kulekhani Lake and enjoyed the beautiful views of Chitlang. Overall, in Service Nepal, our class bonded throughout the trip while helping the Chitlang community.

By Aashni Maharjan, Jinho Yoon and Alex 
Shah

Grade 7 Service Nepal 2017

The seventh grade class went to the Balthali area for this year’s Service Nepal. Students were challenged with leadership and team building activities, demanding hikes and work at a local Tamang school.

Day one was met with a short bus ride to Khopasi and a hike to the Balthali area. After an enjoyable lunch, the class headed to a Tamang school close to the campsite to share songs, dance, games., and to support the school with needed stationary supplies. The interaction was a fun experience.

The next day was a busy work day with a forty-five minute hike to another Tamang village school. Students painted the exterior of two buildings, taught lessons to various age levels, and played games with the kids at the school. Backpacks from the backpack drive were donated, as well as white boards and other supplies for the teachers and students to enhance learning.

Wednesday was a full day of appreciating the local environment as we walked from Balthali to Namo Buddha and back. Along the way we were happy to see the blooming national flowers and to make it to the top to of the hill to see the monastery.

The week ended with a hike to speak with village elders about conditions in Balthali after the earthquake. Each evening, our group participated in team building and leadership activities that pushed the seventh graders past their comfort zones and built a real trust amongst the seventh grade class.

Friday came too quickly and after a short hike back to Khopasi, it was time to return to Lincoln School. Service Nepal 2017 was a fantastic experience of laughter, working together, physical challenges and support for schools in need.

By Danielle Johnson

Building Schools, Rebuilding Hope

Building Schools, Rebuilding Hope

Almost two years after the biggest earthquakes (magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.3) in the better part of a century shook Nepal and its resilient people, Lincoln School has continued to play a small, but profound part in the country’s rebuilding efforts. Knowing that we would need to revamp, or at the very least, reflect on our Service Nepal programs after this catastrophe, just like the Nepali people, our students, teachers and administration heeded the words of the Dalai Lama:

AQUATHON IS A REAL FUNDRAISER!

AQUATHON IS A REAL FUNDRAISER!

Last Saturday, Lincoln School held the 2nd annual LS Aquathon. Students of all ages, parents, staff and supporters came out for a fun event that was also a fundraiser for our Service-Learning programs. The event involved a 1000 meter swim and a five kilometer run around our campus, including through the school halls and across rooftops and gyms! Swimmers and runners could choose to complete some or all of the total distance and could participate as individuals or teams. The purpose was to have fun, build community, raise funds for many of our important service programs, and do some exercise along the way. 

The event was a great success with almost 50 participants. Last year we were able to raise almost $1000 from this event and as we await for all the pledge money to come in, we are confident of a similar total this year. Thank you to our officials, Coach Yubraj, as well as our students, parents and staff members for participating and pledging funds to these important causes. It was great to see so many smiles and so many miles on a funD-filled day! 

--

Luke Davis

Athletic Director

Lincoln School

P.O. Box 2673

Kathmandu, Nepal

ldavis@lsnepal.com

(M) +977-9851015676

A 6th Grade Trip to Kopan

A 6th Grade Trip to Kopan  By: Yangki (Grade 6)

This year the 6th grade class went to Kopan Monastery, a unique experience few will forget.  The trip started out by attending a ceremony for the reincarnation of a very respected lama. We observed people offering Kata to the young reincarnation and got to try ourselves.  Throughout the first day we had many fun things planned such as observing the cultural dances, as well as taking a calming walk through the forest.  

The second day was a chance to learn about the life of a nun as well as visit a paper and incense factory and learn about the different processes of making these items.  This day was also when we got to meet some monks our age and have a lot of fun with them. 

On Wednesday we worked hard to pick up trash and make the Boudha area cleaner with the help of the Green Soldiers. This was also the day we got some teachings on what it means to be a Buddhist and how they go about their life. We also learned about the ancient art of Thanka painting.

The next day we got to take a long and tiring yet fun hike up to Nagi Gompa, where we had lunch. We also had a teaching on universal responsibility and how we can play our part.  Friday was the day we got the chance to create our own mandalas that were supposed to represent who we are.  

Overall this week was…

Fun, tiring, interesting, scary, relaxing -Anisha

I am impressed by the dedication of these people-Yangki

2nd Lincoln School Aquathon

Calling all Lincoln School students, staff & parents!

This is your chance to participate in the 2nd LS Aquathon (1 km swim and 5 km run) held at Lincoln School on Saturday, March 18th from 12.00 to 2.00 pm

. 

Students and parents are encouraged to find rupee cash pledges for each lap they swim (40, 25m laps maximum), and each lap they run (10, 500m laps maximum). Begin collecting your pledges! 

Participants do not have to complete the entire distance, or can form a relay of any number of individuals in order to complete the entire distance. Family relays are encouraged! 

Funds raised will go towards our Service-Learning initiatives. 

This is NOT a race!

Please use the form below to sign-up:

https://docs.google.com/a/lsnepal.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyMG84hd6o2AnOY-_1TrVvaiaWOIQEKBbAM7MsaS6dvCRkXQ/viewform

See you on Saturday, March 18th!

ENGAGE at Lincoln School!

ENGAGE at Lincoln School!

On the 10^th International Wheelchair Day, Lincoln School hosted some of the top wheelchair basketball players in Nepal. In conjunction with ENGAGE – a local NGO that focuses on helping youths and young adults with physical disabilities – a disability awareness program was held for physical education students ranging from grade 4 all the way up to High School. ENGAGE set up the first ever Nepali wheelchair basketball league and are currently in the process of organizing the second version due to start in May. ENGAGE organized a presentation showing our students who they are and what they do, which was followed up by a speech from a top wheelchair basketball player who explained his story about why he was in a wheelchair and how sports have empowered him. This classroom session was then taken out onto the outdoor court where our students could experience the wheelchairs themselves and really appreciate how difficult the sport of wheelchair basketball is. A 5-on-5 exhibition game then took place at lunch with the whole school looking on as the athletes showcased their talents. The day as a whole went extremely well and really outlined Lincoln’s strong commitment to service and passion for co-curricular learning. Teaching our students to become more aware of how individuals can experience success despite obstacles is an important understanding in this day and age. Engaging with ENGAGE was a perfect partnership.

You can find out more about ENGAGE on their facebook page:

www.facebook.com/engagenepal

Contact Emails:

Simone Galimberti (Co-founder) – simone_engage@yahoo.com

Arthur Castro Smith (League Outreach Coordinator) – asmith.engage@gmail.com